Student Spotlight: Maysa Osman

Maysa Osman, Vice-President of the Undergraduate Public Health Club, has a passion for epidemiology and is committed to researching and preventing diseases in underserved populations.

Name: Maysa Osman

Hometown: Clarkston, Ga.

Expected date of graduation: Fall 2025

Why did you choose to major in public health?
I chose to major in public health because I am passionate about improving health outcomes at the population level. My goal is to become an epidemiologist and study the etiology of less studied diseases and their distribution in developing countries. I intend to research communicable and noncommunicable diseases in underserved populations and explore simplistic ways to prevent those diseases through various collaborative community based participatory research.

What has been your favorite public health class at Georgia State, and why?
My favorite class at GSU is “Program Evaluation and Implementation” taught by Dr. Armstrong-Mensah. I found the course to be very intriguing and hands-on. I was able to apply what I learned in my community right away. The course has equipped me with essential knowledge of project and program implementation, which is a vital skill for my future work as I intend to conduct research across different countries and disciplines, implement programs and evaluate the outcomes of my work.

Tell us about your campus involvement:
I have participated in the Meta Series Committee since my freshman year of college. The MeTa Series is a Meet and Talk social mixer for public health students, faculty and staff. My role in the committee involves planning events each semester with faculty members and fellow students. I have had the opportunity to facilitate a breakout session and network with fellow public health students, faculty and influential public health officials in the community. I’m also a member of the Undergraduate Public Health Club (UPHC). This year, I am serving as Vice President of UPHC, which I am very excited about, and can’t wait to plan various events and activities that will expand the network and skills of my fellow undergraduate students and me. I also write opinion-based articles for the Signal, GSU’s independent student newspaper. I enjoy sharing highlights of issues ranging from local to global news with my peers and adding my opinions to them.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the fifth floor of Library North. I feel more productive in that quiet space, and I am surrounded by so many resources if I need help accessing a specific text or need a librarian’s advice on a paper.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
Network with peers and faculty as much as you can. Networking is very important in the field of public health and the sooner you start, the better. Join public health organizations and attend events to expand your knowledge in the field.

What’s your career aspiration?
I aspire to become an epidemiologist and work with nonprofit organizations with the mission of carrying out research on diseases that are most prevalent in developing countries. My goal is to work with global health stakeholders to implement policies and interventions that reduce global health disparities.