Minor Global Public Health

When Danielle Marcone ’21 enrolled at Quinnipiac, she didn’t know which major she’d choose, but she knew it would involve a blend of health and sciences. Marcone eventually realized the best way to pursue both passions was with a bachelor’s degree in biology, which enabled her to keep her career path options open.

During her coursework, she enjoyed delving into topics such as disease ecology and vector-borne diseases. Her Infections of Leisure class with Lisa Cuchara, professor of biological sciences, allowed Marcone to combine health sciences with infectious disease, another area she’s passionate about.

“This class gave me the chance to explore diseases that may not be very common and understand the underlying risks,” Marcone said.

Marcone also mentioned Christian Eggers, professor of biomedical sciences, when discussing her favorite classes. She took microbiology and its lab course with Eggers.

In addition to her coursework and hands-on labs, Marcone served as a researcher at Western Connecticut State University. She spent three summers focusing on disease ecology, specifically the Backyard Integrated Tick Management Study. That experience positioned Marcone for graduate school and beyond. She’s currently pursuing a master of science in public health microbiology and emerging infectious diseases at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health.

“Quinnipiac gave me the resources to be a well-rounded student who is comfortable speaking in a crowd and not afraid to advocate for myself and my education,” Marcone said.

Thinking past graduate school, Marcone envisions a career in preventive disease ecology, citing her summers researching ticks as a major reason.

“I took a chance on something I was unfamiliar with — ticks and entomology — and found my true passion,” Marcone said. “I was able to discover the importance of prevention measures in the public health field, whether it be preventive medicine, vector control, or even disaster planning.”

Whether on campus or half a world away, Marisa Otis ’17, embraced all that Quinnipiac University had to offer as an undergraduate student. After earning her bachelor’s degree in health science studies with minors in Spanish and global public health, she went on to earn a master’s in public health at Boston University, where she co-authored two scientific journal articles, a white paper and a chapter for the dean’s textbook, “Urban Health.”

“My Quinnipiac global public health foundation made me a strong applicant in the master’s program because I had already spent four years studying public health, which was not yet common at the undergraduate level,” said Otis. “The GPH program provided a strong support network from the staff to fellow students, and its interdisciplinary nature allowed me to take courses from many different schools and subject areas. In addition, my minor introduced core public health concepts and pushed me to think about health through a different lens.”

Marisa took advantage of Quinnipiac’s global learning opportunities as well, with a study abroad semester in Costa Rica and a GPH international experience in Nicaragua. As a sophomore, she studied the rights-based approach to health care in Latin America and while in Leon, Nicaragua, she interned with Alianza Americana working alongside medical staff in rural health posts, community centers and a local hospital.

I felt well-prepared for my international experiences, particularly because of my GPH core classes. Studying and experiencing universal healthcare systems firsthand was enlightening,” said Otis. “It pushed me to think critically about the U.S. healthcare system, which undervalues public health and preventative care while prioritizing profits and top technological advances.”

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