Meet DrPH student: Andrei Chell

Man smiling at the camera, standing in from of the School of Public Health sign.

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 1, 2021) – In the midst of the pandemic, first year Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) student Andrei Chell left his full-time job with the Ministry of Health in Belize to pursue a DrPH degree at the School of Public Health (SPH). Andrei was compelled to make this transition, as he believes that, “the time has never been more right to contribute to the global transformation in health for the betterment of all its users.”    

Andrei attributed his decision to join the SPH to the distinguished faculty members, its ideal location in the Capital of New York and its ability to, “contribute to [his] advancement as a Public Health Professional by promoting the translation of academics and evidence into policy and practice.” These qualities reassured Andrei that the SPH would, “provide the most conducive environment for fostering [his] growth as a public health practitioner and global health advocate.”    

Andrei’s studies are augmented by the opportunity to work at the New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Program Evaluation and Research. In this position, he has assisted in conducting collaborative program evaluation and research activities through data collection, monitoring and analysis in various technical areas ranging from HIV, drug user health, drug overdose and the impact of COVID-19.    

Despite the obstacles of beginning his doctoral studies as an international student during a pandemic, Andrei has integrated into the SPH community and established several connections within the wider UAlbany network. While his classes were remote, he was thankful for the professors who, “virtually maintained their open-door policy and were there for any advice and guidance as the semester progressed.”    

As a DrPH, Andrei aspires to secure a leadership role in public health practice in order to innovate changes for effective health systems and wishes to return to Belize to contribute to achieving important, broad-reaching, public health objectives.