The return of winter weather served as a snowy welcome to candidates enrolled in the Geisel School of Medicine’s Hybrid Master of Public Health (MPH) program, as they returned to campus last week to take part in their December Intensive session. The program’s hybrid format includes a 22-month, on-line curriculum with three weeklong sessions on campus each year.
Photos by Eli Burakian D'00
The December phase of the program kicked off on Monday morning at Kellogg Hall with welcoming remarks from Craig Westling, DrPH, MPH ’09, MS, associate dean of health sciences education, and Hybrid MPH Program Director Megan Read, who provided a brief program overview and also took the opportunity to introduce Alicia Battle, PhD, Geisel’s new assistant dean of public health programs, to attendees.
The week’s full schedule of activities included course learning sessions, experiential learning, networking, workshops, guest speakers, and meetings with faculty and staff. Many students also participated in campus tours and excursions and social events—giving them the opportunity to spend time with fellow students and instructors outside of the classroom. See comments from students about their on-campus experiences below.
Gabe Loud (Class of 2026): “I thought the first intensive week in August went well, but it can be a bit overwhelming when you first come to campus and meet everyone. This week, it was great to see everyone looking more comfortable and settled in. I feel like I’ve begun to build relationships already with a lot of my classmates.”
Kennedy Price (Class of 2026): “The faculty and staff have been wonderful. I can tell they genuinely care for their students and for our success. And to be able to learn from my classmates and their experiences is something I value greatly, especially as someone who is fresh out of college and one of the younger ones in my cohort.”
Carleigh Drill (Class of 2025): “I’m so happy that I chose the Hybrid MPH program. It allows me to balance my studies and advancements in education without having to give up my position in clinical research on a day-to-day basis. Providing that flexibility has been a real game changer as I continue to grow in the field of public health.”
Kyle Robin (Class of 2025): “One of the biggest things for me and my classmates is how invigorated we feel after spending a productive week together in class while enjoying this beautiful campus. When I go back, I’m even more focused on the public health mission and feel more motivated to take on new challenges in my work.”
