Student Spotlight: Megan Maisano
Megan chose the Women's and Reproductive Health concentration in the DrPH program because the program's curriculum aligned with her professional and research focus: perinatal nutrition.
Meet Megan Maisano
- Degree Program: Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
- Concentration: Women's and Reproductive Health
- Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
- Previous degrees earned: BS, Psychology, United States Military Academy at West Point; MS, Nutrition Interventions, Communication and Behavior Change, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University
- Current professional role: Director of Nutrition & Regulatory Affairs, National Dairy Council
- Fun fact: I am a career changer. I was an army engineer officer for five years, and had the opportunity to live and serve all over the world.
What sparked your interest in public health?
Poor diet is the leading cause of death in the U.S. While nutrition plays a role in nearly every facet of our health and well-being, food also represents culture, memories, celebration, adventure, love, and sacrifice. I love working in a field that can positively impact multiple sectors of public health and requires balancing the rigor and science of nutrition with the art and personalization of communication.
I love working in a field ... that requires balancing the rigor and science of nutrition with the art and personalization of communication.
What are your research interests?
Perinatal nutrition and the effects of diet in the first 1,000 days of life. Specifically, the value of early nutrition interventions is to support lifelong health, reduce disparities and inequities, and ensure all children have a fair start to reach their full potential.
Why did you choose the Bloomberg School of Public Health?
I chose it due to the quality and breadth of the DrPH program, along with the unique offering of a concentration in Women’s and Reproductive Health.
What drew you to the DrPH concentration in Women and Reproductive Health?
The curriculum will support my professional and research focus on perinatal nutrition. Women’s and maternal health is also a timely, relevant, and significant public health topic in the U.S. that demands more awareness, research, advocates, and resources.
Have you made any discoveries at Hopkins that you recommend to other students?
The WhatsApp groups have been a fruitful resource for advice, humor, and connection.
What do you hope to do or accomplish after graduating from the DrPH program?
I hope to expand my knowledge in public health policy and practice, grow personally and professionally to better lead in the nutrition field, and build a new network of impressive peers and professors.
