Eleanor Fleming

2015 Master of Public Health in Epidemiology (online)

Currently:
Lieutenant Commander in the United States Public Health Service
Dental Epidemiologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Health Statistics

Special Role: Project officer for the oral health component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

"I appreciate all that I learned at ETSU, and know that wherever I go with in career, I will carry the lessons I learned at ETSU with me."

Question: How did your education prepare you for the real world?

My education in the College of Public Health provided me with the tools that I needed to advance in my public health career. A MPH degree was a prerequisite for my job, so without the degree, I would not have the opportunity to serve in my current position.

While my MPH concentration was in epidemiology, the core courses allowed me to learn about environmental health and social and behavioral health. These courses have expanded my sense of public health, and helped me to think more broadly about my work.

Question: What is something you wish you had known when you were a student?

I completed the program as an online student. I wish that I had visited the campus and actually sat in on classes. While my professors were helpful via email and with phone conferences, not having the face-to-face time with them was something that I missed. I wish that I had made a trip or two to campus.

Any other thoughts?

I applied to ETSU because for my career progression, I needed a MPH. While I did earn the degree, I actually graduated with much more. My professors and the teaching assistants for my courses all helped me to grow as epidemiologist and as a public health profession. Balancing work and school was definitely a challenge, but the program was flexible enough to accommodate my schedule and my subject matter interest in dental public health. I appreciate all that I learned at ETSU, and know that wherever I go with in career, I will carry the lessons I learned at ETSU with me.