Student Spotlight
Ashanti Loadholt
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Degree Program: MPH, admitted through SUNY Downstate-SUNY Old Westbury partnership
Class Year: 2021
Undergraduate Major: Public Health
Professional Interests: Healthcare policy, Maternal Child Health, and HIV/STI prevention
Click here for Ashanti Loadholt's LinkedIn profile
1. What drew you to the MPH program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University?
The location of SUNY Downstate Medical in central Brooklyn initially drew me to the MPH program. As a Brooklynite, I appreciated that this program actively engages with the surrounding community to address health disparities unique to its residents. I recognized that this program would help me identify my community's health needs and provide me with opportunities to combat them.
2. What is your favorite aspect of the program?
There are many aspects of this program that I enjoy. The first is learning from faculty renowned in their fields and valuable resources for budding Public Health professionals. I also appreciate that the program is not restricted to textbooks and includes current events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, I enjoy the School of Public Health's collaborative nature with other disciplines within SUNY Downstate, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach when addressing health disparities.
3. Can you recall a memorable in-class or general SUNY Downstate experience that struck you as particularly meaningful?
An experience that struck me as meaningful during my time in the program was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. During this period, all classes transitioned from in-person to online for the remainder of the spring semester. The faculty and staff's dedication to this transition showed me that they have my best interests in mind.
4. What are your goals? Do you have plans to further your education or do you have a career in mind upon graduation?
My overall goal is to be an agent of change in healthcare and minimize health disparities utilizing the skills acquired from this program. Upon graduation, I would like to embark on a career that allows me to address health issues that disproportionally impact my community. These issues include high rates of HIV transmission and poor maternal-child health outcomes through program development and quality improvement of health services.
5. Do you have any advice for your fellow students who might be interested in this program?
My advice to students who may be interested in this program would be to apply. There are countless opportunities to enhance Public Health skills and build your professional network. You will be joining a community that is genuinely invested in seeing you succeed.