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School of Public Health
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MPH student Arriyanna Brooks is pursuing a concentration in Health Promotion and Behavior, where she focuses on health disparities and interpersonal violence prevention. She aspires to build a career in the federal government developing strategies to reduce interpersonal violence perpetration among military populations.
Name: Arriyanna Brooks
Hometown: Jacksonville, North Carolina
Undergraduate degree and institution: B.A. and M.A. in Anthropology, University of Alabama
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 I was impressed with all the research and programs in the SPH that focused on the local communities of Atlanta.
Which MPH concentration did you choose, and why?
I am in the Health Promotion and Behavior concentration. I chose this concentration because I felt it built nicely upon my background in medical anthropology, and I wanted to know more about planning, implementing and evaluating interventions.
What has been your favorite class in the SPH so far, and why?
My favorite class so far has been “Health Disparities” because it strengthened my understanding of how health disparities are defined and approaches used to mitigate them.
What advice would you give undergraduate students considering pursing an MPH at Georgia State?
My advice to undergraduates considering an MPH is that your MPH experience is really what you make of it, so connect with the faculty, engage in your lectures and try to get involved with research or organizations that align with your professional goals.
Tell us about your extracurricular involvement.
I work as a Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Daniel Whitaker. In this role, I have helped with the planning of the Kreuter Katz Lecture and Public Health Research Symposium as well as facilitating the Grand Rounds student breakfasts. Outside of Georgia State, I work as a research assistant on a project around hospital-based doula programs in the United States.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
I love sitting outside while working, so my favorite campus spot so far is the terrace on the second floor of Library North.
What’s your career aspiration?
My current career aspiration is to get a job working for the federal government that focuses on reducing interpersonal violence perpetration among the military.