National Public Health Week - A Q&A with the Geisel Health Sciences Community

In a world facing significant health challenges, from infectious disease outbreaks to chronic disease burdens, the field of public health remains critical.

Public health professionals play a crucial role in building healthier communities and fostering a more resilient society. With a public health degree, graduates gain the knowledge and skills needed to tackle pressing health challenges across diverse fields, including epidemiology, health policy, community health, and global health.

Degrees in public health empower individuals to create meaningful change in public health and well-being. Below, explore a Q&A based on four of this year’s NPHW themes, featuring voices from across our health sciences programs.

Q: What is one thing you think everyone should be doing daily to improve clean energy and take action against climate change?

A: Reduce energy consumption and conserve water by making conscious choices about how both are used! It’s as simple as turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronics, and being mindful about water usage when washing dishes or brushing teeth. By reducing overall energy and water usage, individuals can contribute to lower carbon emissions and improved sustainability of our planet. Small actions everyday can collectively make a significant impact on preserving the world’s resources in the fight against climate change. – Jessica Ramcharan, MPH’25

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A: Small changes matter, reusing containers, recycling, and composting. Norwich, VT, for example, provides compost to local farms. If every agricultural community adopted this system, it would significantly combat climate change. - Nicole Winn, MPH'25

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A: I believe reducing food waste is something everyone can do daily that makes a real difference. Since I started meal planning more carefully and composting, I've been surprised by how much less ends up in the trash. While we definitely need larger solutions like renewable energy, these everyday habits add up to meaningful change. And I've found that approaching climate action with encouragement rather than guilt is more effective - people are more likely to stick with sustainable practices when they feel good about their choices rather than shamed into action. - Anaum Showkat, MS '25

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A: Simply - we can each choose to REPURPOSE, REDUCE, REUSE and/or RECYCLE. These are steps we each can take to minimize our carbon footprints. We can also opt to walk, bike or take public transportation when available. - Alicia L. Battle, PhD, MCHES

Q: Have you faced any barriers to accessing healthcare and how can we work toward a more equitable health system for all?

A: To work toward a more equitable health system, it’s crucial to prioritize policies that ensure universal access to healthcare, regardless of socioeconomic status. This includes expanding health insurance coverage, investing in community health centers in underserved areas, and addressing social determinants of health like education, income, and housing. Additionally, we should promote diversity in the healthcare workforce, making sure that it reflects the populations it serves, and ensure cultural competency in care delivery. Building an inclusive system that targets and breaks down financial, geographic, and social barriers can help ensure that everyone gets the healthcare they deserve. – Jessica Ramcharan, MPH’25

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A: Healthcare depends on the job you or your caregiver is able to obtain or your knowledge to enroll in state provided coverage, this created gaps in coverage leading to gaps in care. By focusing efforts on access to cars we can start to close the gap -Sarah Auletta, MPH ‘26

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A: I've sat in waiting rooms for hours only to get five rushed minutes with a doctor who didn't seem to hear me. I've delayed care because of costs, even with insurance. The system is broken when people avoid getting help until they're in crisis. We need more community clinics with evening hours, transparent pricing, and providers who look like and understand the communities they serve. - Anaum Showkat, MS '25

Q: If you could advocate for one public health policy to improve your community, what would it be and why?

A: If I could advocate for one public health policy to improve my community, it would be the expansion of comprehensive, community-based preventive care programs. These programs would focus on early detection and prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, which are often preventable through lifestyle changes. By providing free or low-cost screenings, health education, and resources for healthy eating and physical activity, we can help individuals make informed choices that reduce their risk of developing these conditions. This policy would promote a culture of wellness, empower individuals to take control of their health, and ultimately create a healthier, more resilient community. – Jessica Ramcharan, MPH’25

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A: Get vaccinated. If you are nervous or scared about what vaccines contain, educate yourself or have a public health professional help you access the appropriate research and evidence on why this is important not only for your own health, but for everyone around you who may not have the privilege to risk it. - Zoë Vande Kieft, MPH '26

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A: I would push for mandatory paid sick leave for all workers, including part-time employees. Infectious diseases spread rapidly when people are stressed and work while ill—especially in low-wage jobs where missing a shift can mean losing rent or groceries. Paid sick leave isn’t just an economic issue; it’s a critical tool for outbreak prevention and health equity. - Nicole Winn, MPH'25

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A: Expanding access to preventive care services in underserved neighborhoods would transform public health in my community. I've seen firsthand how the lack of convenient preventive care leads to people using emergency rooms for manageable conditions that could have been addressed earlier. A policy that funds mobile health units, community health centers with extended hours, and preventive screening programs would catch health issues before they become crises. This approach would not only improve health outcomes but also reduce healthcare costs in the long run by preventing expensive emergency interventions. The strongest communities are those where everyone has a fair chance at good health. - Anaum Showkat, MS '25

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A: Living here in Hanover, New Hampshire, and considering the specific needs and opportunities within the community, I would advocate for a policy focused on expanding access to and integration of mental health services within primary care settings. This approach would help normalize mental healthcare, reduce barriers to access, and lead to more holistic and accessible care for the community. - Simeon Zaragoza, MPH '25

Q: What skills or knowledge do you think future public health professionals will need to tackle the biggest health challenges of tomorrow?

A: A diverse set of skills and knowledge are needed to tackle the biggest health challenges of tomorrow. Strong data analysis and epidemiological skills are needed to understand complex health trends, track disease outbreaks, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Proficiency in technology and research will also be crucial for managing large datasets and making evidence-based decisions. A deep understanding of social determinants of health is essential to address the root causes of health disparities, from access to healthcare or economic inequality. Strong communication and advocacy skills are required to confidently engage with communities, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Public health professionals must be adaptable and innovative in developing solutions to new and emerging health threats. Lastly, a commitment to health equity and cultural competence are essential, as addressing global health challenges requires understanding and respecting diverse populations and the unique challenges they face. By combining technical expertise with empathy, collaboration, and a systems-thinking approach, future public health professionals can effectively address the evolving health needs of tomorrow’s world. – Jessica Ramcharan, MPH’25

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A: We need to have empathy for others and compassion to listen to the people in the most need, and us a public health professional must maintain that respect of gathering the information for them and translating that into digestible advice. - Zoë Vande Kieft, MPH '26

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A: I truly believe that listening is at the heart of the solution so you can first hear the problem from the people who feel hurt/ignored/overlooked and we can then collaborate to create a better situation - Sarah Auletta, MPH ‘26

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A: Combating misinformation and communicating complex topics in digestible ways is crucial for tackling ever-growing public health issues. Alongside this requires understanding the populations you serve and are engaging with. - Nicole Winn, MPH'25

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A: Future public health workers need to be translators - between science and regular people, between different communities, between policy and practice. Technical skills matter, but the ability to build trust might matter more. After the pandemic, there's so much distrust of health authorities. We need people who can rebuild those bridges and communicate in ways that resonate, not lecture. - Anaum Showkat, MS '25

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A: Skills and knowledge that I think future public health professionals will need to tackle the biggest health challenges of tomorrow would be expertise in systems thinking, policy, communication, and global collaboration to implement effective and equitable solutions - Simeon Zaragoza, MPH '25

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A: Effective and impactful public health professionals need to be adept at assessing needs as well as capacity of individuals and populations. Skills in the areas of program and/or service development, implementation and evaluation are critical to the work public health professionals do. It is also imperative that public health professionals acquire leadership, management and communication skills - because these skills are paramount in advocating for the wellbeing of people and communities. - Alicia L. Battle, PhD, MCHES