The Catalyst Initiative, a new program begun by the SPH Public Health Science program, concluded its first-ever Spring 2024 cohort by discussing finances related to pursuing careers in the health professions and recognizing student participants.
Jhennifer Alva, a first-generation college student and junior in public health science, praised the program. Alva said she joined because she wanted to learn more about the logistics of entering into the medical field. She hopes to become a physician assistant and is passionate about helping the Latinx community.
“I’m the first of my family to pursue higher education, and I go through more obstacles because I don’t even know what those obstacles are yet,” Alva said. “This initiative is a great opportunity to keep myself educated and level out the playing field.”
The Catalyst Initiative was created earlier this semester to guide students — especially minority and first-generation students — through the challenges associated with pursuing careers in the health professions.
“Donors made the Catalyst Initiative possible,” said Public Health Science program director Kristin Cipriani. “The program is a direct result of alumni and friends who strongly believe – as we do – in the potential of the Public Health Science program and the School of Public Health student body.”
The initiative hosted four seminars for a group of about 75 students to learn about different health professions, the preparation needed for medical school applications, important professional skills, and how to utilize financial resources.
“The initiative helps students, who don't necessarily have a working framework [for how to reach their career goals] to learn how to plan their continuing education in a way that is meaningful and supportive,” said Jessica Moore-Solórzano, an undergraduate Public Health Science program advisor. “I'm proud that this program can be that source of support for students where they might not otherwise find it.”
The last discussion of the semester, held in early May, was focused on finances related to health professions and featured guest speaker Dr. Tisa Canady. Canady, a financial wellness expert specializing in student loan debt, spoke about types of financial aid and loan repayment plans. Other topics covered included debt, financial support, average salaries, taxes, take-home pay and insurance.
“I’m pretty much doing this on my own, so it’s very helpful to have these types of resources to get more information.”
Sophomore public health science major Fatou Silimana, another first-generation college student, said the Catalyst Initiative helped her establish a foundation of knowledge for medical school applications.
“I’m pretty much doing this on my own, so it’s very helpful to have these types of resources to get more information,” Silimana said.
The next Catalyst Initiative session will be held in Spring 2025 and is open to all public health students. Email notifications about the next application cycle will be sent in Winter 2024.
- Sumaya Abdel-Motagaly ’26