Why did you choose the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH)?
I chose YSPH because I felt a strong sense of community from my peers, the administration and faculty members as soon as I was notified of my acceptance. I could see the different opportunities at my disposal to explore my diverse interests in global health, mental health, and maternal and child health. I knew that the plethora of research opportunities and outreach events to engage with the greater New Haven community would provide me with a well-rounded skill set to have an impact on global health and public health practice!
What were you doing before enrolling at YSPH?
Prior to beginning my studies at YSPH, I worked as a Research Program Coordinator at the Engaging, Managing and Bonding through Race (EMBRace) Lab at the University of Michigan. This lab focuses on addressing racial stress and trauma as a determinant of poor mental health outcomes in Black youth. I helped manage two qualitative research studies: A virtual family-based therapeutic program and a virtual reality after school program.
What are your favorite aspects of the YSPH academic program?
I love the wide breadth of classes offered at YSPH. There are many opportunities to take elective courses within YSPH departments and across Yale's other graduate and undergraduate offerings. This allows for students to truly tailor their degree to their specific interests.
What was your most impactful experience outside of class?
I truly enjoy working on research projects with the Yale Network for Global Noncommunicable Diseases and on a Suicide Prevention Project in Nepal with Dr. Ashley Hagaman! Both of these opportunities have given me insight into laboratory and project management, data management and data analytics skills. They've fostered in me a deep interest in research, and have demonstrated to me the transformative impact research can have on communities.
I chose YSPH because I felt a strong sense of community from my peers, the administration and faculty members as soon as I was notified of my acceptance.
Divya Gumudavelly
Do you have a favorite Yale place or New Haven food?
My favorite food places in New Haven would be September in Bangkok, Zeneli Pizzeria and Soul de Cuba. The food scene in New Haven is unique and quite like any other – the aforementioned places have to be some of the best Thai food, pizza and Cuban food I've ever had.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
As of now, my plan is to apply to doctoral programs in global health and public health. I hope to complement the skills I'm gaining at YSPH with rigorous training in qualitative research methods, implementation science and content expertise in maternal mental health. I hope to take these skills and lead my own research projects at governmental agencies.