Narayani Ballambat

Graduation year from MPH program: May 2024

Narayani Ballambat, ’24, graduated from UConn with a Master’s in Public Health with a strong passion for chronic disease prevention and control, specifically in the realm of cancer research. For her thesis, she conducted a systematic review focusing on South Asian breast cancer survivors’ attitudes towards survivorship, aiming to tailor survivorship programs to better fit unique cultural experiences.

Reflecting on her time at UConn, Narayani acknowledges the program’s role in providing invaluable opportunities and shaping her into a proficient public health researcher: “I am grateful for my program advisors, staff, and cohort members for their support and guidance throughout my journey,” she says. During her practicum, Narayani collaborated with Hartford Healthcare’s Early Detection and Prevention Program, focusing on recruiting participants for free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings. This initiative aimed to address the needs of individuals without insurance or health barriers, ensuring access to vital cancer screenings.

Additionally, Narayani served as a graduate assistant in the department for two years, contributing to program recruitment and fostering community among students interested in public health.

In the fall of 2024, Narayani will continue her academic journey at UMass Chan as a first-year PhD student. She looks forward to furthering impactful research and continuing to contribute as a leader in public health.