What was your background before enrolling in the MPH program at Gillings?
I was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, and immigrated to the United States in 2016 as an undergraduate student. I attended the College of Wooster, a small liberal arts college in Ohio. Although my small town in Ohio was very different from the big city I came from, I loved the people I met there and how it shaped my student life. I studied Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Sociology and Special Education. My research interests are related to child development/child neuropsychology and I was able to explore these through my research project and his year-long research paper at Worcester. I wanted to pursue a PhD in neuroscience, but wanted to gain more hands-on experience between undergraduate and graduate school. Unfortunately, graduating in 2020 made this a little more difficult, but I was grateful to be able to get a job as a clinical research assistant in the neuroimaging lab at Yale School of Medicine. I led his two neuroimaging studies at the Center for Tobacco Control Science (TCORS) investigating substance use within the youth population, specifically tobacco control. This research has given me a better understanding of drug use behavior, especially smoking among young people. By examining youth responses to e-cigarette advertisements and warning labels, we learned more about the exploitative tactics of tobacco companies that promote use among ethnic minorities through targeted advertising and promotional events. This experience is what steered me from pursuing a PhD in neuroscience to pursuing his MPH in health behavior. I became interested in the importance of collaborative research to improve equitable health care delivery.
Can you tell us about your involvement with the Gillings International Graduate Student Association (IGSA)?
Last fall semester, there was a potluck sponsored by the International Graduate Student Association!
I would love to! The Gillings International Graduate Student Association (IGSA) is a newly formed student group (oops, oops!) that aims to improve the international student experience. We advocate for international students, provide support, raise awareness of the challenges they face, and strive to effectively communicate international student needs to school leaders and relevant bodies/departments. At the Gillings School of Global Public Health, it is important that we welcome students from all over the world and emphasize their needs and perspectives. Our executive committee is made up of her first years and her second years from various departments at Gillings, and we would like to thank her for the great work her second years put in this past summer to get this organization off the ground. Thank you very much. I participated as co-president last semester. We are currently working to establish the backbone and foundation of this group so that future international students can continue to thrive here at Gillings. One way to do that is to earn her STEM certification at UNC, and we have been working with various members of the Gillings community to accomplish this. The STEM designation means that international students at Gillings will receive three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States after graduation, rather than the one year that international students are entitled to under Gillings’ current designation. The reason why this extra two years of her time is so important to the international student’s overall experience is because it gives her three years of time to find a sponsor for a work visa, taking some stress off her shoulders. is. IGSA looks forward to our success in this process and that UNC Gillings will continue to prioritize the well-being of our students from around the world.
Can you tell us about your role as a graduate research assistant in the Department of Health Behavior?
I currently work as a graduate research assistant for two professors in the Department of Health Behavior: Dr. Liz Chen and Dr. Natalicio H. Serrano. I am working with Liz on a large-scale scoping review of the use of trauma-informed design and principles and their role in the development of digital interventions. Through this experience, I am learning how to manage and analyze data with her Covidence and Excel, and synthesize the results and discussion into a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. Along with Nat, I am working to understand how neighborhood development strategies impact physical activity, healthy eating, and health equity. These findings will be presented together with the joint GRA at the Active Living Conference (ALC2024) in March. I am learning to develop, conduct, and evaluate research on the impact of affordability and cost of living on public health. They also receive training on how to conduct neighborhood built environment audits and recreational access to healthy living behaviors. I am grateful to be able to work with different professors on different topics. Because it exposes you to new and exciting health topics. My girlfriend’s experience with GRA has helped me develop my interests and plan. Both professors served as mentors, supported me in my professional development experiences, and helped me in searching for practicum opportunities this summer.
How do you like to spend your time outside of studying or working?
Sunday Acroyoga with friends from Health Behavior Group
My favorite ways to enjoy my time outside of Gillings are dancing salsa or bachata, doing acroyoga, and rock climbing. I started learning Latin dance about two years ago and have even performed around Connecticut the past two summers, so it’s great to attend Latin Socials whenever I get the chance. Last semester, one of my classmates introduced me to acroyoga, and it’s now part of my Sunday routine. It’s super silly and fun, and allows you to build strength without traditional training. Acroyoga and rock climbing are both great ways to stay active and socialize with friends. I’m a big fan!
Have you tried any of the recommended restaurants and cafes in the Triangle?
Latin Social at Bazil Indian Cuisine hosted by CoboBrother Dance Company on the first and third Thursday of every month
I love working at Lanza’s Cafe in Carrboro. They have a great outdoor area and are very cozy. I love Steel String Brewery in Carrboro and went to see the Rocky Horror Picture Picture Show there during Halloween. It was a great experience. Lanza’s and Steel String both host fun events every week, perfect for relaxing with friends. As for restaurants, I haven’t tried the pizzerias people have mentioned yet. But I come from New Haven and New York, which is known for its pizza, so the pressure is on.
