Media Contact
Sam Fahmy
Director of Communications
School of Public Health
[email protected]
MPH student Sivgech Heang chose the SPH’s 4+1 BS/MPH program to seamlessly transition from her undergraduate degree to a master’s in public health. The program has empowered her to hone essential skills and contribute to impactful public health projects.
Name: Sivgech Heang
Hometown: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Undergraduate degree and institution: B.S. in Public Health, Georgia State University
Expected date of graduation: Spring 2026
Why did you choose the Georgia State School of Public Health?
I was initially drawn to Georgia State because of the scholarship opportunities for undergraduate international students. I then chose the School of Public Health because of its strong focus on urban health, applied research and its commitment to health equity. The opportunity to seamlessly transition from my undergraduate studies to the MPH program through the Accelerated 4+1 Program has allowed me to deepen my skills and contribute to impactful public health projects early in my career.
Which MPH concentration did you choose, and why?
I chose the Biostatistics concentration not only because I love math, but I am passionate about using data to inform public health decision-making. I enjoy statistical modeling, spatial analysis and computational methods. I’m especially interested in applying these tools to disaster informatics and infectious disease research.
What has been your favorite class in the SPH so far, and why?
So far, “Biostatistics II” has been one of my favorite classes. Not only was it an advanced statistical class that challenged me to think critically about data interpretation and modeling, but the hands-on work with SAS and public health-related datasets also helped me strengthen my analytical skills and confidence as a future public health professional.
What advice would you give undergraduate students considering pursing an MPH at Georgia State?
I would always encourage undergraduate students to take advantage of any research and mentorship opportunities, both within and outside the SPH. Building relationships with faculty and peers has opened doors for me academically and professionally. My last piece of advice is to not be afraid to ask questions and get involved. The experience will be incredibly rewarding.
Tell us about your extracurricular involvement (e.g. clubs, organizations, research and community engagement).
I currently serve as a Graduate Assistant in the Student Civic Engagement Office, where I support community-based learning initiatives with all student bodies. I also have been actively involved in research projects through the Center for Disaster Informatics and Computational Epidemiology, presenting at several conferences and working on projects related to infectious disease risk mapping and spatial epidemiology.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
My favorite place on campus happens to be the quiet study spaces in the College of Law Library. It is perfect for focusing on coursework and research, especially during busy project seasons!
What’s your career aspiration?
I am passionate about using data to tell meaningful public health stories. My career goal is to pursue a Ph.D. and advance research in spatial epidemiology and disaster informatics, helping communities better prepare for and respond to infectious disease risks. Ultimately, I hope my work can contribute to reducing health disparities and building more resilient and equitable public health systems.