Class of 2026 Public Health Master’s Candidate Receives National Research Award and Reflects on Conference Experience

Attending the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) 2026 Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon was one of the most meaningful experiences of my graduate school journey. As a Master of Public Health (MPH) graduate candidate, Class of 2026, and a WeEmbody Lab Fellow in the University of New Haven’s School of Health Sciences, I found that this conference represented not only an opportunity to learn from public health leaders across the country, but also a chance to reflect on how far I have grown personally, professionally, and academically throughout my time in the program.

This year’s conference theme, “Local Roots, Global Impact: Transforming Health through Education,” focused on advancing public health through education, communication, and community-centered approaches to health equity. Throughout the conference, there was a strong emphasis on building trust, strengthening leadership, and addressing public health challenges through culturally responsive and evidence-based practices.

One of the main reasons I attended the conference was because I was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Graduate Student Research Paper Award for my paper, “Through Their Lens: A Photovoice Study of Food Access Challenges Among International Graduate Students in the United States.” Receiving this award was both exciting and deeply meaningful to me because it recognized research that centered the lived experiences of international students navigating food insecurity and barriers to culturally relevant food access.

As part of the award, I was invited to present my research during a poster session at the conference. My project used photovoice, a community-based participatory research method that allows participants to capture and reflect on their lived experiences through photographs and dialogue. Being able to share this work with public health professionals, researchers, and fellow students from across the country was an experience I will never forget.

Before arriving at the conference, I was most excited about the opportunity to connect with other researchers and learn about the many ways public health professionals are addressing health challenges within their communities. I looked forward to hearing different perspectives, exploring new approaches to research, and growing both academically and professionally through those conversations.

One of the most impactful parts of the conference was the networking conversations I had with public health leaders and professionals. Hearing about their career journeys reminded me that there is no single path to success in public health. Those conversations reinforced the importance of mentorship, leadership development, and creating spaces where students and early-career professionals feel supported and encouraged.

Academically, the conference deepened my understanding of how research can be translated into meaningful community impact, especially through equity-driven and community-centered approaches. As a student interested in epidemiology and environmental health, I also gained valuable insight into how climate change, communication, and lived experiences intersect within public health practice.

Professionally, the experience strengthened my confidence in presenting research, networking, and engaging in conversations with leaders in the field. More importantly, it reminded me of the importance of collaboration, cultural awareness, and intentional communication when working to advance health equity.

One of my biggest takeaways from the conference was a reminder that public health is built on trust, not data alone. Several speakers discussed the importance of relationship-building, cultural humility, and credible communication when working within communities. These conversations reinforced for me that successful public health work requires not only technical knowledge, but also empathy, authenticity, and the ability to listen.

I would encourage other students to take advantage of opportunities such as conferences whenever possible. It can feel intimidating at first, but those spaces often become places where growth, learning, and unexpected opportunities happen. Being willing to ask questions, share your work, and engage in conversations can truly shape your future path in public health.

In addition to the conference itself, I was grateful for the opportunity to explore Portland. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the SOPHE awards committee for recognizing my work, as well as to the participants who trusted the research process and shared their experiences openly.

Most importantly, I am deeply thankful for the mentorship and support I received from Alvin Tran Sc.D., MPH, associate professor and chair of the Department of Population Health and Leadership at the University of New Haven and director of the WeEmbody (WE) Lab. Through the WE Lab, I had the opportunity to grow as a researcher, engage in meaningful community-based public health work, and develop the confidence to present and share my research on a national stage. I also want to sincerely thank the Dean’s Office of the School of Health Sciences, the Division of Student Affairs, and the Graduate Student Council for their unwavering support.

Without a doubt, this experience is one I will continue to carry with me as I move forward in my public health career.