Inspired by an uncle who served in the Navy, Michael Figueroa Osorio enlisted at 18 as a hospital corpsman. That service led to a lifelong commitment to public health. “It’s a role full of pride,” Figueroa Osorio said, of his time in the Navy. “At first, I was just doing it for fun, to get my feet wet and figure myself out. But then I found myself in a collective where I felt like I belonged.”

From service to purpose

After completing his corpsman training, Figueroa Osorio enrolled in additional schooling and testing to become a preventive medicine technician, a public health-focused role that involved administering vaccinations, running disease prevention programs and conducting sanitation inspections.

In 2021, he deployed to Kabul during the U.S. evacuation of Afghanistan, providing medical care at Abbey Gate, one of the main airport checkpoints.

“We were working 24 hours on, 24 hours off, providing direct care,” he said. “A lot of these people had been through a lot – broken noses, broken bones, malnourished. I remember seeing pregnant mothers and thinking about my own mom. I was like, man, I cannot wait to give my mom a hug.”

On Aug. 26, 2021, a suicide bombing killed 13 service members and dozens of Afghan civilians.

“I could have died that day,” Figueroa Osorio said, “and ever since that day, I’ve told myself I always want to do more.”

He decided to apply his Navy experience back home by pursuing a career in public health. His first stop: UW-Milwaukee.

Coming home to serve

At UW-Milwaukee, things started to click as Figueroa Osorio connected his studies to his experiences growing up on Milwaukee’s south side. “We were talking about systemic issues in class — how the poor stay poor, and the rich get richer, and why medical care and food are so expensive,” he said. “I started connecting the dots in my own life. This is why we struggled so much growing up.”

He also found encouragement. One particular moment stands out: During his final field experience presentation, a professor addressed his imposter syndrome. “He looked at me and was like, ‘You belong.’ That hit me hard. It still does now. I was like, ‘I do, yeah, I do.’”

Rooted in community

Figueroa Osorio completed his bachelor’s degree in public health in May 2025 and is continuing into a master’s program in Community & Behavioral Health Promotion. He says one of his long-term goals is to be a leader in his field — not only to shape public health but to inspire others who come from a background like his. Before graduation, Figueroa Osorio began working as the food pantry coordinator at Bay View Community Center, serving many of the same neighborhoods he grew up in.

“I try to run it in a way where we can teach people and help people out,” he said.

In addition to distributing food and other household products, Figueroa Osorio partners with other organizations to offer food demos, mental wellness kits and health literacy classes.

“I’m proud of the purpose I’ve found again after the Navy,” he said. “This doesn’t feel like a job to me. This feels like something I am meant to do.”

The post From Navy Corpsman to Community Advocate: 51ÁÔĆć Public Health Student Finds His Purpose appeared first on Zilber College of Public Health.

Facing the Nerves of “What’s Next”

Marina clearly remembers what it felt like to sit on the other side of the table. As a student participating in mock interviews, she—and many of her peers—felt significant nerves. For Marina, those feelings were tied to a larger realization: graduation was near, and real job interviews were just around the corner.

“Training was almost complete, and life was getting real,” she recalled. That awareness made the mock interview experience feel high-stakes, even though it was designed as a safe space to practice.

Fortunately, Marina had some prior exposure to mock interviews during her undergraduate studies. However, those earlier experiences were conducted through recorded sessions rather than live, interactive conversations. The in-person mock interview format at the Zilber College, conducted by a person the student has never met before, added a new layer of realism and value.

The Importance of Interpersonal Skills

Marina emphasized how critical it is for academic programs to teach interpersonal and professional development skills alongside technical knowledge. She believes that these skills—especially interviewing—were once overlooked in higher education but are essential for career success.

She also shared that not all graduate programs offer this type of support. Comparing notes with her sister, who completed a graduate program without mock interview opportunities, reinforced Marina’s appreciation for Zilber’s approach.

Giving Back to the Public Health Community

Now working as a biostatistician at Loyola University Chicago—a position she secured immediately before graduating—Marina sees her role as a mock interviewer as a way to give back.

“The core tenet of public health is community,” she said. “Before we go out into the world as leaders, we need to support each other.”

She enjoys helping students at different stages of readiness, recognizing that each individual brings unique strengths and needs. For Marina, mentoring emerging professionals is not just rewarding—it’s essential to building a strong, collaborative public health workforce.

Advice for Emerging Public Health Professionals

Marina’s advice to current students is both practical and empowering: don’t hold yourself back.

She encourages students to apply for positions even if they don’t meet every listed qualification. “If you meet about 60% of the requirements, go for it,” she said. “Don’t quit on yourself before you even start.”

She speaks from experience. When applying for her current role, the job description required a Master of Science in Biostatistics—something she did not have. Initially removed from consideration, Marina took the initiative to contact the program director directly. She explained how her MPH in Epidemiology provided comparable training and relevant skills.

