Pursuing a Career in Public Health

Faith Ogungbe knew that she wanted to do something meaningful for herself and her career during the year after completing her undergraduate studies. She knew she wanted to focus on a discipline that she could apply later on in her career.

That is when she came across the Master of Science in Biotechnology program (MBP) at Northwestern Engineering.

“I realized that this was an area that I did not know much about,” she said, “but that has a profound impact on healthcare, and I realized that I wanted to learn more.”

Ogungbe was particularly intrigued by the fact that she could also receive a certificate in Sustainability and Global Health Biotechnologies. She took time to talk about her current research in the program and what she hopes to be able to accomplish after she receives her degree.

How important was the research emphasis of the program (specifically the 1,000 hours of research) in your decision to enroll in the program?

Having significant research experience is invaluable. It teaches a lot of skills that are meaningful and lead to deeper understandings in this field. I became more excited about the prospect of getting that amount of experience under my belt and realized that since I really wanted to learn, this would be a fantastic opportunity. I (also) knew (research) would distinguish me further as a scholar.

How would you describe your current research to someone with no technical experience or expertise?

My research focuses on a small protein with potential therapeutic purposes, especially for cancer and autoimmune diseases. I am trying to determine how and why this protein works the way it does.

What do you hope to accomplish with that research?

I am proud to say that I was a part of the preliminary research for a treatment that may later be useful to people suffering from various diseases. During the time I am completing my research, I hope to put into practice the inquiry and critical thinking skills that I have been building throughout my scholastic career, and eventually be able to draw from what I’ve learned in this experience down the line.

What are your professional goals after MBP?

I am very interested in the field of public health. At some point I would like to obtain a higher degree, either PhD or MD, and then use the theoretical knowledge I have gained, practically. Biotechnological advancements in healthcare, be they in diagnostics, therapeutics, or devices are particularly fascinating to me, especially discovering how these advancements can be adequately distributed and applied to bridge and decrease health disparities.

How do you think MBP will prepare you to make that happen?

The classes I’ve taken have really helped me think more about the type of difference I would like to make and have opened my eyes to various facets of the healthcare industry as a whole. The connections that the program has are also vital in that there are a number of avenues to gain awesome experience and network with knowledgeable professionals and teachers, many of whom are leaders in their discipline. Having MBP as part of my educational and professional repertoire will make it much easier to find my place professionally because the program has both prepared and connected me.