When Aaliyah Olvera Vanzzini began her college journey, she was torn between two distinct paths: nursing or business. Driven by her passion for healthcare, she initially chose the pre-nursing track. But as the coursework unfolded, Aaliyah realized something wasn’t quite right. “I was in a slump,” she recalls, unsure of her next steps. That’s… Read more »
By: Kai Rumley, BSPH Internship: Marion County Public Health Department: Bell Flower Clinic I grew up in Avon, Indiana, as the eldest of five siblings. Family has always been a cornerstone of my life, so I strongly desired to attend a university close to home that would allow me to remain active in my… Read more »
Brianne Karazsia’s story with the Fairbanks School of Public Health is one of continuous engagement, professional growth, and heartfelt connection. From her days as an undergraduate to her current role as an instructor, Brianne has maintained strong ties to the institution that helped launch her career. Now, she is channeling her passion for human… Read more »
Madison Kuziela, a soon-to-be graduate from our Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management program, has fully embraced the hands-on learning opportunities offered at the Fairbanks School of Public Health. Originally from Chicago, she is set to graduate in December 2024 and has spent her final semester interning at Hoosier Village Retirement Community in… Read more »
When Sandeep Samra began her undergraduate studies at Indiana University Indianapolis, she was drawn to the world of healthcare, initially imagining herself in a clinical role, providing bedside care. However, as she completed various internships, she discovered a deeper passion for the work happening behind the scenes—the strategies and decisions that directly impact patient… Read more »
For Simrandeep Kaur, public health isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. As the immunization data & surveillance coordinator for the Indiana Department of Health, she has turned her passion for epidemiology into a pathway for making tangible, positive impacts in communities. But Simrandeep’s journey into public health wasn’t always a straight line. “I started… Read more »
Shay Bex never anticipated a career in public health—it found her. Starting her academic journey as a biology major, Shay was unsure of her direction but knew that she was passionate about health. It wasn’t until her two roommates, both public health majors, introduced her to the field that everything began to make sense…. Read more »
Mary Webster’s path to becoming a resource epidemiologist for the Indiana Department of Health began with a deep-rooted passion for diseases and how they spread. “I have always held a fascination with different diseases and how they travel,” Mary explains. This curiosity led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with… Read more »
For Dunia Rozakis, the path to discovering their true passion in public health was a journey marked by curiosity, exploration, and a deep commitment to helping others. Hailing from Wheeling, Illinois, and set to graduate in December 2024, Rozakis’s academic journey has been anything but ordinary. Rozakis’s initial foray into college life did not… Read more »
Grace Hicks, a driven and passionate student from Plainfield, Indiana, is making strides in the field of public health as she pursues her major in epidemiology with a minor in health administration. Set to graduate in May 2025 from the IU Fairbanks School of Public Health, Hicks’s path to discovering her true calling in… Read more »