If you’re interested in learning more about all GH programs, check out Rollins’s webpage: Global Health
Meet Sam! (MPH ’27)
Hello! My name is Sam Kurtz (she/her), and I’m a second-year MPH candidate in the Global Health Department at the Rollins School of Public Health. I grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey and received my B.A. in Psychology with a Certificate in Public Health from Rutgers University in 2023. After Rutgers, I served as a Peace Corps Community Health Educator in Kamuli, Uganda (July 2023–July 2025), where my work focused on people living with HIV, young mothers, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. My experiences working with women and families in Uganda deepened my commitment to addressing gender-based violence and supporting survivors through community-based approaches. In my free time, I love seeing live theater, going to concerts and movies, doing crafts, curling up with a good book, and spending time with friends!
Certificate Program:
Injury Violence and Prevention
Academic Interests:
- Injury and Violence Prevention
- Gender-Based Violence Prevention
- Intimate Partner Violence Prevention
Extracurricular Activities:
- RSPH Ambassadors
- Emory Reproductive Health Association (ERHA)
- Humanitarian Emergency Research Team (HERT)
Meet Raidah! (MPH ’27)
Hi! My name is Raidah Rahman (she/her), and I’m a second-year MPH student studying Global Health at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. I grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia, and received my B.S. in Biology from Georgia State University. My experiences in public health have sparked my interests in maternal and child health, mental health, refugee and immigrant health, and health policy, particularly as they relate to improving care for underserved communities. At Rollins, I’ve enjoyed exploring these interests through research, teaching, and student involvement. When I’m not studying or working, you can usually find me exploring Atlanta with friends, trying a new restaurant or café, going to a concert, traveling, or finding new ways to stay active!
Certificate Program:
Social Determinants of Health
Academic Interests:
- Maternal & Child Health
- Health Policy & Health Services Research
- Mental & Behavioral Health
- Refugee & Immigrant Health
- Implementation Science & Program Evaluation
- Health Equity & Healthcare Access
Extracurricular Activities:
- Secretary, American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
- Communications Chair, Emory Reproductive Health Association (ERHA)
- RSPH Ambassador
- Graduate Teaching Assistant
- Maternal & Child Health/Medicaid Graduate Research Assistant
- Exploring Atlanta and trying new restaurants and cafés
- Traveling and attending concerts and events
- Spending time with friends
- Fitness and staying active
Meet Paul!
Hello! My name is Paul Suder (he/him), and I am a second-year MPH student in the Global Health department. I am from Omaha, Nebraska and I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an undergraduate, completing a BS in Biological Sciences and French on the pre-MD track. In my free time, I enjoy trivia, watching TV and movies, baking, playing (and watching) soccer, volunteering, and spending time with friends! I can’t wait to meet you all, and I am very excited that you are considering Rollins for your MPH!
Certificate Program:
- Science Communication
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Academic Interests:
- Immigrant and Refugee Health
- Health Literacy
- Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Global Health Disparities
Extracurricular Activities:
- Humanitarian Emergencies Research Team (HERT)
- Student Outbreak Response Team (SORT)
- Emory Students for One Health (ESOH)
- Emory Society for Public Health in Medicine (SPHM)
Meet Simi! (MPH ’27)
Hi! My name is Simisola “Simi” Shabi, and I am a second-year MPH student in the Global Health department and a Maternal and Child Health Certificate student. Originally from Nigeria, I earned my B.S. in Biological Sciences from SUNY Old Westbury. My interests center on maternal and child health, implementation science, program evaluation, and global health equity, particularly improving how evidence-based programs are implemented and evaluated to better serve women, children, and families.
Outside of academics, I enjoy cooking, watching movies, traveling, exploring new local places, and spending time with friends. As a first-generation student, I know navigating grad school can come with many questions, and I’m always happy to share my experiences and help prospective and current students navigate life at Rollins!
Certificate Program:
Maternal and Child Health
Academic Interests:
- Global Health
- Implementation Science
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Health Systems Strengthening
Extracurricular Activities:
- Rollins African Diaspora Student Association (RADSA)
- First Gen @ Rollins
Meet Haben! (MPH ’27)
Hi! I’m Haben Kidanemariam, a second-year MPH candidate in the Global Health department. I’m originally from Columbus, Ohio, and earned my BS in Public Health from The Ohio State University. I co-founded Ohio Tegaru Youth, a nonprofit that empowers Tigrayan youth, an experience that deepened my passion for humanitarian work and community health. I also love volunteering with local nonprofits that help newly resettled refugees. Outside of school, you can find me exploring art shows or cozy coffee shops around Atlanta. Feel free to reach out, I’d love to chat!
Certificate Program:
Human Rights
Academic Interests:
- Humanitarian Emergencies
- Refugee Health
- Global Health Equity
Extracurricular Activities:
- Emory Global Health Organization
- Humanitarian Emergency Research Team
- First Gen @ Rollins