MPH student Lindsay Hall chose the Biostatistics concentration to harness her engineering background. With a passion for math and science, she’s embraced the power of statistics in shaping health outcomes.
Name: Lindsay Hall
Hometown: Norcross, Georgia
Undergraduate degree and institution: B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
Expected date of graduation: Summer 2025
Why did you choose the Georgia State School of Public Health?
I chose to pursue my MPH at Georgia State University because of the program’s flexibility, including both in-person and hybrid class formats, as well as its affordability through in-state tuition. Just as importantly, GSU's location in Atlanta, home to the CDC and a hub for global public health, offers access to a wide range of academic, professional and networking opportunities.
Which MPH concentration did you choose, and why?
I chose the Biostatistics concentration because it builds on the analytical strengths I developed during my engineering career. I’ve always gravitated toward math and science and, over time, I discovered a deep interest in statistics, particularly its power to inform health outcomes. Biostatistics felt like a natural bridge between my technical background and my desire to contribute to public health through data-driven insights.
What has been your favorite class in the SPH so far, and why?
“Biostatistics II” has been my favorite class so far. Although I had used tools like multilinear regression in my engineering work, this course helped me truly understand the theory behind those methods and how they apply in epidemiological contexts. It deepened both my technical skill set and my appreciation for how statistical methods can be used to solve real-world health problems.
What advice would you give undergraduate students considering pursuing an MPH at Georgia State?
Get involved early. Reach out to faculty, join study groups and express interest in research projects. Building those connections can open doors to experiences that complement your coursework and will be critical to your success.
Tell us about your extracurricular involvement (e.g. clubs, organizations, research and community engagement).
I’ve been deeply engaged in graduate-level research under Dr. Chowell. In my second semester, I led a project modeling and forecasting HIV/AIDS outcomes in the U.S., which sharpened my MATLAB skills and deepened my interest in infectious disease modeling. Collaborating with such a collaborative and motivated cohort has been a highlight of my MPH experience.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to join the Biostatistics Lab this summer as a Graduate Research Assistant, where I’ll support students with their questions and projects. I’m looking forward to contributing to a collaborative learning environment while continuing to strengthen my applied biostatistics skills.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
The second floor of the Urban Life Building is my go-to spot. It’s a dynamic space where info sessions, study groups and networking events often take place. I appreciate the energy and collaboration happening there, and it’s a great place to catch up on work between meetings.
What’s your career aspiration?
As an emerging public health professional, my mission is to advance global efforts in infectious disease prevention and control, particularly for underserved populations. I’m especially drawn to research-based roles that combine data analysis with program evaluation and policy development. With a background in biomedical engineering, I bring a strong foundation in data analysis, technical writing and project management. My experience leading cross-functional projects, often coordinating with clinicians, regulatory teams and technical staff, has also prepared me to work collaboratively across diverse teams. Coupled with my growing expertise in biostatistics and infectious disease modeling, I’m well-equipped to contribute to evidence-based, community-driven strategies that create sustainable impact.