Q&A with Helen Lindsay, MPH candidate in Global Health

What was your background before enrolling in the MPH program at Gillings?

In front of Gillings at the end of my first semester

I got my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Boston University. I actually took some public health classes as my social science electives during my freshman and sophomore years and getting an MPH has been a goal of mine since then. As an undergrad I got involved in research in global health technology and later in a program for humanitarian engineering and refugee studies. I did a global health technology research fellowship after graduation and then transitioned to the medical device field where I worked as a quality engineer. I’m sure mine isn’t the most traditional path to public health but I’ve definitely gained some valuable experience along the way!

What has been your favorite class so far at UNC?

I’ve enjoyed a lot of my classes so far, but I think my favorite is an elective I took last spring. It has quite a long title: PUBH 890-002 Special Topics in Public Health Leadership: Public Health and Migration: Persistent Discussions and Emerging Issues. One of my public health interests is in migration and forced displacement so I found this class very engaging. I learned so much especially about migration in the Americas which is a topic I was less familiar with.

How was your summer practicum experience?

At one of my favorite Chapel Hill restaurants – Mediterranean Deli!

My experience was good! I did my summer practicum at a local non-profit Refugee Community Partnership (RCP). They provide multiple services to refugees and immigrants living in the area. I was part of the community research team which is working on a project about access to interpretation services in health care settings in the Triangle. I supported the qualitative data analysis for this project. I also did a policy review focused on language access policy and communicated the information from this review to the staff and members of RCP. Language access is an important piece of promoting health equity!

Can you tell us about your work with the Humanitarian Health Initiative?

Sure! I started as a Humanitarian Health Initiative (HHI) intern in March and have had a really good experience so far. I’m working on the Syria project with Syrian Society for Social Development (SSSD). The organization works on many important activities including education, WaSH, and psychosocial support. I’m specifically working on projects with the health team, supporting data collection and analysis, organizational and community capacity building, and quality improvement efforts. I have learned so much from the SSSD team, Professor Leatherman and the extended UNC team and I’m looking forward to continuing our work this year!

Do you have any advice for new or prospective students?

Last year I went to the North Carolina state fair with some of my global health classmates

Yes! My advice to prospective students who are considering which program to choose is to try to learn about the community – having a close-knit cohort as well as supportive faculty and staff has been integral to my experience at UNC. Similarly for new students, I would recommend getting involved in student activities and connecting with your cohort. As for student groups – I may be biased since I’m the co-chair – I suggest attending Student Global Health Committee events!

What are your top three favorite movies?

One of the most unique experiences I’ve had in Chapel Hill – carving pumpkins with goats!

I always find this question hard! I enjoy historical fiction and movies based on true stories – “Bridge of Spies” is one of my favorites. I also read the book it was based on, “Strangers on a Bridge”. I also enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – and I read the book version (sensing a theme?). A recent favorite, which is also related to my public health interests, is The Swimmers. It is an amazing movie that I recommend everyone watch! There isn’t a book version, but if you’re interested in the subject “My Fourth Time We Drowned” is a great book about the Mediterranean migration route.