Meet the students from the College of Public Health and Health Professions, a diverse group dedicated to improving health and well-being in communities around the world. These students come from various backgrounds, united by their passion for health and their commitment to making a positive impact. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to their studies, preparing to become the next generation of health professionals who will address pressing health challenges and advance their field.
Meet: Abigail Ann Lilak
Program:Â Ph.D., One Health concentration
Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health from University of Massachusetts
- Master of Science in Global Health from George Mason University
Research Interests: Infectious disease, Vector-borne disease, WASH, One Health
Why did you choose the University of Florida?
I chose to join the University of Florida because I wanted a Ph.D. program that would allow me to fully develop my research skills and continue pursuing my passion for infectious disease research. The faculty at UF has a broad range of knowledge, and the curriculum is well-rounded and tailored to my interests.
What philosophy guides you in education?
As a first-generation student, I am deeply motivated to complete this program. My family did not have access to the same opportunities.
What is your research experience?
- A visiting scientist at the Smithsonian Institution, working on tick, soil, leech, and water samples for pathogen detection
- Graduate assistant at George Mason University, working on data analysis and manuscript development on vector-borne research projects
- An intern at Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit working on a systematic review of tick-borne diseases and collections from East and West Africa
- Member of EcoHealth Net and spent three months in Kenya conducting field collections and lab processing
What are your career goals?
I hope to work on multidisciplinary research projects focused on One Health. I have been fortunate to be involved in global research efforts and would like to lead projects that include strong capacity-building components.
If you could solve one environmental or global health problem, what would it be?
I would work to reduce the impact of emerging and reemerging diseases on communities and minimize the negative effects faced by vulnerable groups.
Want to learn more?
If you’d like to learn more about the Ph.D. in Public Health with a concentration in One Health program, click here.
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