Carlota Medus - Division of Environmental Health Sciences

Carlota Medus knew she wanted to help the community and conduct research. A course in epidemiology helped solidify her academic and professional direction. “I found out I could combine my areas of interest in public health,” says Medus.

Born in Boston, Medus grew up in Argentina and Panama—her parents’ native countries. At 18, she returned to the United States to attend college. 

After earning a B.A. in psychology from the University of Minnesota, Medus worked as a health counselor in a psychiatric setting. She thought about pursuing a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, but public health prevailed: “Once I learned what epidemiology was, tracking diseases, studying diseases in populations, I was hooked. It fascinated me.” 

Her fascination led to academic fruition. In 1999, Medus received an M.P.H. in epidemiology. In 2005, she completed a Ph.D. in environmental health. “I benefited tremendously from both programs,” she says.

 Medus is grateful for the School’s mentor program, which helped her make connections at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). She is now a senior epidemiologist at the agency. Part sleuth, part scientist, Medus works on research studies, looking at risk factors for different infections and investigating food borne outbreaks.    

 “I have the best of both worlds, research and public health practice,” she says. “I really love what I do and I really like working at the MDH. I’m motivated by the fact that we do make a difference. We have an opportunity to stop an outbreak and prevent others from getting sick.”