IDM Student Experiences

Below are podcasts of three IDM students talking about their unique experiences as an IDM student. Nitin Bhardwaj, PhD student, presents the research he is currently completing for his doctoral dissertation. Ashley Conley, June MS Graduate, presents "A Day in the Life of an MS Student." Suzy Hecker, April MPH-CB Graduate talks about her journey though the MPH program.

If you are experiencing difficulties playing the audio clips, download and install the QuickTime player. Please let page load, there may be a slight delay.

Ashley Conley, June MS Graduate

I have liked the combination of science and laboratory work with the broader scope of public health and public health interventions to prevent infectious diseases in the community. You have the opportunity to learn both aspects of infectious diseases and GSPH is one of the few programs in the country that allow you to do this. I have enjoyed being in the IDM community and getting to know everything through classes, the IDM holiday party and working together on projects.

Area of Research
The research in my laboratory revolves around molecular epidemiology to understand how pathogens interact with humans. In my laboratory I work with Neisseria meningitidis and Clostridium difficile. Neisseria meningitidis is a bacteria that can cause invasive disease such as septicemia and meningitis. Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic bacteria that causes hospital acquired infections. Other pathogens studied in my lab are MRSA and Salmonella.

Awards & Honors
Preparedness Fellowship Certificate Program
Completed at GSPH Public Health Preparedness and Disaster Response

Presentations
GSPH Dean’s Day 2008 and IDM 2007 Annual Meeting (poster presentations)

Career Plans
I would like to find a job at a local or state health department working to investigate outbreaks, performing infectious disease surveillance, and helping to implement infection control interventions. I would also like to be involved in public health preparedness and disaster response by helping communities create an all hazard plan and prepare for possible disasters or pandemics. I am also thinking about going back to school to get my PhD in Infectious Disease Epidemiology but I would like to gain some real world experiences first.

Update
Ashley defended her thesis in June & completed the MS degree requirements. She will be starting her career in public health completing emergency preparedness and pandemic planning in the State of NH with the Mascoma Valley Health Initiative as a Public Health Program Coordinator.

Suzy Hecker, April MPH-CB Graduate

I have greatly enjoyed the variety of classes I have been able to take. I was also pleased that I could enroll in a certificate program while getting my masters degree. The professors truly want you to succeed and be able to apply what you learn in the classroom. It’s not about memorizing, it’s about truly learning. You also have the opportunity to tailor your degree to fit your particular interests, which is helpful in preparing for a career.

Practicum Experience
Practicum at the Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services to develop an infection control manual for use in emergency shelters; present infection control manual to local emergency coordinators; observe and participate in disaster/emergency response drills; observe and assist Emergency Management staff in disaster response (via the Emergency Operations Center).

Awards & Honors
Preparedness Fellowship Certificate Program
Completed at GSPH Public Health Preparedness and Disaster Response

Presentations
IDM 2007 Annual Meeting (poster presentation)

Career Plans
I hope to find a job in the field of emergency management where I will get to work with infectious diseases and other public health issues

Update
Suzy graduated in April with her MPH and certificate in Public Health Preparedness & Disaster Response. She is currently employed by the Pennsylvania State Department of Health.