Q&A with Clarke Glavin, MPH Candidate in Global Health
What was your background before enrolling in the MPH program at Gillings?
Clarke Glavin
Before starting the MPH program at Gillings, I worked in Masaka, Uganda for a year working as a proposal writer for a Ugandan NGO focused on improving maternal and child health in two rural districts, Rakai and Kyotera. Previously, I worked for 1.5 years as a program manager for an NGO in Guatemala, overseeing a nutrition-education intervention aimed at preventing child stunting during the first 1,000 days of life.
Will you tell us more about your MPH practicum as an IntraHealth Fellow?
As a UNC-IntraHealth fellow, I supported efforts to better position IntraHealth within the future global health landscape. Specifically, I helped highlight IntraHealth’s global health work to decolonize global health and improve pandemic preparedness and response. Through research and interviews with project staff, I authored blog posts and other communications materials IntraHealth can use to showcase their expertise and experience in these two important global health topics.
What does “global health” mean to you?
To me, “global health” is the practice of collaborating with local communities around the world to reduce health inequities; both through research and the implementation of evidence-based interventions.
What are your favorite aspects of proposal writing?
My favorite aspect of proposal writing is how collaborative it is. As a proposal writer, you get to work with and learn from people across the entire organization. In addition, proposal writing is a great way to get exposure to a wide range of global health topics. As a proposal writer, I have worked on project proposals focused on everything from nutrition to HIV/AIDS to cervical cancer. Lastly, it is really rewarding when a grant proposal gets funded! During my job in Uganda, I worked on proposals that led to grant funding for three new maternal and child health initiatives, which was really exciting to be a part of.
What drew you to the Gillings School of Global Public Health?
The Gillings School of Global Public Health was my top choice based on the school’s ranking, affordability, and location. I was drawn to Gilling’s reputation as the #2 ranked school of public health in the country and the fact that, as a public school, UNC is more affordable than other top ranked institutions. I was also really excited about living in North Carolina. I love that the Research Triangle area is three hours’ drive from both the mountains and the ocean. There are also great global health non-profit organizations in the area, so I can see myself staying here after graduation. Plus, my grandfather was also a tar heel, so I have family ties to UNC as well!
What is your favorite place to hike and why?
My favorite place I have hiked in North Carolina has been the Carvers Gap section of the Appalachian Trail. From up on the ridgeline, we had an awesome 360-degree view of both eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, as the trail is right on the border. There’s also great hiking more locally. Last weekend I took my dog Moe on the Mountains-to-Sea trail, which is only about 30 minutes away.
What is your dream job?
After graduating, I’m interested in working in a development or program management role at a non-profit focused on improving outcomes in global maternal and child health.
