Shade Olowookere, a 2017 Health Studies graduate will be an intern this summer at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At the CDC, she will be focusing on government agency operations and the role of law and policy in advancing public health. Shade is now enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) – Health Policy and Management program at the University of Georgia.
In addition to completing her Health Studies degree, Shade completed a double minor in Business Administration and Spanish. Reflecting on her time at URI, Shade is thankful for the flexibility and multidisciplinary aspect of the Health Studies program and now realizes how much of an influence the major had on her life and career goals. ” When declaring as a Health Studies major, I did not realize it would be something that would ignite a new passion in the field of health. With my Health Services specialization, I value the opportunity I had to take courses from epidemiology to international development. ”
Moreover, Shade attributes much of her academic success to the Health Studies program. “The Health Studies program has some of the most supportive and helpful professors who are more than willing to assist students in the best way possible… I am so grateful to have professors as mentors who have helped me achieve so much. I believe URI has helped provide unique and real-world learning experiences which have equipped me with necessary skills for current and future opportunities.”
Currently, Shade is interested in health care quality improvement, health disparities among low-income populations, and child health inequities. She hopes to continue doing research and work in either a non-profit or private-sector organization, to work abroad and domestically. Her long-term goal is to pursue global policy and health management work that promotes human development and international aid. After she graduates next year, Shade aims to pursue a career focused on evaluation, design and management of health policy while applying her knowledge to help those within her community and abroad.
Congratulations. Shade! We are so proud of you!