Alumni Spotlight: Gabriela Marmolejos, MSPH '21

• Degree Program: MSPH
• Area of Interest: Maternal, Fetal, and Perinatal Health
• Graduation Year: 2021
• Hometown: Miami, Florida
• Previous Degree(s) Earned: BS in Health Administration & Policy, George Mason University

What sparked your interest in public health? 

During my junior year of undergrad, I led a qualitative study on maternal health in the Dominican Republic, which revealed the inadequate quality standards at some public hospitals. This experience ignited my interest in building public health strategies to enhance maternal care for women globally. It motivated me to pursue a career focused on advancing women’s and maternal health equity.

What led you to choose Bloomberg School of Public Health andjoin the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health?

The summer before my senior year of undergrad, I had the opportunity to participate in the Bloomberg School’s Diversity Summer Internship Program, which introduced me to the various tracks and concentrations offered by the School. I was particularly drawn to the maternal, fetal, and perinatal health concentration within the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health. This focus aligned perfectly with my goal of deepening my expertise in maternal and women’s health improvement.

How did your degree prepare you for current and future roles? What aspects of the PFRH degree program did you find most useful?

My MSPH studies significantly enhanced my critical thinking, project management, communication, and data analysis skills. In my career today, I frequently rely on the communication and writing skills developed through health policy courses, as well as the data analysis expertise gained from biostatistics and epidemiology courses. These skills are essential to my work addressing complex U.S. healthcare challenges.

In my career today, I frequently rely on the communication and writing skills I developed through health policy courses, as well as the data analysis expertise gained from biostatistics and epidemiology courses. 

Describe your current position and responsibilities in a way that will inform current and prospective students about career opportunities in your field.

As a Research Consultant at Advisory Board (a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group), I help U.S. health care leaders stay current with advancements in healthcare strategy, policy, and innovation. My team specifically supports specialty care hospital leaders in developing long-term strategies for high quality women’s health, maternal health, cardio metabolic health, and orthopedic service programs. Our work is guided by a combination of literature reviews, qualitative interviews, and data analysis to deliver evidence-based recommendations.

How did you build your sense of community during your time as a PFRH student?

I made a deliberate effort to connect with my classmates by inviting them to coffee or lunch, fostering meaningful relationships beyond the classroom. To broaden my network further, I attended school-wide events and joined student groups such as the Latino Public Health Network, which allowed me to engage with individuals outside my department. These efforts helped me build a diverse and supportive community throughout my studies (which overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic).

What was your favorite thing about living in Baltimore while you were a student?

I loved living by Fells Point, where I created some of my favorite memories, such as attending seasonal festivals, shopping at the weekly farmers market, studying at Pitango, and watching breathtaking sunsets by the waterfront.

Do you have any advice for prospective students?

You will get out of the experience what you put in, so give it your best! The skills and work ethic you build in the program will propel you forward in your future career.