What is your educational & work background?
I am currently a second-year MPH student at UF with a concentration in epidemiology. I graduated in Spring 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in health science from UF in the combination BHS/MPH program. During my undergraduate career, I studied public health for my minor and led Global Brigades at UF, a national nonprofit that empowers communities through a holistic model. This role allowed me to develop budgeted public health interventions for underserved communities in Panama based on their individual needs.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Outside the classroom, I manage and instruct for a local swim lesson program in Gainesville, as well as teach private swim lessons to all ages. In my free time, I love practicing yoga, reading, and exploring the outdoors in Gainesville.
Could you share with us a little bit about your previous work/research experience.
In addition to my public health endeavors, I have research experience with the UF College of Education promoting academic success in Florida middle school-aged youth by acknowledging their unique needs in their social and emotional development. This work introduced to me the importance of data-driven approaches to solve complex health problems.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
One thing most people do not know about me is that I was adopted from Kazakhstan.
Do you have a favorite pet?
My only and favorite pet is my dog Cal, a Shih-Tzu Maltese mix.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
The best advice I ever received was from Dr. Moorhouse at UF’s College of Public Health and Health Professions: always move forward, and always move purposefully. This constantly guides me through each step of my academic career.