Student Spotlight – Stephanie Wangerin

Major: Master of Public Health, Health Behavior Concentration
College: Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, ECU
Year in School: 2nd year graduate student

Why did you decide to attend East Carolina University?

I decided to attend ECU because of the Master’s of Public Health program and its unique focus on rural areas, particularly in eastern North Carolina. I felt that this program was specific in its mission and scope, and that it aligned well with my future career aspirations and personal goals. Additionally, the MPH program is able to work with the ECU School of Dental Medicine and the Brody School of Medicine. I wanted to be able to experience and learn how public health, medicine, and dentistry can work together to promote and improve oral health and overall health.

What do you appreciate most about your ECU education?

I appreciate the encouragement and support I have received from all ECU faculty and staff during my time at ECU. Everyone I have interacted with has been supportive of my goal to attend dental school and each faculty member has offered their guidance and support to help me accomplish this goal. In addition, I appreciate the opportunities I have had at ECU to learn about and conduct research. I had never envisioned myself being interested in research nor had thought I would be so involved in research projects with faculty or of my own. These experiences have allowed me to acquire new skills that I will surely take forward and use during dental school and beyond.

What are your career ambitions?

My career ambitions have always been to work as a dentist in eastern North Carolina. I had never considered the possibilities or perspectives an MPH degree would bring me, but I am now beginning to think of new goals and ideas I can pursue by combining my MPH with my upcoming dental training. I would love to use this exciting combination of degrees and skills to make an impact in a community at the population-level and to design unique programs to bring dental care to those who need it. Additionally, I would like to become involved with state-level political conversations and decision-making to advocate for my future patients and the dental care of North Carolinians.