Student Spotlight – Morgan Davidson

Name: Morgan Davidson
Major: Master of Public Health, Epidemiology Concentration
College: Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, ECU
Year in School: 1st year graduate student

Morgan Davidson works for the Durham County Health Department as part of the team providing dental services through the health department. She is completing her first year in the MPH Epidemiology Concentration. Recently, Morgan was awarded North Carolina Public Health Association’s 2022 “Public Health All STAR” award for her collaboration with colleagues and dedication to patients. She also recently completed the NCPHA Emerging Leaders Training Program, which is a competitive training program in collaboration with the North Carolina Medical Society. Morgan exemplifies the spirit of ECU’s motto, which is Servire, To Serve. Congratulations to Morgan!

What motivated you to attend East Carolina University?

I wanted to obtain my MPH degree from a university in North Carolina that specifically focused on public health in NC since I plan to live and work here for the rest of my life. Additionally, since I work in a local public health department in an urban county in NC, I sought to gain a new perspective where funds and resources may not be as readily available in rural communities, so I was interested in the rural focus that the MPH program at ECU provides. I wanted to gain knowledge of what it is like to serve counties with different populations and resources to be a well-rounded individual prepared to face the various challenges that come with each county in NC. I also appreciate the real-world focus that the program provides.

What do you appreciate most about your ECU education?

I appreciate that I can complete my education while working full-time in public health. Because of this, I am able to apply the information and skills I learn in my classes to my work I do every day. Although I attend full-time online, I appreciate the connections I have still been able to make with my peers and professors. Lastly, I have been able to learn from excellent, knowledgeable professors who care about helping you succeed. Although I am still in my first year of school at ECU, I am confident I will have the tools and knowledge to excel in my future career thanks to my ECU education.

What are your career ambitions?

I would ultimately like to work as an epidemiologist for the state of NC or a local health department. I am particularly interested in a career as an epidemiology investigator or possibly in the field of applied epidemiology. I am interested in both infectious and chronic diseases, and I plan to narrow down my focus as I get further into my classes.

In your spare time, what are your hobbies and interests?

I love being outdoors and particularly enjoy wakeboarding, golfing, playing pickleball, and going on walks with my toy poodle, Millie. When I am not outside, I love to read, work out, and spend time with my family.