Alumni Comments
 Charlie Krafchak
MPH '02
PhD '04
Epidemiology
"The IC was an extremely
valuable piece of my education in the School of Public Health. It opened
the door for me to start my career in genetics and genetic research. When
I got to the School of Public Health I had no idea what I was going to
do with my degree. The IC introduced me to the world of genetics and provided
me with a framework that has allowed me to pursue and win an NIH training
grant through the Human Genome Research Institute.
The coursework and the student interaction through seminars that made
up the IC have been invaluable to me as I worked my way through school
and chose the path that my career would take. While I have always had
a great interest in genetics, the IC exposed me to what genetics in public
health really is. It helped me to focus my interests in genetics and most
importantly the interaction with the concepts in genetics as well as with
others interested in genetics has opened doors for me that I'm not sure
would have been there without the help of the IC. I would strongly encourage
anyone who is considering a career in any aspect of genetics to join the
IC. I wouldn't want to start a career in public health genetics without
it."
 Susan Metosky
MPH '00
Health Behavior and Health Education
"Being a student in the Interdepartmental
Concentration (IC) in Public Health Genetics strongly enhanced my experience
as a student in the University of Michigan School of Public Health on
an academic and social level. Socially, I interacted with faculty members
and students from all five departments with the School of Public Health.
I was able to apply what I had learned in the core IC courses to my internship
and research experiences.
During my summer internship at the National Human Genome Research Institute,
I examined issues related to informed consent and the collection, storage,
and future use of tissue samples. Through contact with faculty members,
I worked on projects such as the "Prostate Cancer Genetics Project" and
"Public Health Genetics: An Educational Model."
As a student in the IC I also had the opportunity to present at the Third
Annual Conference in Genetics and Public Health as well as the NIH ELSI
Decade of Research Conference. Currently, in my role as a research associate
at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, I am applying what
I learned through my participation in the Interdepartmental Concentration
in Public Health Genetics.
My work for the Communities of Color and Genetics Policy Project centers
around advocacy, outreach, and dissemination. Additionally, for the Michigan
Center for Genomics and Public Health I assist with various research efforts
pertaining to the ethical, legal, and social issues stemming from the
integration of genetics into public health practice. This is an exciting
time for the field of public health genetics!"
 Sarah Raup (Forquer)
MPH '99
Health Behavior and Health Education
"The Public Health Genetics IC exposed
me to a broad range of topics--from genetic epidemiology to the financing
of genetic services to the ethical issues surrounding population genetic
screening, all of which prepared me for a state-level public health position
with responsibilities in the area of genetics immediately upon graduating.
Due to the knowledge and experience I gained through the PHGIC, I felt
comfortable approaching the complex and challenging public health issues
I encountered.
I am glad I took advantage of this excellent academic program, and am
extremely grateful for the opportunities afforded to me because I did!"
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