Student Spotlight: Caitlin Rempson

Meet Caitlin Rempson

Degree Program: MSPH 
Area of Interest: Child and Adolescent Health
Hometown: Morristown, NJ
Previous Degree Earned: BS in Public Health from the University of Miami
Fun Fact: I absolutely love adventurous activities. One day out of boredom, my sister and I drove to the nearest skydiving arena and decided to go sky diving on a whim. 

What sparked your interest in public health?
Many things drew me to this profession. My initial interest began because my parents are healthcare workers, so growing up, I wanted to be a doctor. I also had a unique perspective because my mother is white, and my father is black. This view allowed me to see the harsh reality of how people's treatment, opportunities, and so much more differ because of factors they have no control over, and these differences significantly impact their health. I began to recognize that health was more than just medical care, and I wanted to address all factors that affect health, which I now understand is public health.  

Why did you choose Bloomberg School of Public Health?
I chose the Bloomberg School of Public Health because it aligned with my values and goals. Having explored public health in my undergraduate degree, I knew adolescent and child health was my passion, but I had yet to learn there was a place focusing on this. Discovering the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health sold me on the Bloomberg School, and as I looked more into the school and the city, it only got better. Diversity was my top priority when selecting a school, and the Bloomberg School brings together students from all over the world with different backgrounds and perspectives. My interest in public health originally stemmed from my passion for decreasing health disparities and inequities in urban settings. Baltimore, a city historically built on inequities, offers a unique environment where the Bloomberg School has been actively working within the community to address these issues. This commitment to community engagement and outreach is of great importance to me, and I knew the Bloomberg School would support me in making meaningful connections and contributions in Baltimore.

What led you to join the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health?
My interest in child and adolescent health stemmed from working in a nonprofit organization called The Home Team. It provides free after-school care for children, including transportation, food, tutoring, and athletic opportunities. Working with these children and families, observing their challenges, and providing support is how I found my passion for child and adolescent health. PFRH has created many community and global interventions that help youth’s needs, like The Home Team, using evidence and science to address various child and adolescent health topics. 
 

This field placement has been a life-changing experience, and has reassured me of the career I want as a public health practitioner and now a global health practitioner. 

What is one experience in PFRH that stands out as a favorite or most memorable? 
The experience that stands out to me the most in PFRH is the opportunity to work with the youth in Baltimore. In my favorite class, Children in Crisis, different youth-led organizations would present their fantastic work, such as working to solve food insecurity or improve mental health. I was amazed to hear and learn from the youth about the tremendous organizations they have created themselves, and I love that my teachers provide the youth with that platform.

My favorite memory with PFRH is bittersweet. I was given an internship through SOURCE at Good Harvest, a nonprofit where I provided career support and taught soft skill lessons to young people and adults from adverse backgrounds working to gain their culinary degrees. When I first started, I was nervous as this was the first time I had worked with older youth or young adults. But it ended up being one of the most impactful experiences ever. I loved it. Watching and being a part of student's growth was so rewarding, with some students receiving their first degree. It was tough to leave on my last day of work, as I had built a strong bond with that class of students. At that moment, I realized how powerful and reciprocal the impact between the young people and myself was. We all hugged, made TikToks, and took photos, and it was so powerful to receive support from "my students" with my future career as I had been giving to them prior. This opportunity is one I probably would not have selected without PFRH, and I am so thankful I did.

Tell us about your field placement.
For my field placement, I am currently working and living in Ndola, Zambia, for six months to adapt an intervention to address the intersectionality of stigma, violence, and depression in youth living with HIV. We are explicitly working to integrate an evidence-based mental health program into an existing intervention that works with youth living with HIV called Project Yes! to create Project Yes! Plus. Within this field placement, I have the fantastic opportunity to assist in co-creation sessions with youth and caregivers as well as expert stakeholders and conduct cognitive interviews with youth to create a scale that will provide accurate and culturally appropriate measures of stigma, violence, and depression in youth living with HIV in Zambia. Furthermore, I am working on quantitative data and potentially qualitative data analysis. Besides this project, I have had the fantastic opportunity to work with HIV clinics and pediatric physicians and explore and learn about an entirely new part of the world. So far, this field placement has been a life-changing experience and has reassured me of the career I want as a public health practitioner and now a global health practitioner. 

What do you hope to do or accomplish after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue working within global health, creating and implementing evidence-based interventions for youth worldwide. While continuing my global health work, I plan to attend medical school and obtain a pediatric medical degree. With this degree, I hope to combine my public health and physician work to provide a well-rounded approach to caring for children’s health, focusing on addressing disparities globally and within the nation. I am confident my experience with PFRH will help me achieve these goals, and I am already very appreciative of all the tools they have provided me.

What are some of your favorite places or aspects of living in Baltimore?
My favorite part about Baltimore is that it really is a Charm City. Each neighborhood is very unique, and you can always find something new everywhere. If you are in the mood for a day of greenery you can go to Patterson Park, if you want more of the city feel you can head downtown, or if you want to be near the water head to the Inner Harbor. Not only is there a variety in places but also activities. Throughout the year, there are concerts, comedy shows, sports games, and holiday activities. There’s just so many options and so much to do.

What advice do you have for prospective students interested in joining the PFRH community?
As a prospective student interested in joining the PFRH community, you should be aware that you are going to be surrounded by endless opportunities from some of the most amazing people you will meet. With all this excitement, keep your mind open and stay curious. You may believe you have a set plan but be open to taking classes you normally wouldn’t, and speak to professors who work in completely different areas of your interest. It is okay if your path delineates from what you expected, what matters is finding what you are truly passionate about and PFRH has the resources to explore, so take advantage.