We asked Arnold School alumni why they chose the Arnold School, the mentors who influenced their journeys and how their degrees prepared them for their next steps.
Job Title: Biostatistical Programming Manager
Employer: Amgen
Arnold School Degree(s): Master of Science in Public Health in Epidemiology, 2012
How did you become interested in public health or your area of study? For a while I had been drawn to understanding the bigger picture of health and how data can be used to improve people's lives. Public health gave me a way to combine my interest in research and problem-solving with work that has meaningful impact beyond individual patients. I was excited by the opportunity to use data to answer questions that can improve healthcare decisions and outcomes on a bigger scale.
How did you decide to attend USC for your degree? I had already completed my undergraduate degree at USC, so I was familiar with the university and had started exploring its graduate programs in public health before I graduated. After earning my biology degree, I realized I wanted to pursue graduate training in epidemiology, and the Arnold School felt like a natural choice because of the strength of its program. Returning to USC allowed me to build on my undergraduate background while developing the skills I wanted to pursue a career in public health research.
Who were your Arnold School mentors, and how did they influence you? Dr. Susan Steck was an important mentor during my time at USC. I was actually able to work with her while I was still an undergraduate, which gave me an opportunity to explore public health and helped me realize that I wanted to pursue a master's degree in epidemiology. Working with her taught me how to think critically about research questions and what to consider when designing and interpreting a study, rather than simply focusing on the analysis itself. I've been able to take those lessons with me throughout my career.
What were some of the most valuable knowledge, skills or experiences you gained during your program? The program gave me a strong foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, and study design, and it was also where I learned SAS, which is still my primary programming language today. I gained experience working with real research questions and learned how to think through data and study results in a way that has continued to be useful throughout my career. Those foundational skills have stayed with me even as my roles and responsibilities have evolved over time.
How did you get your start in your field? I began my career with the South Carolina Central Cancer Registry, where I supported cancer research and public health initiatives through data analysis and research coordination. That experience sparked my interest in using healthcare data to answer important clinical and population health questions. From there, my career expanded into healthcare analytics, real-world evidence, and biostatistical programming supporting both research and regulatory decision-making.
What do you do in your day-to-day work, and how do you use your degree in your work? Today I work in real-world evidence in the pharmaceutical industry, where I lead programming and analytical efforts supporting observational research. I work closely with epidemiologists, programmers, and other cross-functional teams to help turn complex healthcare data into meaningful evidence that can support research and regulatory decisions. My public health background gives me a strong foundation for understanding the research questions behind the data and helping connect the technical work to the bigger picture.
How do you stay connected with other Arnold School alumni? I stay connected with a few Arnold School alumni through LinkedIn, particularly people I knew during graduate school. While I haven't stayed closely connected with a large alumni network, I enjoy seeing where other alumni have taken their careers and the different ways they are using their public health backgrounds.
What advice would you give to students pursuing a similar career path? Don't worry if your career doesn't follow a straight line—mine certainly hasn't. Be open to trying new things and recognize opportunities when they come along, but be intentional about what you take on; every "yes" also means saying "no" to something else. Know what you bring to the table, while also recognizing that you don't have to be the expert in everything. Some of the best work happens when people with different strengths work together. Stay curious, think outside the box, and keep your eyes open for opportunities that may not have been part of your original plan.