Meet Mairead Minihan
Degree Program: MSPHA, Area of Interest: Maternal, Fetal, and Perinatal Health, Year of Program Entrance: 2023, Hometown: Novato, California, Previous Degrees Earned: Master of Public Health from UC Davis, Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from UC Davis, Fun Fact: I love animals and have fostered hundreds of cats and dogs over the years.
What first got you interested in public health?
My journey into public health was not linear, but rather a series of experiences that led me to public health. Three key experiences shaped my path: participating in a 10-year prospective epidemiology study, working in outreach and policy work as a director for Beyond Differences, and interning at a county health and human services agency. These experiences combined to fuel my dedication to public health research.
Why did you choose the Bloomberg School of Public Health?
The Bloomberg School of Public Health stood out to me because it offers a unique specialization in maternal, fetal, and perinatal health within the PFRH department. I was attracted to the school because it would provide me with the opportunity to gain experience in my field of interest and collaborate with world-renowned researchers. Additionally, the school's emphasis on data-driven research and advanced biostatistical methods aligned with my academic goals. I recognize that these skills will be critical for my research career. The opportunity to hone my analytical skills while being surrounded by a community of leading experts is ultimately what led me to choose Bloomberg.
What has been your favorite or most memorable experience at PFRH?
PFRH hosts an Undergraduate Orioles Baseball Game Night at the beginning of the academic year. This was a highlight for me because it gave me the opportunity to interact with my fellow yearmates and faculty in the department. The interaction over the game gave me an insight into the supportive and welcoming culture of the department.
My advice to future students is to connect with current students and alumni through LinkedIn and take advantage of the strong community aspect that PFRH offers. Additionally, there are many student groups at Bloomberg, so I recommend exploring them early in the school year.
Tell me about your on-the-job training:
I am completing my field training with the Maryland Maternal and Child Health Innovation Program (MDMOM) as one of the beneficiaries of the Department's Maternal and Child Health Center of Excellence field training. As a student researcher with MDMOM, I have completed an evaluation of end-user satisfaction and usability testing results for the MDMOM Maternal and Child Health Resource Map. Over the next few months, I will be helping facilitate updates to the public site via the map's contact form. Additionally, I will be assisting with a second study by organizing training for home visiting staff and developing client recruitment procedures.
What do you want to do or achieve after graduation?
After completing my MSPH, I hope to further my education by pursuing a PhD in perinatal and reproductive epidemiology, using the skills and knowledge I gained at Bloomberg to further my understanding of important public health issues.
What are your favorite places and features about living in Baltimore?
Bolton Hill is one of my favorite places in Baltimore. I love walking around the area reading the historical plaques and attending the annual Festival on the Hill in October. For the best ice cream in the city, I recommend Moo Moo Cows in Federal Hill for its unique flavors.
What advice would you give to future students interested in joining the PFRH community?
My advice to future students is to connect with current students and alumni through LinkedIn and take advantage of the strong community aspect that PFRH offers. Additionally, there are many student groups at Bloomberg, so I encourage you to explore them early in the school year. I joined the Anna Baetjer Society for Public Health in Practice, which provided me with numerous networking and leadership opportunities.
