{"id":9203,"date":"2026-01-05T15:17:49","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T20:17:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krieger.jhu.edu\/publichealth\/?post_type=profile&p=9203"},"modified":"2026-01-16T11:37:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T16:37:18","slug":"bersu-mulugeta","status":"publish","type":"profile","link":"https:\/\/krieger.jhu.edu\/publichealth\/profiles\/bersu-mulugeta\/","title":{"rendered":"Bersu Mulugeta"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bersu Mulugeta (\u201927)<\/strong> is a current junior in Public Health Studies, with a minor in Psychology. Since her freshman year, Bersu has been diligently pursuing PHS courses and has been especially proactive in seeking out public health opportunities outside the classroom. She participated in the PHS Costa Rica study trip <\/strong>in January 2025 as a sophomore, and in a CDC John R. Lewis Scholarship Program<\/strong> with an internship placement at the Neighborhood Resilience Project in Pittsburgh<\/strong> this past summer. She also recently presented her research at the APHA conference <\/strong>in Washington D.C. in November 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We asked Bersu about her many public health pursuits and how they are shaping her interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Interview<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What motivates you to pursue the public health major and the many applied learning opportunities you have done?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My motivation to pursue public health stems from my understanding of how applicable this field is to our daily lives. Recently, I\u2019ve become passionate to learn about the social determinants of health and the intersection between these factors and health outcomes in marginalized communities. Through my applied experience, I have applied this understanding to the work I\u2019ve done to help make a meaningful difference in these communities. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Could you describe the key Public Health Studies learning experiences that have impacted you and how?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A year ago, I had the opportunity to study abroad during intersession to learn about global health in Costa Rica. Through visits to primary healthcare clinics and Indigenous communities, I gained insight into the Costa Rican healthcare system and was amazed by the trust between healthcare professionals and the public which was at the core of its system. This experience deepened my understanding that trust is essential not only for individual care, but also for the overall success of any healthcare system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, I also had the opportunity to work as a CDC scholar at a non-profit organization called the Neighborhood Resilience Project (NRP) in Pittsburgh, PA. Through hands-on experience serving and working alongside underserved populations in the emergency relief department, I specifically worked on addressing food insecurity in the community, which allowed me to see firsthand how public health is deeply interconnected with social and economic systems. My work at NRP was deeply impactful as I greatly enjoyed how much of my work allowed me to interact directly with community members and help make a tangible difference in someone\u2019s life.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Congratulations on presenting at the American Public Health Association Conference this November. Could you describe the research?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The research examined how COVID-19 lockdowns affected food insecurity in Pittsburgh\u2019s Hill District. Using survey data from 605 residents, findings showed food insecurity rates were consistently twice the national average and rose to 36.9% in the Hill District by May 2020, an 80% increase. The findings highlight how COVID-19 exacerbated existing disparities and exposed gaps in current policy responses. Therefore, to address this issue, public health professionals must help build sustainable, equity-driven solutions by considering strategies such as flexible SNAP enrollment, expanded benefits, and targeted support for communities most vulnerable to food insecurity.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Looking back over your applied learning pursuits, your research, and the study abroad program in Costa Rica, how have these \u201coutside the classroom\u201d experiences informed your evolving interests and goals in public health?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My experiences both in and outside of the classroom reinforced my commitment to a career in public health. These experiences confirmed my goal of pursuing a graduate degree in Health Policy and Management, as I aim to better represent marginalized communities as a policymaker and advance health equity for all.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

How do you think your time in the classroom at JHU prepared you for these experiences?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The course I took with Dr. Peter Beilenson titled ‘Public Policy, Politics, and Public Health’ prepared me to approach my AE with a deeper understanding of how marginalized communities are often the result of political decisions and systemic inequities. It also equipped me with the tools to think critically about public health\u2013driven solutions to address systemic root causes, which I was able to apply directly to my work this past summer.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Do you have any advice for current students seeking to get involved in more public health opportunities?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It\u2019s never too late to start! Most of the opportunities I became involved were during the second semester of my sophomore year and early junior year, so don\u2019t feel pressured to have everything figured out right away. Be open to new experiences that come along the way, utilize and connect with your professors and advisors, and explore resources like the Life Design Lab to find opportunities that are right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step out of your comfort zone! For example, I had the amazing opportunity to be a TA for one of my favorite professors simply by asking questions in class. So even if it pushes you outside your comfort zone, you never know what opportunities can come from trying something new! <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Thanks Bersu for sharing your story with us!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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