Christine Melko - Epidemiology and Community Health

Christine Melko already had a world of experience when she came to the School of Public Health. Her undergraduate studies in community and medical dietetics had led her first to a Chicago suburb, where she worked for Head Start, and then all the way to Madagascar, where she served two-and-half years in the Peace Corps.

Melko, who began the Public Health Nutrition program in fall 2002, remembers the shock of readjusting - both to the United States and to school. She appreciated the fact that her professors and advisors respected the work she had already done. After a whirlwind 16 months, Melko earned her M.P.H. in January 2004 and received the School's prestigious Ruth Stief Public Health Nutrition Award.

Melko credits the School with exposing her to new career options. While she originally thought she'd do grass-roots programming, she says that "the University opened my eyes to the possibility of working in a research institution." In August, the 28-year-old began working at Park Nicollet, where she coordinates a study on weight management and physical activity in disability prevention among people with arthritis. It's proven to be an excellent marriage of research and community outreach.

"Five years ago I would never have thought I'd be where I am now," says Melko. "I would not be in this position if I had not gone through these courses in public health."