Media Contact
Sam Fahmy
Director of Communications
School of Public Health
[email protected]
Driven by a passion to uplift communities, Erica Parham chose the School of Public Health to serve and to learn. Through her internship with the Atlanta Autism Center, she developed a caregiver resource guide and created an autism 101 orientation guide for newly diagnosed families.
Name: Erica Parham
Hometown: Decatur, Georgia
Undergraduate degree and institution: B.S in Health and Human Performance, Albany State University
Expected date of graduation: Spring 2026
Why did you choose the Georgia State School of Public Health?
I chose Georgia State because I wanted to serve, learn and improve upon my community. Additionally, the School of Public Health is a global hub for educating future leaders, and it offers endless opportunities to network with the world’s most brilliant minds.
Which MPH concentration did you choose, and why?
I chose Health Promotion and Behavior because moving through different fields and positions, such as a neuro-behavioral counselor for traumatic brain injury patients and a behavioral therapist for kids with autism, has allowed me to see beyond diagnosis and to see the individuals for who they are and their needs. This concentration is tailored to professionals and students with a passion to help others through health promotion, positive behavioral changes and overall aid help community members live longer and healthier lives.
What has been your favorite class in the SPH so far, and why?
“Dissemination and Implementation Science” with Dr. Freire was one of the classes I was initially nervous to take, especially given the powerhouse of a professor she is. This class ended up being one of my favorites because she gave us an academic push like no other, from understanding theories and frameworks to applying them to real-world implementations and public health challenges. Overall, this course strengthened my ability to approach complex public health issues through evidence-based principles that can make lasting impacts in all communities.
What advice would you give undergraduate students considering pursuing an MPH at Georgia State?
Just go for it. There is always success when you make an impact in public health! Get involved and network with like-hearted individuals. Also, explore all things public health, not just those that relate to your concentration, and trust what you know and what you’ve been taught. You will go far.
Tell us about your extracurricular involvement.
I was able to intern for the Atlanta Autism Center as a Caregiver Support Specialist during my Applied Practice Experience. This opportunity was an honor to give back to the community, as I was able to develop an extensive caregiver resource guide and create an autism 101 orientation guide for newly diagnosed families.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
I’m not on campus often, as I am mostly a hybrid/online student, but I can say that I truly enjoy the school’s overall scenery, especially being in the heart of Atlanta. This truly shows the importance of Georgia State University in the Atlanta community.
What’s your career aspiration?
I hope to pursue a career in maternal and child health and childhood disabilities as a public health officer in the United States Air Force. I plan to contribute to the expansion and improvement of resources and health promotion initiatives for mothers and children. I also plan to dive more into the world of developmental disabilities to promote the importance of early diagnosis, early intervention and the overall well-being of children and their families.