Michael Raizin

Discipline and date of your BA or BS degree: BS in Pathobiology with a minor in Animal Science, graduated in 2025 from the University of Connecticut 
What influenced your decision to pursue a Master of Public Health at UConn?: As an undergraduate at the University of Connecticut, I enrolled in Dr. Gregorio’s Introduction to Public Health course and was part of the learning community Public Health House (PHH). Both of these sparked my interest in public health and led to my becoming part of the 4+1 MPH Fast-Track program. The MPH courses that I took reinforced my interest in public health and solidified my decision to pursue the MPH degree. 
Background: As an out-of-state student, I enrolled at the University of Connecticut as a pre-veterinary student. After realizing that I didn’t love veterinary medicine as a career track, I changed my animal science major to a minor and pursued my BS in pathobiology. This centered more on my key interests in infectious and communicable disease transmission and prevention, as well as forming a bridge between human and animal health, which strengthened my interest in the One Health approach. As an undergraduate, I participated in pathobiology and anthropology research. 
Life Outside Work and School: I am a fairly outdoorsy person and enjoy hiking, running, and swimming. I also have a little bit of a green thumb and enjoy caring for my collection of indoor plants. I also enjoy cooking, spending time with my friends, and going on adventures. 
Your immediate (next 1-5 years) career goals: In the immediate years following the completion of my MPH, I plan on doing some global volunteering with organizations such as the Peace Corps.