Student Spotlight: Muna Deka

Muna Deka chose to major in public health to merge her passion for helping others with her interest in healthcare and learning about diverse global populations.

Name: Muna Deka

Hometown: Lawrenceville, Ga.

Expected date of graduation: May 2025

Why did you choose to major in public health?
I chose public health because it combines my passion for helping others, my interest in healthcare and my love for learning about different populations and global issues. It offers a pathway for me to address health disparities, empower communities and create sustainable solutions for improving quality of life both locally and globally.

What has been your favorite public health class at Georgia State, and why?
My favorite public health class has been the “Field Study of Emerging Global Public Health Issues in Ghana” study abroad course with Dr. Armstrong-Mensah. We had the opportunity to create and administer surveys on WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), HIV and women’s health directly with local communities in Ghana. Engaging with different communities and witnessing the real-world challenges in these areas allowed me to see the importance and impact of global health firsthand.

Tell us about your campus involvement?
I am currently assisting with research on how mindfulness can impact smoking cessation outcomes in low-income minority communities in Dr. Spears’ Mindful Living Lab, as well as helping conduct interviews on the Georgia CORE project focused on lung cancer screening. I serve as the Community Organizer for the International Student’s Club, engaging members while promoting a global mindset on campus. As Outreach Director for UNICEF at Georgia State, I also lead efforts to raise awareness for children’s rights worldwide through student engagement. I am also a member of the School of Public Health’s Research and Publication Club, currently working on creating a research publication on global health. As a part of the MeTa Series Committee at the School of Public Health, I aid in organizing networking events each semester to connect public health students with leaders in the field.

 Where is your favorite place on campus?
I love to spend time at the CIRCLE in Langdale Hall, as it provides me with opportunities to practice and strengthen my foreign language skills specifically in French. I am passionate about learning languages and different cultures, and here I get to meet unique people from all around the world, making it my favorite place on campus.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
I advise students to get involved through volunteering, clubs and activities, both on and off campus. Teamwork is a big part of public health, so working with others will help you build skills, make connections and prepare you for real-world challenges. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone, as you will grow and learn so much!

What’s your career aspiration?
My career aspiration is to conduct fieldwork and research in underdeveloped countries, where I can support the development of sustainable health systems and enhance access to essential health resources. Additionally, I am dedicated to continuing my education by pursuing a MPH in Global Health to expand my knowledge and skills to achieve these goals.