Student Spotlight: Malaysia Allen

Malaysia Allen says enrolling in the SPH’s 4+1 BS/MPH program made her transition from undergraduate to graduate school seamless. She’s currently enrolled in the online Health Promotion and Behavior MPH concentration and is passionate about addressing disparities in maternal care.

Name: Malaysia Allen

Hometown: San Diego, California

Undergraduate degree and institution: Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Georgia State University

Expected date of graduation: Spring 2025

Why did you choose the Georgia State School of Public Health?
I chose Georgia State University’s School of Public Health largely due to the influence of my public health professor at my junior college in San Diego. She was the first person to introduce me to the field of public health. At the time, I was pursuing a nursing degree, but when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, my career aspirations quickly shifted. My professor introduced me to the various disciplines within public health, and after writing an essay on Black maternal health and maternal mortality rates, she strongly encouraged me to apply to Georgia State. She emphasized that the university, as well as the city of Atlanta, offered a wealth of connections in the public health sector, including proximity to the CDC. Additionally, the unwavering support I have received from Georgia State faculty, particularly Dr. King and Dr. McCool, reinforced my decision to attend.

Which MPH concentration did you choose, and why?
I enrolled in the online concentration in Health Promotion and Behavior. This specialization aligns closely with my purpose, research interests and career goals. It provides me with the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills in a community-based setting, which is essential for the work I aspire to do in public health.

What has been your favorite class in the SPH so far, and why?
One of my favorite courses has been “Maternal and Child Health” with Dr. Baggett. This course provided an in-depth examination of maternal and child health, allowing me to critically analyze how environmental and systemic factors impact birthing individuals’ health and, in turn, their children’s development. The class strengthened my understanding of the social determinants of health and reinforced my commitment to addressing disparities in maternal care.

What advice would you give undergraduate students considering pursuing an MPH at Georgia State?
For students considering an MPH at Georgia State, I highly recommend taking advantage of the 4+1 BS/MPH program. I participated in this program as an undergraduate student, and it significantly eased my transition into graduate school. It not only helped me save money—especially as an out-of-state student—but also alleviated much of the stress associated with beginning my graduate studies in August 2023. The program is an excellent opportunity to accelerate academic and professional growth. In addition, make sure you are creating genuine relationships with your professors and peers because they could be a valuable resource for a recommendation, job or even exposure to another field in public health.

Tell us about your campus involvement?
As a full-time professional throughout my academic journey, I have not had the opportunity to join on-campus organizations. However, I have actively engaged in virtual events, including the MeTa Series and guest speaker events SPH host. These events have allowed me to stay connected with the public health community and expand my knowledge through insightful discussions.

What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
When I attended in-person classes, my favorite place on campus was the library. Its architecture, natural lighting and open space created a peaceful study environment. I also appreciated the support from librarians, who were instrumental in helping me access essential research tools and resources for my coursework.

What’s your career aspiration?
My ultimate career goal is to create a birthing center that provides compassionate and culturally centered care while also offering safe housing for homeless minority mothers and their families. Through my work with the Black Infant Health program, I have met many pregnant women experiencing housing instability—living in their cars or temporarily staying with friends or family. These challenges often lead to significant stress, postpartum depression and food insecurity, making it even harder for them to focus on their health and well-being. As a mother who has faced similar struggles, I understand firsthand the importance of having a strong support system during this critical time. My vision is to establish a birth center that not only offers a safe and nurturing space for childbirth but also connects mothers to essential resources, ensuring they receive the holistic care and stability they deserve.