Name: Parisa Karimi
Department: Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH)
What was your background before becoming a DrPH student? Are you working while getting your DrPH?
My Medical Doctorate degree and enrollment in a Master of Public Health program, in addition to my experiences and achievements in different research projects, have given me an enriched background in public health that prepared me to become a DrPH student. I will continue my endeavors as a research assistant at the Milken Institute School of Public Health while studying and gaining professional leadership training as a doctoral student at the DrPH program.
Briefly describe your work in that/those role(s): Were there any significant experiences in your life that inspired you to choose the field you are pursuing?
During my education and practice as a medical doctor, I witnessed patients suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). I observed how environmental factors played key roles in developing and worsening these diseases. I followed my passion and curiosity to increase my understanding of the role that environmental factors play in NCDs through designing and conducting several research projects in this field. Receiving an International Development and Education Award in 2009 and a Long-term International Fellowship (LIFe) fellowship from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in 2011 empowered me to continue my attempts to understand the role of environmental factors in cancer, and encouraged me to persist in my efforts to follow this line of research. Joining the Environmental Health Sciences department of the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health provided a great opportunity for me to work with remarkable leaders and scientists on important projects, such as the role of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in esophageal cancers. Based on my achievements in these projects, I was lucky to receive a 2013 fellowship from the American Cancer Society. All the experiences I have had so far have persuaded me to pursue a DrPH in the field of EOH.
Describe your public health area of interest in layman’s terms:
Environmental and occupational health is the branch of public health that is concerned with various aspects of the natural and built environment that could influence human health. Through the invaluable perceptions of environmental and occupational health, we can enhance human health, and decrease mortality and morbidity.
Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Iran (Tehran), a vibrant and multi-cultural country in southwest Asia with many natural and historical attractions.
Why did you pick GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health?
Located at the nation’s capital, GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health has an international reputation for training public health leaders and scientists. I believe that the advanced studies I am pursuing at the Milken Institute SPH mesh well with my background and experience and will enhance my ability to contribute to Environmental and Occupational Health.
What excites you in your field/public health?
Based on previous research, it is known that environmental exposures are estimated to contribute to 4.9 million (8.7%) deaths and 86 million (5.7%) disability-adjusted-life-years around the world. Therefore, I recognize that understanding and managing environmental exposures provides a golden opportunity to enhance human life.
Please describe any hobbies, community or volunteer activities you are passionate about:
In my spare time, I enjoyed reading books and listening to music. I usually spend weekends going hiking, enjoying the wonderful nature of the Washington, DC area, and having fun with my friends.