Mary Qiu, MSPH '16

Mary is a graduate of the Health Systems Program in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Current job title

Research Coordinator in Tanzania, Innovations for Poverty Action 

Job description

I run evaluations and research studies for the International Rescue Committee to assess feasibility and effectiveness of education and health programs in Nyarugusu and Mtendeli Refugee Camps.

MSPH Program in International Health, Health Systems.

The International Health MSPH program gave me valuable skills both from the classroom and from my practicum. From the classroom, I gained technical skills around evaluation methodologies, qualitative research, and broader knowledge on understanding health systems in low- and middle-income countries. From my practicum experience, I gained more hands-on skills on how to actually implement a study overseas, and the challenges that result from it. It prepared me to implement studies of larger scale and to deal with any problems that arise. I also gained invaluable skills around interacting with stakeholders across all levels, which has been immensely helpful in my current position. 

Advice to students

Make the most of your time at Hopkins and engage with faculty who do work that you find meaningful and interesting—building your network here is incredibly valuable both while you are here and after you graduate. Take as many methodology classes as you can, it is much harder to learn these skills on your own afterwards (even though the content-based classes sound much more interesting and fun). And try not to get caught up in the stress of taking every class and comparing yourself to your classmates around you (easier said than done), everyone comes out with the same degree at the end of the day! 

MSPH Practicum

Title: Strengthening Angolan Systems for Health 
Location: Luanda & Huambo, Angola