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I was drawn to medical physics because it combines medicine, physics, and engineering in a way that directly supports patient care. I was excited by the opportunity to apply technical skills to improve imaging technologies and treatment outcomes.

The most important thing I learned at Duke was how to think like a clinical researcher—asking the right questions, designing meaningful studies, and translating data into impact.

I chose Duke because it has one of the oldest and most well-established programs in computational biology. Beyond academics, I appreciated the positive and welcoming atmosphere during recruitment, as well as the temperate climate and affordable cost of living—important considerations for life during a PhD.

I chose Duke because it was the first university to implement a Pathologists' Assistant program, which really stood out to me as it showed just how dedicated the school was and continues to be to this program.

Every day, I’m blown away by what I get to see and learn. From the advanced equipment we’re trained on, to the knowledge and mentorship of the professionals I get to work alongside, it’s truly inspiring. Duke has exceeded my expectations in every way, and I feel genuinely lucky to be a part of it!

The most important thing I learned at Duke was how to lead through complexity—where technical innovation, clinical realities, and organizational behavior intersect.

Duke University continues to lead the way in integrating climate science into professional education with the launch of Climate and Health for Healthcare Professions, co-instructed by Dr. Denise Nepveux, PhD, OTR/L, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, and Dr.

Beyond learning theoretical foundations and developing a comprehensive toolkit of biostatistical methods, I learned how to think like a researcher and how to collaborate effectively – especially in a field characterized by team science

I want to explore how epidemiologists, implementation scientists, and global health professionals can co-create sustainable, community-driven interventions for low-resource settings like The Gambia—ones that enable families to stay healthy without sacrificing their livelihoods

I want to help improve access to physical therapy for underserved populations, particularly Latino communities where physical labor is a way of life.