MPH student Mariah Smith has taken full advantage of the many opportunities to be involved in research, athletics and student organizations that Georgia State University offers.
Name: Mariah Smith
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Undergraduate degree and institution: B.S. Exercise Science, Georgia State University
Why did you choose the Georgia State School of Public Health?
Throughout my undergraduate degree, each exercise science course/topic began with the public health and epidemiology behind the concept. I always found myself researching more about it after class. With this brief exposure, I found myself in the dilemma of either pursuing an M.S. in Exercise Science or an MPH. I finally decided on an MPH after a guest speaker in one class mentioned how he always had the opportunity to combine both as they are related in so many ways.
Which MPH concentration did you choose, and why?
The decision to choose Epidemiology was clear once I decided on pursuing an MPH. I’ve already had exposure to the topic, and after engaging in medical and statistical research, I knew epidemiology was the best concentration for me.
What advice would you give undergraduate students considering pursuing an MPH at Georgia State?
Deciding on an MPH must be based on your individual career goals and passion. However, I highly recommend pursuing an MPH at GSU if an MPH is your next step because there are so many opportunities to learn and network with the public health community, whether that be on campus, at the CDC, NIH, other universities, etc. This will undoubtedly be a huge steppingstone in your career.
Tell us about your campus involvement?
I am intern at the Prevent Child Abuse Georgia Data to Action. At PCA, I review literature and secondary data to produce evidence-informed approaches to preventing child abuse and neglect. I then transcribe the data into blogs, newsletters, social media content and use the data in PCA Georgia’s training curriculums. I research data to analyze disparities in Georgia's child welfare system and produce results shared by the organization. I also engage in community outreach events, training opportunities, conferences and networking events that bring together other professionals and organizations in the child and family health, welfare and abuse prevention communities.
I am also on GSU's Women's Track and Field team. I was recruited in high school to run track at the D1 collegiate level and committed to GSU. I competed in the sprints all four years. I also was the recipient of the Student-Athlete Inspiration Award this past spring 2023 semester.
GSU is a growing research institution, and I was fortunate to be a part of both breast cancer epidemiology research as an assistant under the advisement of Dr. Lia Scott and exercise science-biomechanics research under Dr. Feng Yang. I am currently investigating the associations between breast cancer and racial inequity in poverty, educational attainment and incarceration rates. I also assist in biomechanics research focusing on walking and force in individuals with multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, I am a member of the following organizations at GSU: Research Services and Administration GRA, Desire2Move (D2M) student liaison, American Medical Student Association (AMSA), Moving University Students Closer to Leadership in Exercise Science (MUSCLES), Supplemental Instruction Leader for Introductory Biology II, and GSU HEAL ambassador as its Director of Social Media Management.
What’s your favorite place on campus?
I’m a foodie, so I love eating at the various restaurants around the Aderhold Learning Center.
What’s your career aspiration?
I want to pursue a career in medicine. While I have an idea of the medical specialties I’d like to make a career in, I will wait until I learn everything I need to know about the human body and about all of the specialties I could engage in once I get into medical school.