Her proactive approach paid off. She was reinstated in the applicant pool and ultimately offered the position.

Rethinking “Experience”

Marina also encourages students to broaden their understanding of what counts as experience. Internships, academic projects, and fieldwork all contribute valuable, applicable skills.

“Experience isn’t just formal employment,” she noted. “Your time in school matters.”

Building Confidence Through Practice

Reflecting on her journey, Marina credits the seminar course and mock interview experiences at Zilber with helping her successfully transition into the workforce. Now, as she helps guide current students through that same process, she’s continuing the cycle of support that defines public health.

Her story is a reminder that preparation, persistence, and community can make all the difference—and that sometimes, the most important step is simply believing you’re ready to begin.

The post From Interviewee to Interviewer: How One Alum Is Paying It Forward in Public Health appeared first on Zilber College of Public Health.

Benforado isn’t the only MS Kinesiology alum with big news to share. Garrett Steinbrink recently received a predoctoral fellowship from the American Heart Association! With this award, Garrett will support his dissertation work at University of Iowa Health, Sport, and Human Physiology and implement a new screening tool designed to identify patients at risk for low muscle strength and connect them with supportive programs.

The post MS in Kinesiology Graduates Lead in Elite Sport and Heart Health Research appeared first on Zilber College of Public Health.

What Rachel valued most during her MPH experience was the strong, personal support she received from faculty. She describes them as both knowledgeable and genuinely invested in her success—encouraging her to explore her unique interests while helping her navigate the added challenges of completing graduate school while working and parenting. That mentorship, paired with the program’s flexibility and relevance, helped her thrive academically and professionally.

Rachel’s academic journey also led directly to her career. During her MPH program, she completed her summer field experience with the Wisconsin Bike Fed—an opportunity that grew into a part-time paid position and, eventually, into her current full-time role as the organization’s Pedestrian Safety Program Manager. “It’s my dream job,” she says. Today, she spends her time engaging with community members across Milwaukee County to understand their experiences walking in their neighborhoods, while advocating for infrastructure and policies that support safer streets for everyone.

Looking ahead, Rachel is excited to continue growing in her role and helping to shape the future of pedestrian safety and active transportation in the region. Her long-term goal is to normalize non-driving options in Milwaukee County and to help the community meet physical activity goals through walking, rolling, and biking. Central to her vision is the belief that dignity should exist in every mode of transportation—and that the built environment should reflect that value.

For students or professionals considering a similar path, Rachel offers practical and empowering advice: don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. If you’re interested in an organization or program, reach out and start a conversation. Being proactive, while staying open to unexpected pathways, can unlock a wide range of meaningful career possibilities.

Rachel’s journey demonstrates how passion, perseverance, and purpose-driven training can come together to create real change—one safer, healthier street at a time.

The post Building Safer, Healthier Streets: How MPH Alum Rachel Goochey Turned Her Passion Into a Career in Pedestrian Safety appeared first on Zilber College of Public Health.

Victor was drawn to the Environmental Health Sciences PhD program because of its unique position at the intersection of health, environment, and social justice. “The program sits at a powerful crossroads,” he explains. What stood out even more was the faculty’s deep experience not only as scientists, but as mentors who engage meaningfully with international scholars. For Victor, that global perspective made 51ÁÔĆć the ideal place to grow both academically and personally.

Once immersed in the program, he discovered that the experience offered far more than rigorous scientific training. The sense of community and support became one of the most meaningful aspects of his time at 51ÁÔĆć. He describes the breadth of opportunities—from collaborations and networking to peer connections—as instrumental to his development. Beyond the coursework and research, he found what he calls a “hidden curriculum,” one that helped him navigate academia as an international scholar and equipped him with tools that will shape his career for years to come.

Today, Victor is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Illinois Chicago. His work centers on three core pillars that are preparing him to become an independent investigator: developing competitive research grants, advancing scientific publications, and mentoring students. These experiences continue to build on the strong foundation he established at 51ÁÔĆć.

Looking toward the future, Victor envisions a career dedicated to environmental epidemiology, with a commitment to building a robust, independent research portfolio. At the same time, he remains closely connected to his home country of Colombia. He hopes to strengthen research bridges between Colombia and the U.S., fostering collaborations that can generate evidence to inform real-world public health interventions. His long-term mission is clear: to address the environmental exposures that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, particularly in global and underserved communities.

For students considering a similar path, Victor offers thoughtful advice. The relationships you cultivate—with professors, mentors, and peers—are “key to shaping long-term opportunities,” he emphasizes. When those relationships are paired with genuine passion and the lived experiences that drive you, they become the foundation for turning ideas into meaningful action.

