Why did you come to CGU, School of Community and Global Health?
From the minute I heard about the School of Community and Global Health at a CGU information session, I fell in love! I am very passionate about health and wellness, specifically among children and adolescents. With the alarming rise of childhood obesity, I wanted to find a doctoral program where I could be equipped with quality training and education to help combat this epidemic. The School of Community and Global Health at CGU had just this, and so much more! I was very impressed with the research and great work accomplished by the SCGH professors among local communities and throughout nations across the world. I was also quick to admire their professionalism, genuine desire to get to know students, and their ability to provide a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. I knew this was the place where I could integrate my previous background in Education with the foundations of public and global health, in order to embark on a new doctoral program that coincided perfectly with my passions, interests, and future goals.

What do you hope to do with your graduate degree from SCGH?
I hope to do A LOT with my SCGH degree! I look forward to use my degree to implement quality programs among diverse communities that promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and help reverse the trend of childhood obesity, develop health and wellness centers across low-income communities, teach public health principles in a university setting, and continue assisting in the good work SCGH professors are doing across the globe.

How does the SCGH faculty aid, guide, or mentor your future career?
SCGH faculty are amazing! They are very intentional about integrating your educational experience with your career goals and interests. They make the time to be available and meet with you, offer quality advice and guidance, constantly give you hands-on opportunities to gain experience in the field, provide outstanding classroom instruction, and simply care about you!

What would you say to prospective SCGH students before applying?
Definitely attend one of the information sessions, make the time to speak to a faculty member, and research the programs offered and work accomplished by the professors. Don’t be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS! I also recommend sitting in a classroom session so you can get a feel for what the learning experience is like. Talk to current students, meet with the program director, and ASK away! Seek scholarships, fellowships, and other opportunities to help fund your program. Again, ask every question you can possibly think before applying! It will make your decision and application process so much easier!

Why did you come to CGU, School of Community and Global Health?
I was enrolled in the Organizational Behavior/Evaluation MA program through SBOS but was very interested in HIV research. My advisor suggested that I contact some professors at the new school (SCGH) and see if they had any research opportunities. I was hired as a data collector, and enjoyed the work and professors so much, that I decided to transfer into the MPH program. I was also interested in pursuing my PhD because I enjoy research so much, but with the support and incredible opportunities presented to me through SCGH, it was a no brainer. Since my acceptance into this school, it has been an amazing experience. I have never been around faculty that are so unconditionally supportive and will do anything for their students. I have learned so much in every class, and always look forward to what I will learn in the future. SCGH has done nothing but exceed my expectations and given me a school where I know I belong.

What do you hope to do with your graduate degree from SCGH?
My goal after I graduate is to continue pursuing HIV research internationally. Currently, I am consulting/interning for AIDS Project Los Angeles, which works nationally, but has close ties with the CDC that does work internationally. I am hoping to work for the CDC or a similar organization to conduct HIV/AIDS prevention research in countries where prevention is not taught like it is in the U.S., such as Africa and Russia. After gaining experience for an international organization, I would like to open my own research firm and work on getting effective interventions to those in need. HIV is an extremely preventable virus. Most contract it through unsafe sexual behaviors, injection drug use, or birth. HIV can be prevented by using protection during sexual behaviors, not sharing drug paraphernalia, and taking medications available that decrease mother to child transmission by around 99%. Unfortunately, one reason that it continues to spread is that people are not aware of transmission methods and how they can protect themselves. I think it is important to share this information so everyone can protect themselves appropriately.

How does the SCGH faculty aid, guide, or mentor your future career?
SCGH faculty are an amazing group of people. I have never seen professors who care so much about their students. They always push us so we meet our true potential, but will do anything they can to help us along the way. The support I receive is amazing, and the opportunities presented to me by the faculty are incredible. I have had professors approach me about projects and grants they think I should do or apply for, just because they think I’m capable and want to see me excel. Everyone is extremely busy, and still, every single one of the SCGH faculty would drop everything to help a student at a moment’s notice. I also know that even after I graduate, the faculty will continue to support and mentor me.

What is the environment like between the students?
The students at SCGH are extremely unique to any other school I have been at or heard about. We are a very close-knit group and are always looking out for each other. There is a sense of competition to make ourselves better, but no one is vindictive or trying to put others down to further themselves. We are like a big family who help each other to better ourselves. I have learned so much from all of the other students, and truly enjoy taking classes with everyone. It is also beneficial that we are such a small school right now because it is an intimate group and we know each other so well. I feel so lucky to have met the amazing students that I have, and I look forward to working with them all in the future, whether in the classroom or professionally.

