MPH Fellowship

MCH group photo at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

About the MPH Fellowship

The Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health offers three fellowships each year to students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds who are interested in completing the Maternal and Child Health Certificate.

Fellowship recipients will receive:

  • A $15,000 scholarship for their first year
  • A $15,000 scholarship for their second year 
  • Up to $3,000 per semester REAL award for an MCH-related position
  • $2,000 in practicum assistance

Eligibility

Requirement 1

From a historically disadvantaged background

Requirement 2

US citizenship or permanent resident

Requirement 3

Accepted into a full time MPH or MSPH program at RSPH.

Requirement 4

Apply to the MCH Certificate program by the deadline listed in the How to Apply section below.

How to apply

  1. Follow the application process for the MCH certificate program. Details can be found here. Note: there is not a separate application for the fellowship. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be considered for the fellowship.
  2. Apply by January 29 to be considered for the fellowship

Meet our current fellows

Milly Thomas '26
Milly Thomas ’26

“As one of this year’s MCH fellows, I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with individuals compelled to challenge many of the social issues faced in maternal child health. With this fellowship, I hope to learn more about maternal child health in developing and conflict-prone areas, specifically how cultural variables, resource scarcity, and violence impact MCH globally. I believe that world peace and stability are possible with concentrated investment in women and children. With the knowledge and skills I will learn in this program, I hope to advocate for women and children in underserved communities around the world, as well as help in the development and application of sustainable projects, in consideration of cultural relevance, cost efficiency, and reliable access to care/resources.”

Janifa Akter '26
Janifa Akter ’26

“I am thrilled to be an MCH Fellowship recipient of the 2024. With the support of this fellowship, I plan to explore advanced research methods, develop and evaluate programs aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality, and investigate systemic factors that enhance the safety of pregnancy, childbirth, and neonatal care. I am to identify effective strategies to overcome obstacles and create a comprehensive plan to reduce pediatric mortality, especially under-five mortality, in developing countries and the United States. I am eager to connect with and learn from other maternal and child health professionals, drawing on their expertise and experience to inform and strengthen my work.”

Nausheen Ahmed '26
Nausheen Ahmed ’26

“I am deeply honored to receive the MCH fellowship, which reflects my passion for Maternal and Child Health while opening new opportunities for growth and collaboration. With this fellowship, I aim to engage with peers, faculty, and MCH professionals in sharing meaningful perspectives and fostering connections. I look forward to building a community that genuinely cares about the importance of MCH in promoting equity, cultural competency, and personal autonomy. I am committed to using this opportunity to drive impactful changes on pressing public health issues related to Maternal and Child Health.”

Kaitlyn Plummer '25
Kaitlyn Plummer ’25

“I am beyond grateful to be selected as one of this year’s recipients of the MCH Fellowship. With this program’s interdisciplinary and collaborative nature, I can expand my knowledge and further cultivate my drive to improve the quality of reproductive and maternal health care for all women and birthing people. This fellowship will allow me to grow as a leader while seeking maternal and reproductive health justice for those in Black and marginalized communities.I look forward to developing meaningful relationships with my peers, faculty, and other MCH changemakers passionate about reducing MCH disparities.”

Oummu Barrie '25
Oummu Barrie ’25

“I am honored to be one of the MCH Fellowship recipients this year and to join a cohort of passionate public health professionals. This fellowship will allow me to develop a stronger foundation in MCH and allow me to further sharpen my policy-making and advocacy skills. I look forward to working with and forming meaningful connections with my classmates, faculty, and various MCH professionals.”

Eden Wakiweya '25
Eden Wakiweya ’25

“I am beyond honored to receive the MCH Fellowship and be a part of this incredible cohort of passionate and knowledgeable public health professionals. This fellowship will allow me the opportunity to partner with public health advocates to build networks of support for birthing people, children, and families and social change for greater access to the services of society. I believe the road to equity runs through community, and I am passionate about having a career that honors the assets and cultures of immigrant and refugee communities when engaging in public health efforts. I look forward to learning from and collaborating with various MCH experts through this fellowship!”