Victor’s journey reflects the transformative power of combining rigorous research training with global awareness, community support, and a commitment to equity. His work continues to advance the field of environmental health—and to inspire the next generation of scholars who aim to do the same.

The post From Global Perspective to Global Impact: The Career Path of Environmental Health Sciences PhD Alum Victor Florez-Garcia appeared first on Zilber College of Public Health.

The Clinical Research Scholars Program provides junior faculty with intensive training and individualized mentoring to support successful careers in clinical and translational research. Designed to prepare participants for independent, grant-funded research careers, the program ensures scholars receive protected research time, access to key resources, a supportive environment, and advanced training in clinical research methodology.

As a public health researcher, implementation scientist, and prevention scholar, Hennessy Garza is committed to building a world free from sexual violence. Her work focuses on the development, testing, and adoption of evidence-based prevention strategies to end campus sexual violence, with an emphasis on translating research into routine practice across college campuses nationwide.

By joining the Clinical Research Scholars Program, Hennessy Garza will collaborate with a dynamic cohort of researchers, educators, and physicians working to advance clinical and translational science in Wisconsin and beyond. Her acceptance into this highly competitive program not only highlights her outstanding contributions to public health research but also underscores the Zilber College’s commitment to addressing urgent public health challenges through innovative, evidence-based solutions.

The post Rose Hennessy Garza Accepted into Prestigious Clinical Research Scholars Program appeared first on Zilber College of Public Health.

We are so proud of this incredible group for not only excelling in their studies and training, but also for representing our new program with professionalism, passion, and purpose. As trailblazers, they have paved the way for future students and helped set a strong foundation for the growth of our program.

With two graduates heading into clinical dietetics and two stepping into sports nutrition roles, we cannot wait to see the positive impact they will make in their careers and communities.

These are the cohort members and their post-graduation placements. Help us celebrate their success:

• David Jakubek – Olympic Sports Nutrition Assistant, University of Notre Dame
• Delaney Ortiz – Sports Nutrition Fellowship, UFC
• Erica Brincka – Clinical Dietitian, Aurora St. Lukes Medical Center
• Cianna Colon – Clinical Inpatient Dietitian, ProHealth Care

The post From Classroom to Career: 51ÁÔĆć’s First MPH–Nutrition & Dietetics Graduates Step Into the Field appeared first on Zilber College of Public Health.

Following the presentations, students in the BSPH and the BS in Nutritional Sciences program enjoyed a keynote address by Valerie MacMillan, Executive Director of . MacMillan discussed key issues surrounding food insecurity and encouraged students to get involved in meaningful ways.Ěý

The event concluded with a graduation celebration, where students were recognized with honors and graduation cords. Students receiving commencement honors included Sydney Bohaman, Laura Czapiewski, Kylie Degner, Michael Figueroa Osorio, Henry Jacob, Maxwell Sharkey, and Ashlyn Rose. 

We’re also excited to have two students continuing into a Zilber College master’s program: Michael Figueroa Osorio will be continuing in the MPH Community and Behavioral Health Promotion Track, and Nick Wielgosz will be continuing in the MS in Biostatistics. 

Also, two students were offered jobs before graduation! Taofiqat Jimoh was offered a full-time position at her Field Expeirence site, .ĚýSyndey Boham was offered a position as an Environmental Health Specialist with the City of Watertown Public Health Department.Ěý

We are so proud of our BSPH students and all they have accomplished! 

The post BSPH student Field Experiences culminate in final presentations and celebration appeared first on Zilber College of Public Health.

After receiving her MPH from the Zilber College of Public Health, Lucht was a UW Population Health Fellow and worked for multiple public health organizations across the state on various issues.

Currently residing in her hometown of New London, Lucht is an epidemiologist at the Wood County Health Department.

“One constant throughout my public health career has been my involvement with WPHA — whether completing my master’s capstone on a WPHA legislative priority, planning early career professional events, or attending the annual conference,” says Lucht. “I’m excited to continue the great work that has been happening over many years and to move in a bit of a new direction. We are working to be more proactive, streamline processes, and get all of you more engaged in policy and advocacy! â€œ

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The post Alumni Spotlight: Niki Lucht, MPH – Public Health Policy appeared first on Zilber College of Public Health.

Theis , going 258-87 for the best winning percentage in school history. The Golden Eagles have reached the past 13 full-field NCAA tournaments, making the Sweet 16 three times,  MU also won three Big East regular-season titles under Theis.

Theis is a native of Madison and a graduate of UW-Milwaukee (BS in Kinesiology). He frequently talked about the growth in popularity of volleyball in his home state,  for the second time in three seasons.

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The post Alumni Spotlight – Highly accomplished Marquette volleyball coach Ryan Theis replacing Mary Wise at Florida appeared first on Zilber College of Public Health.