Alumni

Reflections on Experiences

“The IMSD seminars were a safe space to check in every other week with other doctoral students and faculty that truly care about your well being and success. The seminars offered an exchange of professional development ideas and also an increased understanding of the ins and outs of academia.” —Melissa Dupont

“Having funding & stipend for the first two years of my doctoral study was invaluable – I was able to be a full time student, focus solely on academics and research, and take advantage of conference presentation opportunities. Now, that I am off fellowship, the loss of that support and protected time is definitely felt. I also deeply appreciate the guidance on selecting and working with a dissertation advisor – that process helped me select for myself a really great advisor both in terms of area of research and working style.” — Sharifa Williams Barracks

“I would not have been able to attend Columbia or pursue a PhD had it not been for the funding provided by the IMSD program. Beyond funding along, IMSD enabled me to reach out and work with a faculty member who all these years later remains an academic and professional mentor." —Sabrina Hermosilla

“IMSD not only help me hone in on my research topic for my dissertation through the guidance of brilliant mentors and the hands on research experience I had with them but also provided a space for interdisciplinary discovery of public health research and professional development with my peers that is unique to the IMSD experience.” — Brennan Rhodes-Bratton

“Navigating the academic, professional and personal journey of a doctoral program is a huge privilege, but also fraught many challenges, especially for students of color who are among the first in their families to attain high levels of education. IMSD lends vital support by promoting strong relationships with mentors and creating a community where students and faculty can share experiences, practical advice and professional resources in a small group setting. IMSD support was crucial for me as it allowed me to focus on completing my doctoral dissertation. Furthermore, the seminars were not only a great source of encouragement, but have inspired my own approach to mentoring students!”— Maria Baquero

Where Are They Now: A Sampling

Natalie Crawford, PhD in Epidemiology (2011): Assistant Professor, Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University

Yusuf Ransome, DrPH in Sociomedical Sciences (2014): Yerby Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Christine Marie George, PhD in Environmental Health Sciences (2012): Assistant Professor, Department of International Health, Program in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Eduard Eduardo, PhD in Epidemiology (2014): Regional Advocacy Manager, US Virology, Bristol-Myers Squibb

Melissa Boone, PhD in Sociomedical Sciences and Psychology (2008): User Researcher, Microsoft Studios User Research

Sabrina Hermosilla, PhD in Epidemiology (2015): Global Mental Health Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Epidemiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University