SDSU-IV welcomes first-ever public health undergraduate student cohort | Featured

CALEXICO — San Diego State University Imperial Valley celebrated the launch of its bachelor’s program in public health by welcoming the inaugural cohort of undergraduate students on Friday, October 11.

“We are beyond proud and excited of the collaborative efforts in bringing this program to life,” said Guillermina Gina Nuñez-Mchiri, SDSU Imperial Valley dean. “Through this program, we open doors for our students to help their community and address public health issues that have impacted our region for years.”

In addition to celebrating the launch of the program, the 11 students were pinned as a symbol of their commitment to their future profession, pledging to serve their community.

The new public health degree program with emphasis in environmental health will focus in disciplines of epidemiology, environmental health, occupational health, health services administration and behavioral health.

With the opening of SDSU Imperial Valley, Brawley’s new research laboratories, students enrolled in the new program will have the opportunity for hands-on experience.

The opening of the laboratories comes as a result of two years of work to refurbish classroom space that will support university researchers and their grant projects.

“We have allocated space for equipment to expand our work that comes from ongoing grants,” said Miguel Zavala, an associate professor in public health. “Our students are quick and interested in learning more about public health because the profession is all about community.”

Alissa Martens, SDSU Imperial Valley public health student, joins the cohort after transferring from Imperial Valley College this fall. Martens passion for public health stems from a strong desire to serve her community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Martens wanted to find a career path that supported her goal to serve her community.

“As a border region, I knew right away that there’s barriers in disseminating information about health to our community,” said Martens. “I want to be part of a system where making information around key issues, initiatives or resources is feasible and accessible to those who need it the most.”

With the support of public health faculty, Martens said her transition to SDSU Imperial Valley as a transfer student has been smooth.

“Step by step, I feel more comfortable and in place at the university,” said Martens. “I did not know what to expect during this transition, but I am more than happy and excited to join the program.”