HPBS Student Passionate About The Intersection Of Technology and Health Equity

After working for three years as a nurse, Annie moved to San Diego with her fiance. She is very interested in behavioral change and believes that it is key to helping people manage chronic conditions. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Annie volunteered to work at the Sharp Memorial COVID unit where she gained experience helping treat COVID patients. She was also working at the County of San Diego, in the Test, Trace, Treat (T3) Program, as a COVID-19 Case Manager where she helped with tracing, but also providing clinical information and comfort to those who were affected by the virus. Annie’s inpatient care experience as a nurse was significant in that she saw the gap in care when it comes to chronic disease management and the lack of proper education from provider to patient on how they can better manage their health when they leave the hospital.

Currently, Annie is working in Dr. Melody Sciaffino’s research lab where she hopes to get more research experience and learn more about the intersection of technology and health equity. She is especially interested in health literacy and mental wellness as one of the cornerstones of physical wellness. Annie loves learning and hopes to continue her education in public health by applying to PhD programs after she receives her Master in Public Health at SDSU.