VUSM Student Stories

by Kyra Letsinger  When opportunity comes knocking, many may find themselves too afraid to answer. That is not the case for Vanderbilt Master of Imaging Science (MIS) student Phillip Lin. With his consistent optimism and eagerness to excel, Lin welcomes even the most unexpected opportunities with open arms. A… Read More

Erin Von Klein, MD Current Vanderbilt MPH student Erin Von Klein, M.D., was recently honored by the American Academy of Pediatrics with the 2024 Marshall Klaus Perinatal Research Award in Health Services Research for her project, “Employment Decision-Making Among Caregivers of Low Birthweight Infants.” Erin worked with mentors Gilbert Gonzales,… Read More

Vanderbilt’s public health practicum requirement provides MPH students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in their coursework in a practical, hands-on setting specific to their track and career goals. Over the years, Vanderbilt has developed deep and extensive networks with practicum partners across the United States and around… Read More

By Kyra Letsinger Headshot of Ishan Basu Ray. Since as early as the ninth grade, second-year Master of Public Health (MPH) student Ishan Basu Ray has been working toward a career in health care. While peers spent summers relaxing, Basu Ray researched and shadowed in labs at some of his… Read More

Kaylee Ebner during a field research day during her practicum at Long Hunter State Park in Hermitage, TN. By Kyra Letsinger From a young age, second-year Master of Public Health (MPH) student Kaylee Ebner had a passion for health and science. It wasn’t until high school, however, that she… Read More

Joshua Atura with visiting mentors and peers at World Bank in Ghana. By Kyra Letsinger Before coming to Vanderbilt, second-year Master of Public Health (MPH) student Joshua Atura received his bachelor’s degree in development education from the University for Development in his hometown of Tamale, Ghana, and his master’s in… Read More

Currently in Darmstadt, Germany, MSMP student Hannah York is working to advance research in radiation therapy for pediatric brain cancer patients with the support of her VUSM community. By Kyra Letsinger Hannah York… Read More

As she approaches graduation, M4 Thao Le, Ph.D. reflects on finding her way and unlocking her passions at VUSM By Kyra Letsinger M4 MSTP student Thao Do Vy Le, Ph.D., was always ready to take risks. From a young age, when it came to new opportunities, she was not… Read More

Master of Genetic Counseling student Vanessa Smith (c/o 2025) represents VUSM through National Human Genome Research Institute program. Vanderbilt MGC student Vanessa Smith attends the ISCC-PEG annual meeting at the NIH in April 2024. Photo submitted. April 25 is National DNA Day, which the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)… Read More

M3 Gunther Wong and M4 Alison Swartz offer their peers valuable insights from their past career experiences By Kyra Letsinger In the early 2000s, former Associate Dean for Medical Student Affairs Bonnie Miller, MD, organized an unscheduled Deans’ Hour, a space in the curriculum created to provide a formal lecture… Read More