Learn about a graduate student’s experience of partnering with College of Public Health and Health Professions faculty on unique research projects. Inside PHHP, students are able to harness essential research skills while actively helping to improve health outcomes in surrounding communities.
By Anissa Orr
When Sophia Amro Gazze (’26) began her graduate studies at the University of Florida, she didn’t have to wait for advanced courses or for later stages of her program to dive into research.
Gazze jumped straight into hands-on projects, teaming up with faculty and local experts to address real health care challenges from day one, a unique and invaluable opportunity for any graduate student.
Encouraged by Lee Revere, Ph.D, FACHE, a professor and the Florida Blue endowed chair of health services research in the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gazze joined a project co-led by associate professor, Yulia Strekalova, Ph.D, M.B.A., PCC. The project explored how dental therapists can improve access and efficiency and reduce costs in Minnesota and Florida, with support from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.
Gazze quickly became an essential member of the project, overcoming technical challenges and acquiring new skills.
“I’ve built surveys in Qualtrics and learned how to incorporate logic into them,” she explains.
She also gained experience with RedCap, a more technical survey platform, which she used to find interviewees fitting the study’s criteria. Her contributions included designing and deploying a survey for dentists about their work hours and tasks, helping evaluate if practices with dental therapists are more efficient.
Reflecting on her early days on the research team, Gazze shares, “I was very nervous about working with a team since I was new to this. That was a bit intimidating at first – but the team is very close-knit. We have weekly meetings that keep us productive. It’s a warm environment where we connect, share laughs, and stay focused. We work well together.”
Seeing the impact of her efforts firsthand, she learned valuable skills that will benefit her throughout her career. The supportive, collaborative environment at PHHP has boosted her confidence and confirmed she made the right choice.
Gazze’s motivation to pursue these opportunities stems from her upbringing in Palm Beach County, Florida, where she always aspired to serve her community through medicine. Giving back has always mattered to her. She fast-tracked her undergraduate studies on a pre-med path, graduating early, and was energized by her involvement in mock trials, which sparked her interest in shaping health policy.
When choosing graduate school, Gazze prioritized public health over other science fields because of its emphasis on prevention and policy. She appreciated that public health aims to stop illness before it happens, not only treat it. She selected UF for its strong academics, supportive community and proximity to family and friends, seeking independence while remaining connected.
Looking ahead, Gazze says, “We plan to start writing the manuscript in January.”
Currently, Gazze enjoys coursework covering a range of topics, from epidemiology to environmental health.
“One of the best parts of population health management is the flexibility to explore many areas: survey design, epidemiology and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about different fields.”
Though she is still considering her options in medicine, her time in the department of urology in the UF College of Medicine has deepened her appreciation for the field. She is particularly attracted to how urology blends surgery with patient care, especially for sensitive health issues. “Urology offers a meaningful way to help people with health issues that are often delicate to discuss,” she explains.
“It has been an incredible experience overall,” Gazze says of the population health concentration within the Master of Public Health program. Her journey demonstrates how the program provides early research opportunities, fosters a supportive community and equips students to make a positive impact on health care.
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