Student Spotlight: Sahana Shekhar
Meet Sahana Shekhar
- Degree Program: Master of Science in Public Health
- Area of Interest: Maternal, Fetal and Perinatal Health
- Hometown: Bridgewater, New Jersey
- Previous Degree Earned: BA, Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rutgers University
- Fun Fact: I love to knit!
What sparked your interest in public health?
I was fortunate to join several public health clubs during my undergraduate experience, which allowed me to interact with community health organizations that mobilized local resources to meet community needs. I was also involved in peer reproductive health counseling, which sparked my interest in health communication and community outreach.
Why did you choose Bloomberg School of Public Health?
I chose the Bloomberg School because they uniquely offer programs that allow students to explore interdisciplinary interests across public health research and practice. The curriculum emphasizes an understanding of public health practice that establishes sustainable support within local and global communities, and uplifting community voices that represent their unique needs. The faculty members and their work inspire me to apply my learning and experiences to the growing body of knowledge in the field.
The curriculum emphasizes an understanding of public health practice that establishes sustainable support within local and global communities, and uplifting community voices that represent their unique needs.
What led you to join the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health?
The Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health offers specific concentrations wherein students can obtain knowledge on qualitative and quantitative research methods, community outreach, and health communication. I was particularly interested in the life course perspective through which we understand health outcomes. We are also given the opportunity to complete field placements that provide practicum experience with leading public health experts.
What is one experience in PFRH that stands out as a favorite or most memorable?
One of my favorite experiences at PFRH is attending the Department’s "Brown Bag Lunches" wherein a faculty member and students bring their own lunches and sit together for an hour, discussing everything from academics to personal anecdotes in public health. It’s a great environment to connect with faculty and peers, and opens up engaging conversations!
Tell us about your field placement.
My field placement involves supporting the implementation of maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) programs across the state of Karnataka in India. I am working with the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), a not-for-profit organization that works closely with local governments to improve health systems for various communities. Through this opportunity, I have been able to closely observe private-public sector relationships focused on knowledge empowerment and capacity building at the grass-roots level. I work with qualitative researchers to evaluate MNCH interventions that aim to reduce stillbirth rates and neonatal mortality rates, which will further inform the conception of programs and policies scaled-up to the state and national levels.
What do you hope to do or accomplish after graduation?
Upon graduation, I hope to attend medical school as an aspiring gynecologist. My experiences in public health have taught me the importance of strengthening community health and well-being, given that individual health is largely influenced by the individuals’ interactions with their changing environments.
