My journey into public health began with my clinical training as a dentist and medical officer in India. Wanting to move beyond treating individual patients and address health challenges at the population level, I pursued an MPH in Environmental Health and a Certificate in Epidemiology at the University of Illinois Springfield. UIS provided me with a strong foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, program evaluation, environmental health, and public policy. More importantly, the program connected classroom learning with meaningful, real-world public service opportunities.

Hometown: Mason City, IL

Current Location: Athens, IL

Hometown: Clarendon Hills, IL

Current Location: Washington DC

Hometown: Bluffs, IL

Current Location: Springfield, IL

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Current Location: Springfield, IL

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Current Location: Chatham, IL

Hometown: Wolverhampton, England

Current Location: Springfield, IL

Hometown: Edwardsville, IL

Current Location: Nashville, TN

Tell us about your personal and professional journey.

Growing up watching my dad struggle with type I diabetes requiring daily insulin injections and constant blood sugar monitoring, I was inspired to get involved in medical research to help advance the present treatment options available. Overall, it made me committed to improving the quality of life for people through medicine.

Hometown: Bensenville, IL

Current Location: Chicago, IL

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Current Location: Manhattan, KS