When Kristi began her undergraduate studies in mathematics and economics, she was drawn to the logical elegance of analytical thinking. The material came naturally, and solving complex quantitative problems felt like a clear path forward. Yet, as graduation approached and she contemplated her long-term career trajectory, something vital was missing: a clear sense of purpose.
That missing piece clicked into place during an international internship with a non-profit organization. Working on the ground with community-based programming, Kristi saw firsthand how strategic thinking and data-driven methods could directly elevate quality of life.
“Through community-based programming, I saw how data and strategy could be used to improve people’s lives,” Kristi recalls. “Many of the professionals doing the work I admired held a Master of Public Health, so I applied to Stony Brook’s Program in Public Health as soon as I returned.”
Repurposing Analytical Tools for the Public Good
Transitioning into public health didn’t mean leaving her mathematical background behind; it meant giving those skills a whole new mission.
One of the most eye-opening aspects of her MPH training was discovering how effortlessly models initially designed for markets and finance could be applied to human behavior, healthcare resource allocation, and population-level outcomes. Rather than analyzing profit margins, she was now leveraging those same principles to address systemic health challenges.
“Public health draws from psychology, marketing, anthropology, systems science, and so much more to address complex, real-world problems,” she explains. “Seeing these disciplines come together to influence community-level change made the field feel both powerful and deeply relevant.”
Bridging Research and Community Action
Today, Kristi applies this multi-disciplinary approach to her role in hospital-based injury prevention. Her daily work sits at the intersection of academic research, clinical environments, and direct community engagement.
Whether she is analyzing local health trends, mentoring colleagues, or evaluating program outcomes, her core mission remains grounded in systems thinking and evidence-based practice. That drive to ask deeper questions has also led her into the dissertation phase of her PhD, where she continues to expand the evidence base for injury prevention and public health equity.
Driven by Purpose
For Kristi, the true reward lies in the dynamic nature of the field. Being able to move fluidly between academic theory and hands-on program implementation ensures that the research never stays trapped in a textbook, it actively protects and serves the community.
“What I find most meaningful is the ability to blend research with hands-on program implementation,” Kristi shares. “I wear multiple hats, mentoring others, gaining inspiration from program participants, and continuing to learn alongside colleagues and partners. I often say I have one of the best jobs, and I truly mean it.”
