Division of Public Health staff are standing in front of a PowerPoint screen and talking to a classroom of students at East Carolina University.

DPH Student Outreach Inspires Future Leaders of Public Health

From March to May 2025, DPH staff spoke with more than 300 students about the important work we do every day.

This spring, the Division of Public Health (DPH) supported 11 student outreach events. From March to May 2025, DPH staff spoke with more than 300 students about the important work we do every day. These conversations highlighted the wide range of career paths in governmental public health. 

DPH staff member gives opening remarks to students at UNC Gillings National Public Health Week Networking Event.
Scott Proescholdbell, State Injury Epidemiologist, Surveillance and Informatics Unit (ESI), Injury and Violence Prevention Branch, delivered opening remarks and spoke with students at UNC Gillings National Public Health Week Networking Event.

DPH collaborated with several partners to begin outreach, including: 

  • North Carolina Global Health Alliance
  • Fayetteville State University
  • Duke Global Health Institute
  • East Carolina University
  • University of North Carolina, Gillings School of Global Public Health
  • North Carolina Central University 

These partnerships led to many guest lectures, career panels and networking events. These events allowed students to meet and learn from public health professionals.

Staff are posed smiling in front of the presentation screen at Duke Global Health Institute.
Brandyn Brown-White, Women, Infant & Community Wellness Program Planner & Evaluator Fellow, and Madeline Wight, Sequencing Technician, State Laboratory of Public Health, engaged with students and provided a targeted career session at Duke Global Health Institute.

More than 25 DPH staff members took part, representing a wide range of sections, including:  

  • Women, Infant & Community Wellness Section
  • Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
  • Epidemiology Section
  • Chronic Disease & Injury Section
  • Local and Community Support
  • North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health
  • Division Director’s Office 

DPH staff shared their roles as epidemiologists, medical examiners, program coordinators and more. They talked about their career journeys and what their jobs look like day to day. Staff also gave students helpful advice on how to start and grow a career in the field.  

“I appreciated hearing the panelists share their real-world experiences and career journeys in public health. Their insight into navigating challenges and making an impact in underserved communities was inspiring and gave me a better understanding of the many paths available within the field.” 

- Student at North Carolina Central University  

After the events, students better understood the work, focus and structure of DPH. They also gained invaluable connections.  

Building a strong, diverse workforce starts with meeting communities where they are.  

We are NC Public Health. Everywhere. Every day. Everybody. 

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