I am a massive public health nerd, as I imagine many others are at YSPH. I look forward to being in a place where people are just as enthusiastic about the same things as I am, if not more so. I remember reading a book as a kid about typhoid and being captivated by what I now know is the process of an outbreak investigation. I didn’t know the word epidemiology at the time, but I knew the topic interested me. I’m so excited to delve into infectious disease, narrow down my interests, and grow as a learner to nurture my slightly strange childhood interests.
First-year student pursuing her childhood dreams at YSPH
Meet the Class of 2027: Hannah Pavlecic, MPH ’27, Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases
What excites you about attending the Yale School of Public Health?
What do you feel sets YSPH apart from other public health schools?
Every member of the faculty, staff, and student body at YSPH has been so willing to help in any way they can and answer all of my questions. If the person I am talking to doesn’t know about a topic, there is absolutely no hesitation to refer me to someone who knows more, then that person helps with just as much enthusiasm. I have already made many great connections, and my classes haven’t even started yet! YSPH feels like such a collaborative and welcoming environment. I cannot wait to be a part of it.
What would you like people to know about you?
I graduated in 2024 from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a BS in public health and a minor in disability and human development. In the time since, I have interned at the Chicago Department of Public Health in the Office of Substance Use. Learning in class how epidemiology and public health programming works is one thing, but real-world experiences are another. Being there changed how I view public health and helped me connect what I had read in textbooks to real-world examples. I had a lot of great mentors who challenged and encouraged me every step of the way, including pushing me to apply to YSPH. In my free time, I love to knit. I’m currently working on a top using yarn from a New Haven yarn shop. I also love spending time outdoors hiking or just enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
What are your long-term goals?
I have a feeling my goals will change as I progress in the program, but currently I see myself working for a health department as an epidemiologist, hopefully doing outbreak investigations or other work related to infectious disease. For now, the only two concrete goals I have are to learn as much as I possibly can in my time at YSPH and to graduate!
Meet the Class of 2027 is an ongoing series showcasing incoming students at the Yale School of Public Health.