Ayla Perosky

Discipline and date of your BA or BS degree: B.S. Allied Health Sciences, May 2024 
What influenced your decision to pursue a Master of Public Health at UConn?: My work for a UN-affiliated nonprofit during my undergraduate education helped me connect my interest in politics and global conflict with my interest in human health. My experiences in healthcare both in the U.S. and abroad have shown me the flaws and successes in modern patient care, and motivated me . I decided to pursue my MPH at UConn so that whatever future career I lead, it will be influenced by a strong, comprehensive education in public health.  
Background: During my three years at UConn Storrs, I served as president of Public Health House Learning Community, outreach chair of Outing Club, and traveled to Dominican Republic on a health mission with Bridge to Guanín. I also spent three years working in substantive positions for IMUNA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit formally associated with the UN. My proudest moment with IMUNA was in 2022, when I was published as substantive director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, for my writing on emergency health and socioeconomic relief programs across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The whole of my experiences before and during college have put me on a public health focused path.  
Life Outside Work and School: I enjoy anything and everything outdoors. My favorite activities include hiking, snowboarding, surfing, and recently, whitewater kayaking! I frequent my local libraries and often leave with stacks of books I can barely carry.  
Your immediate (next 1-5 years) career goals: I hope to complete my MPH and take full advantage of my field placement with CT’s Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS). I plan to apply for medical school in 2025. My dream is to volunteer at the Gesundheit! Institute before I complete my MPH!