Meet Our Students

Nutrition, Food Systems and Health 

“The most valuable experiences in the program were the relationships I built and the opportunity to learn alongside such a diverse and inspiring community to drive impact and action. I was continually in awe of the complexity of public health and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing real-world challenges. While I gained a strong academic foundation through my coursework and professors, some of my most meaningful learning came from my peers. Engaging with colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds — including physicians, nurses and professionals in global health — broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of how different disciplines contribute to a shared vision of improving health outcomes.”

Applied Epidemiology

“Throughout this program, you get rich interdisciplinary perspectives on how to address health at all levels of the socioecological model informed by population-based data and community-engaged methods. The program challenges you to consider issues from multiple perspectives and to complete projects on teams, which directly translates to the important public health work that needs to be done in the real world. It is definitely possible to complete this program while working full time, but it is important to pace yourself and consider strategically when you will take the most work-intensive courses.”

Leadership in Practice

“I attended the Fall 2025 immersion event, and it was a truly wholesome, positive experience. In fact, it was a full-circle moment for me in meeting faculty I had only seen virtually each week, and now to be in-person was especially meaningful. Chapel Hill in the fall is a beautiful campus, and the opportunity to sit in on a lecture and connect with colleagues added to the experience. The tailored workshops made the immersion feel intentional and relevant. It really completed the program experience. Meeting so many warm individuals, and ending with a social event in a relaxed, fun setting with peers and faculty, made it even more memorable.”

Leadership in Practice

“One of the most valuable aspects of the program for me was the opportunity to collaborate with individuals from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. Working together on various projects allowed me to better understand different perspectives and worldviews, which enriched both my learning and my approach to problem-solving in public health.

I also found it incredibly meaningful to learn from and engage with professors who brought a wide range of professional experiences. Their insights helped bridge theory with real-world application and added depth to classroom discussions.”

Leadership in Practice

“Having completed my MPH at such a respected School has helped me connect with potential collaborators and network with an ever-growing group of alumni. I really enjoyed the program and am grateful for the experiences I had during my time here.

My weakest skill used to be public speaking.Through the Leadership in Practice concentration, this is something I had ample opportunity to work on. In my current role as a mental health specialist, public speaking is so important — I am essentially a public health educator. Between teaching workshops, leading trainings, and being invited as a panelist or guest lecturer, I have to speak confidently and comfortably on mental health topics.

If you are considering the MPH program at UNC’s Gillings School, I highly recommend it!”

Applied Epidemiology

“I always considered an MPH to be a versatile degree. I knew it would complement my clinical background and enable me to better serve my patient population.”

Leadership in Practice

“I decided to get my MPH because I knew that I wanted a lifelong career in public health. I have always been passionate about mentorship, sharing knowledge, diversifying the public health workforce and building up the next generation of leaders.”

Health Policy

“I enjoyed the immersive assignments throughout the course that allowed me to channel my education into actionable projects. What is great about the MPH program at Gillings is that my peers not only live all around the country and the world, but most are working professionals with very diverse backgrounds. I’ve learned so much about their goals and passions in both public health and life in general.”

Leadership in Practice

“I can say with confidence that pursuing your degree through the Gillings School’s MPH program will give you returns at both the micro and macro levels. Your knowledge of public health and your ability to articulate it will be transformed, your critical thinking and understanding of complexity will be enhanced, your ability to work with various personalities and stakeholders will blossom, and your confidence to lead will be invigorated.”

Leadership in Practice

“The MPH program at Gillings offered both technical and leadership competencies to develop collaborative and cross-sector interventions. We were always extremely supportive of each other and our work. We shared resources and opportunities and introduced each other to our professional networks. Many of us will be lifelong friends and supporters.”