Media Contact
Sam Fahmy
Director of Communications
School of Public Health
[email protected]
Isley Burgos chose the SPH's online MPH program for its perfect blend of flexibility and quality. She says the online program allows her to seamlessly balance work and family commitments while pursuing her passion for public health.
Name: Isley Burgos
Hometown: Hampton, Virginia
Undergraduate degree and institution: Bachelors in Business Administration, University of Arizona Global Campus
Expected date of graduation: May 2025
Why did you choose the Georgia State School of Public Health?
After relocating to Georgia, I started considering getting my master’s in public health. I chose Georgia State University’s School of Public Health because of its cultural diversity, online MPH program and their longstanding relationships with Emory and the CDC.
Which MPH concentration did you choose, and why?
I chose the Health Promotion and Behavior concentration because it offers many classes conducted synchronously and asynchronously. This allowed me to be a parent, student, spouse, caregiver and worker.
What has been your favorite class in the SPH so far, and why?
My favorite class was “Health Behavior Theory.” I enjoyed learning different health theories and frameworks to determine social determinants of health and strategize interventions.
What advice would you give undergraduate students considering pursuing an MPH at Georgia State?
I encourage aspiring undergrads to stay true to your passion and remember that a master’s degree program may be challenging, but the SPH’s faculty will provide you with the tools, knowledge and resources you need to succeed. Your advanced education will prepare you to facilitate change, so go for it!
Tell us about your campus involvement.
In my current Applied Practice Experience (APE) assignment, I have had the chance to work in GSU’s Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences on projects like the Prevention Research Center’s Mental Health Alliance and Partners in Prevention Project. I get to collaborate with a dynamic and diverse team to improve public health outcomes by assisting with creating, designing and implementing disease prevention and health promotion projects.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
I have only had the chance to visit campus a few times, but when I did, I really liked the Urban Life Building. There was such a diverse group of students there, and it offered a great space to study and meet up with classmates to work on projects. The Atlanta campus is enormous and offers many resources and opportunities to engage with faculty and diverse students.
What’s your career aspiration?
My career aspiration is to work in community or population health. I enjoy public speaking and educating disenfranchised and marginalized communities about the implications of negative health behaviors, promoting health behavior change and recommending available resources. I aim to develop intervention programs for targeted populations, high-risk communities and vulnerable individuals facing systematic social determinants of health.