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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