Melanie Dee Sabado

Why did you come to CGU, School of Community and Global Health?
I first heard about the PhD program through my MPH mentor. I wanted to inquire not so much about the program itself, but who the faculty was and the research they were part taking in. I knew that I wanted to be a part of an institution that was going to provide me the best outlets for hands on research, valuable mentorship, and preparation for an academic career. My investment for the next few years of my life had to be in a place where I could grow exponentially, where staff/students/teachers built relationships through collaborations, and where nothing less than my 110% was expected of me, because someone would be there to believe in me. I found those and more at SCGH.

What do you hope to do with your graduate degree from SCGH?
With the experience I will gain from SCGH, I hope to go into academia as a university professor. I’d like to remain connected to the community and research along side them, while in the academic setting. I hope to build on my collaborations and extend my network base nationally and internationally with what I have already established by being a student at SCGH.

How has SCGH benefited you?
The interaction with students and staff have engaged me to think more openly about what is possible through collaboration. Most of the projects, wither it is research or school related, have valued the student’s perspective and I appreciate that greatly. I’ve seen through this institution that respecting each other fortes is what you build upon and encouraging to work harder in troubled areas is expected. It is easier said than done, but I believe that SCGH has shown that it is possible daily.

What would you say to prospective SCGH students before applying?
If you are exploring and don’t know what you want to do just yet, it’s OK! I encourage those who want to get a PhD and do not have their masters, to get it first. The reason for this is to entice and open yourself up to what is available, allow fellow students and faculty to share their passions with you, and have you develop a plan that is FIT for you! Public Health is not the most lucrative health field, but it is the most rewarding and passionate.

What was/is the most troubling aspect of the program and how have/will you overcome it?
Finances and tuition is always a touchy subject in education. Although, financial aid and loans are available through CGU, the staff helps students to apply for scholarships and grants, and provides paid research opportunities.

Malaika Tobias

Why did you decide to get you Master in Public Health at CGU's School of Community and Global Health?
I thought of CGU when I was considering applying for an MPH program because I am a Pitzer Alumn and was therefore familiar with Claremont and the nature of the consortium. I was drawn to the smallness of the program, allowing for a more intimate learning environment which is one that I learn best in. I found many similarities among the interests and backgrounds of those running the MPH program as well as many professors that moved to CGU. I also really liked the strong emphasis that SCGH puts on global health.

What do you hope to do with your graduate degree from SCGH?
After completing my MPH at SCGH I hope to pursue a career working in a health education and promotion setting dedicated to combating the obesity epidemic and increase in type II diabetes here in the U.S. I also hope to find time to do some work abroad, supporting the maternal and child health needs that are so vast in so many parts of this world. The experience, knowledge, and professional guidance that I am gaining, and will continue to gain here at SCGH will reflect my commitment and investment into this program as well as to the growing public health field.

What does it feel like to sit in a SCGH classroom?
It feels like you are sitting amongst friends, community members, all of whom have similar goals and interests with a main focus on sharing thoughts, ideas, and experiences with hopes of bettering the program, your personal education, and the world in which we all live in.

How does SCGH support you balancing work and school?
I have been pleasantly surprised at the amount of support and understanding that SCGH provides with regards to this very difficult balance of work and school. Professors are available to talk to if scheduling conflicts come up, other staff at CGU in general have been very accessible and have provided valuable support in helping me steady my daily commitments, obligations both financially, with work, with school, and personally. I have been very happy with the amount of care put forth by SCGH faculty and staff.

How does SCGH prepare you for real-world success?
One of my favorite aspects of the MPH program thus far is the emphasis put on the application with the work we do in and out of the classroom. I appreciate the faith that professors have in the students of SCGH and they do a great job in pushing each student to apply what we learn to the real-world and then coming back and sharing these experiences with our peers and mentors. This kind of practice is invaluable for the field of public health.

Lara Elise Steele

Why did you come to CGU, School of Community and Global Health?
CGU gives the unique opportunity for students to develop their own, “interdisciplinary” degrees that cover more than just the basics of their chosen fields. Because my interest broaches both politics and the human rights involved in health care access in developing countries, this was a great opportunity for me.

