Hometown: Silver Spring, MD. Currently living in Baltimore, MD.
Online or in-person student: In-person
What’s one activity or hobby that helps you support your mental health? Cooking is my way of taking care of myself and slowing down. I love trying new recipes or putting my own spin on comfort foods. It gives me space to be creative and present, and there’s something healing about feeding myself or others after a long day.
What drew you to the Bloomberg School and the Master of Health Science in Mental Health program?
I was drawn to the Bloomberg School because it aligns with how I see public health—deeply connected to people, systems, and place. The MHS in Mental Health program stood out because it bridges rigorous research with real community impact. I wanted to be in a space that doesn’t just study disparities, but actively works toward equity.
“Baltimore is full of history, heart, and resilience. I love how strong the sense of community is here—there’s so much culture and pride.”
What is your research focus and what sparked your interest in it?
My research focuses on how structural racism shapes substance use and mental health outcomes in urban areas like Baltimore. I’m especially interested in how environmental factors—like food insecurity, neighborhood disinvestment, and trauma—contribute to overdose risk and resilience. This work comes from my time in community research and seeing firsthand how systems fail to meet people where they are.
Tell us about a class, project, or faculty partnership that has been especially meaningful.
One of the most meaningful classes I’ve taken so far is Introduction to Community-Based Participatory Research: Principles and Methods. It really pushed me to think critically about how research is done with communities rather than on them. The class helped me connect my values to my methods—centering collaboration, respect, and shared ownership in the research process. It reminded me why I want my work to uplift community voices and create change that actually reflects their realities.
What kind of opportunities have you pursued during the program to translate research to practice?
Outside of class, I’m a SOURCE intern with Next One Up, a nonprofit that mentors Baltimore youth and supports their academic and personal growth. That work keeps me connected to the community and reminds me why representation and equity matter in mental health research.
I’m also developing a harm reduction and mental health app through the Innovations for Substance Use Disorder program at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Both experiences have shown me how research, technology, and community partnerships can come together to create meaningful, culturally-grounded impact.
What do you like most about living in Baltimore?
Baltimore is full of history, heart, and resilience. I love how strong the sense of community is here—there’s so much culture and pride. There’s always something happening, from neighborhood festivals and farmers’ markets to art shows and local events that celebrate the city’s identity. The food scene is unbeatable, and the people I’ve met here are some of the most genuine and passionate you’ll find anywhere. Living here keeps me inspired and reminds me why community connections matter so much in public health.
What do you hope to do with your Mental Health MHS experience after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a PhD in public health or clinical psychology and become a psychiatric epidemiologist. I want to continue doing community-based research that addresses structural barriers to mental health care and substance use recovery for youth and people of color.