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MPH student Kayla Osmon chose to concentrate in Health Promotion and Behavior for its holistic approach to promoting community health and its online accessibility. As an intern with GSU’s Prevention Research Center, she is working to improve mental health and chronic disease prevention for refugee, immigrant and migrant populations.
Name: Kayla Osmon
Hometown: Woodstock, Ga.
Undergraduate degree and institution: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Georgia State University
Expected date of graduation: December 2025
Why did you choose the Georgia State School of Public Health?
I chose the School of Public Health because of its comprehensive coursework, partnerships with public health agencies such as the Georgia Department of Public Health and CDC, and its accessibility. After researching several different schools of public health, I felt that Georgia State would provide me with quality education, great opportunities and the flexibility to prioritize my own health.
Which MPH concentration did you choose, and why?
I chose the Health Promotion and Behavior concentration because it utilizes key elements of behavioral science, sociology, psychology and political science to explain health behavior and outcomes, offering a comprehensive approach to promoting community health. Additionally, the fully online format of this program provides me with the accessibility and flexibility I need as an individual living with multiple chronic health conditions to be successful in my academics and future career.
What has been your favorite class in the SPH so far, and why?
That’s extremely hard to choose! But if I had to, I would say my favorite core class has been “Fundamentals of Health Systems, Leadership and Policy” and my favorite elective class has been “Health Disparities.” “Fundamentals of Health Systems, Leadership and Policy” was one of my most challenging classes, and I love a good challenge. I think I learned more new information in that class than any I have taken thus far, and the knowledge I gained regarding policy and leadership skills has been extremely helpful for real-world application. I loved “Health Disparities” because it expanded my understanding of health inequities in a variety of contexts.
What advice would you give undergraduate students considering pursuing an MPH at Georgia State?
I would advise them to explore all the different routes and opportunities that exist within the field of public health—find something that really excites you! Use that excitement and turn it into a passion to motivate you. The public health field needs dedicated professionals who are committed to making this world a better one. Don’t limit yourself and know that you can make a true impact on the health, safety and well-being of others.
Tell us about your campus involvement?
I’m currently an intern at the Prevention Research Center (PRC). I am involved with PRC’s Partners in Prevention Project (PIPP) and Mental Health Alliance (MHA). The PIPP focuses on addressing substance misuse among refugee, immigrant and migrant (RIM) young adults aged 18-25, while the MHA provides mental health resources to RIM communities. I am also a member of the Latin American Student Association (LASA) at Georgia State.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
The campus gym! While I no longer live on campus and am enrolled in a fully online program, during my undergrad years I took full advantage of the weight training rooms.
What’s your career aspiration?
My public health passions include mental health, chronic disease prevention, RIM health, Indigenous health and disability rights. I hope to make meaningful contributions to each one of these. My immediate aspirations include working with RIM and tribal communities to improve health outcomes. Once I complete my MPH and gain several years of professional work experience, I plan to apply for my DrPH!