Stacey Binford Aims to Turn Public Health Data Into Meaningful Action

Stacey Binford is a dedicated online MPH student and proud member of the School of Public Health's Student Council. She chose the School of Public Health for its flexibility, enabling her to excel in her full-time career while pursuing her passion for public health.

Name: Stacey Binford

Hometown: Marietta, Georgia

Undergraduate degree and institution: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Kennesaw State University

Expected date of graduation: May 2027

Why did you choose the Georgia State School of Public Health?
I chose Georgia State’s School of Public Health because of its location in the heart of Atlanta and its proximity to health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I was also drawn to the diverse community and hands-on opportunities in public health. Additionally, the program’s flexibility allows me to balance working full time while pursuing my MPH.

Which MPH concentration did you choose, and why?
I chose Epidemiology because I’m fascinated by the “why” behind disease and health trends. This field gives me the tools to investigate these questions further and better understand how various factors contribute to population health and disparities.

What has been your favorite class in the SPH so far, and why?
My favorite class thus far has been “Global Health” with Dr. Armstrong-Mensah. This class really put into perspective how social, cultural and economic factors influence health outcomes globally. This is important because it showcases the need for cultural sensitivity in designing interventions that improve health outcomes.

What advice would you give undergraduate students considering pursuing an MPH at Georgia State?
My advice would be to stay open to where your interests take you! I initially started out in the Health Promotion and Behavior concentration before discovering my passion for Epidemiology after taking an introductory epidemiology class. Public health offers so many fascinating areas, so you don’t have to have everything figured out from day one. Allow yourself to evolve as you learn what best resonates with you!

Tell us about your extracurricular involvement.
I’m a member of the School of Public Health’s Student Council, where our focus is on enhancing the student experience through community events and advocating for student needs.

What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
When I’m on campus, I’ve enjoyed visiting the Urban Life Building and outdoor area between Urban Life and the Student Center. These areas have been great for getting some fresh air and views of the city.

What’s your career aspiration?
I aspire to apply my analytical and technical background to epidemiological work that uses data to identify health patterns and inform prevention strategies that aim to address health disparities.