Thai Vang

Global Health'25

May 21, 2025

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

• I chose Rollins because of its strong interdisciplinary approach and deep connections with public health organizations like the CDC and local community health initiatives. The Global Health department stood out to me because of its unique curriculum that allows me to gain qualitative, quantitative, and monitoring and evaluation skills, as well as the opportunity to engage in fieldwork addressing pressing public health challenges. The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Certificate aligns perfectly with my Global Health concentration, as it allows me to study maternal nutrition, infant feeding practices, and the impact of food insecurity on health outcomes through a global health lens. My study interests are the life-course perspective of nutrition on early childhood development and the behavior parents practice in raising their children, particularly in underserved and refugee communities.  

What experiences did you bring with you to Rollins? Or what is your background? 

• Before coming to Rollins, I served as a California Into Public Health Fellow with the University of California, San Francisco, where I was placed at a local county public health department during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. I worked as a COVID-19 case investigator and contact tracer for a while before moving into communicable disease investigation and HIV management. As a former refugee myself, I bring a unique perspective to public health, understanding both the systemic challenges and the lived experiences of marginalized communities.  

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

• For my Applied Practice Experience (APE), I worked with the Clarkston Health Equity Coalition, conducting an asset needs assessment to assess the gaps in pediatric nutrition services for refugee communities in Clarkston, GA. I identified available resources, interviewed healthcare providers and community-based organizations, and analyzed barriers to delivering effective nutrition education and support. Additionally, I also facilitate focus group discussions with Congolese mothers to explore their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to nutrition, early childhood feeding, and cultural barriers. I found this opportunity through Eve Rose and Dr. Blake. They sent out this opportunity to students during the summer of 2024, and I decided to take this opportunity as it aligns with my interest in working with refugee communities.  

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

• One of my favorite experiences at Rollins was learning different statistical software. I found it rewarding to apply my quantitative skills while addressing public health concerns.  

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

• Take advantage of the interdisciplinary resources available—whether through classes, faculty mentorship, or research centers. Make sure to seek additional opportunities that align with your specific interests. Engage in discussions, attend seminars, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professors whose research interest excites you. I highly encourage you to network early so you can find something that truly aligns with your long-term goals, especially those that came straight from undergrad. This is a great chance to develop skills and build connections.  

What do you enjoy doing most outside of public health? 

• Outside of public health, I enjoy cooking Southeast Asian foods and listening to Hmong scary stories on YouTube. I also like cross-stitching, which is very peaceful for me. When I have time, I also like learning about finance and options trading, which is a completely different world from public health. It has been an interesting way to think about decision-making and risk analysis.