What do you hope to do with your graduate degree from SCGH?
I would like to work for an international NGO, particularly in the area of healthcare access for refugees in camp environments.

What does it feel like to sit in a SCGH classroom?
CGH classes are small and personal. Everyone feels free to speak their opinions, and professors encourage participation. I’ve learned a great deal not only from my professors, but also from other students whose backgrounds vary widely from my own.

Jeannette Hughes

MPH, Concentration in Leadership & Management

Why did you decide to get you Master in Public Health at CGU's School of Community and Global Health?
I wanted a small program similar to my undergraduate experience and when I came to the question and answer session at CGU I fell in love with the idea of the program and wanted to be apart of the first incoming class.

What does it feel like to sit in a SCGH classroom?
The classroom atmosphere is welcoming and easy to express your opinion. Many times in class we get into discussions that allow each person to agree or disagree no matter what the topic.

What would you say to prospective SCGH students before applying?
To any perspective student I would suggest that you spend a day with a current student. Not everyone can appreciate the small classroom so it can be an adjustment.

What changes have you made after being apart of SCGH?
I have become more proactive about my education and where I want to be after I graduate. I have started doing research on where jobs are located in the area I want to focus in. I have also considered getting certain certifications and working with SCGH to add experience on my resume.

Bree Hemingway

MPH, Concentration in Leadership & Management

Why did you decide to get you Master in Public Health at CGU's School of Community and Global Health?
I was looking for MPH programs that would nurture my research interest and give me hands on experience. I wanted to attend a university with faculty and staff that would support my educational and professional development. The transdiciplinary nature of the MPH program was another aspect of the program that interested me, the faulty have such diverse professional and academic backgrounds that I knew there would be a place for me too.

How does the SCGH faculty aid, guide, or mentor your future career?
The SCGH faculty has been a priceless resource for my academic and career development. They are passionate about what they do and want to share that passion with their students. With the mentorship of the faculty I have had the opportunity to gain valuable work experience on an ongoing research project. The faculty and staff are available to students and have helped me cultivate my research interests.

What does it feel like to sit in a SCGH classroom?
It is never boring! The small class sizes make the classes more intimate. Everyone gets involved in discussion, which can lead to some interesting discourse. The classes I have taken have been very different from my undergraduate education. It is not a passive experience; the professors challenge you to apply what you learn. You become more engaged in the information and leave the class feeling like you have gained tools that you can apply in the field.

What is the environment like between the students?
The environment is very friendly. Small class sizes help you to get to know your fellow students. The student body at SCGH is very diverse. Each student has a different story and a different background, but we all share similar passions. The diversity of age, ideas and culture enrich the classroom experience. My fellow students bring new perspectives to the table and challenge my way of thinking. The collaboration with my fellow students has been a very positive experience. The Graduate Student Council offer many activities that help you get to know students outside of the class room in a more social setting. These events are a good way to get to know students in other programs at CGU as well.

Sabrina Rossetti

MPH, Biostatistic and Epidemiology

Why did you decide to get you Master in Public Health at CGU's School of Community and Global Health?
I always knew that I wanted to continue my education and get a master degree, but I wanted to find a program that would help me cultivate my interest. My son suffers from severe asthma and I found out about MPH program while I was researching his health issues. During my research I found out about the epidemiology and biostatistics concentration offered by the School of Community and Global Health. It seemed to combine my educational background and my current interest as a mother. Once I met the faculty and learned more about the program, I fell in love with the MPH program.

What does it feel like to sit in a SCGH classroom?
The professors are so wonderful to work with. The classes are small, which is really nice. You can get to know the other students and the intimate class size encourages students to share ideas. The classes feel more like a discussion than a lecture. Many of the classes incorporate collaborative projects and presentations that help you learn practical skills that will be need in the public health field. The professors make themselves available to students and it really seems like you get one on one attention with the faculty.

What is the environment like between the students?
I have made some great friends in this program. Although the students in the program come from very different backgrounds we all work really well together, everyone just seems to click. Not only do the small class size gives you the opportunity to get to know your peers, there are lots of activities and groups you can be apart of. I was on the School of Community and Global Health Student Association, which gave me an opportunity to get to know students in a different setting. There are also lots of social events and activities. I find myself hanging out with my SCGH friends in my free time. These are truly life long friendships.