Meet MPH Student Zach Severin

Where are you from originally?
I was born in Iowa but have lived a relatively nomadic life. My mom was a specialist in education for students with autism spectrum disorder diagnoses and my dad was in the military, so if we weren’t moving for one, we were moving for the other. I have lived in seven states, and Montreal and Jerusalem. Living in cities has been a huge inspiration for working with urban populations.

What are you studying at Jefferson? 
I’m in the public health program’s generalist track. I love learning how data interacts with the sociopolitical ecosystem of community health.

Why did you choose Jefferson?
When researching programs, I wanted to take challenging classes and meet other passionate and determined professionals. There is a quote from Robert Ingersoll in Alumni Hall: “We rise by lifting others.” It stuck with me that even though the University has high expectations of its students, there is also a culture of cooperation toward a better future. Jefferson is so close knit and truly interdisciplinary. I have grown my network, sure, but I have made lifelong friends who I am excited to see make a difference in the world.

What is the best part of your studies?
The involvement from the faculty. I have not met a single professor, researcher or anyone else who isn’t excited to meet and talk about your goals for the future and take a genuine interest in helping you reach them.

What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?
I was in rabbinical school for two years.

Tell us about some projects you’re working on.
I am very excited about my involvement in Dr. Evan Anderson’s research. It is relatively early in the process, but his research is doing amazing work addressing health, safety and public policy in Kensington. I’m currently on the MPH student advisory committee, and I’m also putting the finishing touches on an interactive event as part of Population Health’s DE&I committee where we will address communication in high-stress situations.