A Q&A with recent MPH graduate Justo Alvarez on his NYU GPH experience, as he enters the work force ready to be the disease detective he imagined he would be.
Why did you pursue an MPH in epidemiology at NYU GPH?
While I was at UCF, I enrolled in my first epidemiology course and that’s where it all clicked. My professor, Dr. Abdelli, said “An epidemiologist, at its core, is a disease detective,” and that phrase truly stuck with me. I really enjoyed that class, and was able to put those teachings to practice when COVID-19 hit the very next semester. At the time, I was working as a scribe in the ER at AdventHealth East Orlando. Watching doctors and nurses fight for patients’ live then turning to epidemiologists for assistance was incredibly motivating. I knew I didn’t want to work in direct patient care, but I still wanted to help people and prepare communities for future pandemics. Naturally, I applied to NYU’s GPH program.
Where did you complete your summer internship? What was the main objective? And why was this work important?
I interned remotely with an EMS agency in Florida. The main goal was to analyze agency metrics to identify areas for improvement. My work was presented at a conference in San Diego, which was really exciting. EMS is often the first point of care, especially for underserved communities, so helping them run more efficiently really matters. Knowing that my work could help other agencies made it even more rewarding.
How did you find your internship?
NYU GPH provided guidance, telling students early on to begin thinking about internships. Between career workshops, professional headshots, LinkedIn tips and resume reviews, they set us up for success. They also sent out a huge list of internships with contacts and past student experiences. I also took advantage of networking events and career fairs. But honestly, what helped the most was a “coffee talk” session where I learned how to confidently reach out to professionals.
How did GPH contribute to the success of your research?
My success is directly impacted by my professors. Back in undergrad, I never really got to know my professors, but the opposite unfolded at NYU. Dr. Farzana Kapadia’s epidemiology class was one of my favorites. She made everything clear and approachable, and her office hours were both helpful and enjoyable. Dr. Brian Spitzer made complex biostatistical topics easy to understand, which gave me a solid foundation. When it was time for me to start working on my thesis, I felt confident. My advisor and department chair, Dr. Eliseo Guallar, was super supportive and open to my topics. He didn’t just tell me what to do, he helped me figure things out for myself—making the process more meaningful.
Describe a highlight of your NYU GPH experience that has made your time here memorable.
NYU GPH is super diverse, and living in NYC has exposed me to so many new perspectives. The entire city feels like our campus, there’s always something to do or explore. NYU sends out a newsletter with discounts to events, shows, and experiences. I’ve made lifelong friends and met some incredible guest speakers who are leaders in public health. Honestly, it’s the everyday moments, random lunches, study sessions, advice from professors, and spontaneous city adventures that I’ll remember most.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I’ve accepted a position as the Quality Assurance Coordinator with the Office of the Medical Director in Orlando, Florida. I’ll be extracting and analyzing EMS data to monitor quality metrics, contributing to research projects, supporting disaster shelters, and working with the emergency management team. My main focus will be continuing EMS-based research and applying the findings directly to improve systems in Orlando. It’s a great start to my career and exactly the kind of work I wanted to do with my MPH.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a student starting their MPH experience at NYU GPH?
Get involved as much as you can! Every week, GPH sends out a newsletter called “The Trail Mix” that’s packed with events, workshops, networking opportunities, and random cool stuff — like free CPR training or yoga. I was working full-time while going to school, so I missed a lot. If I could go back, I’d definitely make more time to attend those events. They’re a great way to meet people, build your network, and grow both academically and personally.
Pictured: Justo hiking and bouldering with friends.