From the lacrosse field to the clinical setting, Nicole Steiner is leveraging her MPH in public health nutrition to bridge the gap between community health and patient care. By pairing her discipline as a student athlete with NYU GPH’s immersive coursework and faculty mentorship, Nicole now serves as a dedicated patient advocate at Mount Sinai.
Why did you pursue an MPH in nutrition at NYU GPH?
I pursued an MPH in public health nutrition at NYU GPH because I was motivated to address health inequities and contribute to a more inclusive society. I believe public health plays a crucial role in rebuilding connections within communities, and I view nutrition as a powerful tool for promoting prevention and long-term health.
The nutrition concentration at NYU GPH allowed me to combine these interests to create meaningful change and make a difference. Through this degree, I hoped to use my education and knowledge to teach others about nutrition and health. I am particularly passionate about working with underserved communities to promote equity and support individuals in advocating for themselves and their health.
Describe a highlight of your NYU GPH experience that has made your time here memorable.
One of the biggest highlights of my NYU GPH experience has been the relationships I’ve built with both classmates and professors. The supportive and collaborative environment made coming to class something I genuinely looked forward to. These connections not only enriched my academic experience but also helped shape my professional growth and confidence.
How did NYU GPH help you secure your current position?
NYU GPH was extremely helpful throughout my search for both a summer internship and a full-time job. The Wasserman Center for Career Development supported me with resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and networking strategies.
I also learned how to speak professionally and confidently in interviews, ask thoughtful and strategic questions, and present my experiences clearly. Their guidance made the entire process feel more manageable and gave me the confidence to pursue roles aligned with my interests in community health and health equity. Also, the Public Health Post was helpful in sending opportunities regarding internships and job openings.
How do you balance working and taking classes?
Staying organized has been key for me. I rely on keeping my schedule detailed, knowing what to prioritize, and planning ahead to manage my many different responsibilities. I also draw on my experience balancing academics and athletics in college, where I played lacrosse while working part-time. That experience as a student athlete taught me strong time-management skills and discipline, which have been essential for successfully balancing work and graduate school.
Where did you complete your summer internship, and how did the experience bridge the classroom and your current role?
I completed my summer internship at Unconditional Love Doula where I had a great experience working. I was a nutrition intern there and learned so much. I developed effective communication skills by working directly with new and expecting mothers. I listened to their needs, answering questions about nutrition, and provided personalized guidance.
A particularly rewarding moment was when a client shared that the session had boosted her confidence in making nutrition choices during pregnancy. She mentioned that, after learning how to plan her meals, she had started eating three balanced meals a day and felt more energized.
How did your experience taking the Assessing Community Health Needs & Resource course prepare you for your current job?
This course taught me how to respectfully and effectively engage with community members about sensitive and complex topics. My group was assigned to Central Harlem, where we conducted community observations and spoke directly with residents about local health concerns. My specific topic was to get a deeper understanding of how obesity was impacting this community.
This experience closely mirrors my current role at Mount Sinai, where I speak with patients in the emergency department about topics such as HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, and substance use disorders. The course helped me build the communication skills and openness needed to have these important conversations.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a student starting their MPH experience at NYU GPH?
My advice would be to take full advantage of all the opportunities NYU has to offer—whether that's career services, networking events, internships, research projects, or faculty mentorship. These experiences can make a huge difference in shaping both your academic journey and your future career.