Alyssa Johnson ’26MPH and Arcadia University found each other on a serendipitous study abroad trip, allowing Johnson to find the perfect fit for her graduate program. While earning a BS in Biochemistry from Earlham College, Johnson studied abroad through the Arcadia in London program.

“Arcadia created the course curriculum, planned excursions to other countries, and curated a meaningful experience that encouraged connecting with peers, exploring the world, and learning outside of the classroom,” the Lancaster, N.Y., native said. “I loved the small, more intimate class style of the Arcadia program and felt really supported; the whole study abroad experience through them encouraged me to look into Arcadia’s master’s programs after completing my undergraduate.”

When Johnson enrolled at Arcadia for graduate study, she chose the Online Master of Public Health (MPH) program.

“I chose Public Health because I spent most of my undergraduate years in a lab and missed connecting with people and seeing the impact of my work,” she explained. “During my undergrad, I participated in a community medicine program that allowed me to work alongside a paramedic to connect with community members and help them access the medical and social resources they needed. This was really my first introduction to the social determinants of health, which pushed me to pursue Public Health and ultimately inspired the topic of my final capstone.”

Being able to complete the program asynchronously was beneficial for Johnson.

“My biggest passion is travel, and one of the biggest perks of the asynchronous program was that I had plenty of opportunities to travel while completing my MPH,”  she said. “Most recently, I went to Italy to catch some of the winter Olympics. I also love musicals, recently traveling to NYC to see a few. I’m currently planning another trip to Europe to celebrate graduating!”

Asynchronous programming provided its own set of challenges, though, putting Johnson’s adaptability to the test.

“Online classes are largely independent and require a different kind of discipline, especially when balancing work,” she said. “This online program forced me to hold myself accountable. This meant a lot of late nights after long work days and working to balance school, work, socialization, and family obligations. Ultimately, I was able to excel in the program, create meaningful connections with my peers and professors, and learn more about how I can contribute to the field of public health.

“I’ve always been a good student, but have really struggled with burnout the last few semesters of my MPH program, so finishing out the program strong and finalizing my manuscript and poster feels like a huge win,” she said. “Another thing I’m proud of is working to secure my own in-person internship to complete my degree requirements when it would’ve been easier to just settle for an online or fully remote one.”

Johnson interned with the Erie County Department of Public Health’s Community Health Department, where she served her community by focusing on topics such as vaping, cardiovascular health, and oral health. In recognition of her academic excellence and leadership, Johnson was inducted into the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Honor Society for graduate students.

Outside of class, Johnson works as a shift supervisor at Starbucks. She enjoys cooking, baking, and making sourdough while also playing in an adult field hockey league. While she figures out her next career steps, she plans to take a break from school and continue her travels.