In celebration of National Public Health Week and this year’s theme, “Ready. Set. Action!”, we connected with Stony Brook alumna Giuseppina Caravella, MPH, MS, CHES, now a Health Education Specialist at Stony Brook Cancer Center.
Driven by a passion for science and community impact, Giuseppina’s work highlights the power of prevention, education, and meeting people where they are. Read on to learn what fuels her commitment to public health and the impact she’s making every day.
Name: Giuseppina Caravella, MPH, MS, CHES
Professional Role: Health Education Specialist at Stony Brook Cancer Center
Q: Why did you choose public health as your career path, and what keeps you committed to it today?
Giuseppina Caravella: I have always been interested in science, which led me to explore careers in healthcare. While I knew direct patient care wasn’t the right fit for me, I was drawn to research and understanding health on a broader level. Public health aligned perfectly with my strengths—I enjoy working with communities, public speaking, and problem-solving.
In many ways, public health can be a thankless field. Vaccines, for example, are a victim of their own success—because they work so well, people often forget how serious these diseases once were. At times, the work can feel like pushing a boulder uphill. Still, I remain committed because of the small wins and incremental changes I get to be part of every day.
Q: When did you first realize the impact public health can have on communities?
Giuseppina Caravella: This brings me back to the “upstream parable” shared during my MPH orientation.
In the story, villagers are rescuing children being swept down a river. As more children appear, most people stay to help, representing the healthcare system. One person, however, walks upstream to find the source of the problem—a broken bridge causing the children to fall in. That person represents public health.
That story helped me understand the bigger picture: public health is about prevention—addressing the root causes before harm occurs.
Q: How did your education shape your “why” for working in public health?
Giuseppina Caravella: My coursework in Social Determinants of Health had the biggest impact. While I was already aware of health disparities, this class deepened my understanding of how complex the relationship between health and a person’s environment truly is.
It challenged me to keep asking questions and look beyond the surface, rather than accepting inequities as they are.
Q: After working in the field, what makes public health work meaningful to you?
Giuseppina Caravella: I’ve had the opportunity to work across health education, community health, program coordination, population science, and clinical research. What I love most is that no two days are the same—public health is a dynamic and ever-evolving field.
In my current role, I focus on community engagement and education. It’s incredibly rewarding to connect with people, understand their challenges, and help make healthier choices more accessible.
Public health has not only shaped my career, but also my worldview. Seeing the collective impact of this work gives it deep meaning—and continues to inspire me every day.
Giuseppina journey is a powerful reminder that public health is not always about sweeping, visible change—but about the steady, meaningful impact of meeting communities where they are. From addressing root causes to building trust through education and engagement, her work reflects the essence of public health in action.
This National Public Health Week, her story highlights the importance of persistence, curiosity, and compassion in creating healthier communities—one small win at a time.
