Kate Kelsey (GH’25)

Global Health

November 27, 2024

Why did you choose Rollins? And why did you choose to study Global Health with an MCH Certificate?

I chose Rollins because it allowed me to bring all my interests together! I was a Global Health Studies major in undergrad, and I noticed that I was particularly drawn to reproductive health research and women’s empowerment but wasn’t sure that I could make a career out of my passions. When looking at graduate programs, Emory allowed me to combine these interests with the Global Health program and MCH certificate, which felt like a perfect fit!

What did you do for your APE? How did you find it?

My APE was with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia. I worked with their research team on two separate projects: a stillbirth story banking project and a safe sleep event evaluation. I actually met my advisor at a conference held on Emory’s campus!

What is or was your favorite experience at Rollins (academic or non-academic?)

Probably Fall Fling & the spring formal! It was so much fun to see all my classmates outside of the academic setting, and all come together.

Explain your role in ERHA. How was GEMMA Night?

As the GEMMA Chair, my role is to support the efforts of the Global Elimination of Maternal Mortality from Abortion (GEMMA) Fund. This funds student researchers who are doing amazing work in the field of abortion! Every year, ERHA hosts an annual GEMMA Night to help raise money to directly support this program. This year, we raised over $4,400 for the GEMMA fund!!

What do you hope to do after graduating from Rollins?

I am currently applying for my PhD, but if that path doesn’t play out, I plan to move to Pittsburgh, PA and find a job in reproductive health!

What advice do you have for current first-year and future MCH Certificate students?

Network, network, network! It can feel super intimidating, but I have made so many connections during this program that allowed me to have opportunities I didn’t think I would have. Plus, you never know where you might meet someone; I stumbled into a connection at Pride!

What do you enjoy doing most outside of public health?

I love to read! I really enjoy reading all types of genres, but really enjoy queer romances. I have really been enjoying going to all the different bookstores and coffee shops around the city.