Meet the students of 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: Alexa Rivers
Program: Combination Bachelor of Public Health/Master of Public Health in Population Health Management
Hometown: Deland, Florida
Why did you decide to join your program?
I chose public health because I have always been passionate about improving health care systems, especially for vulnerable populations and chronic conditions. Living with Type 1 diabetes showed me firsthand how health care policies, access barriers and provider communication directly impacts patient outcomes. I wanted to pursue a program that would allow me to understand health care from both a systems and human perspective. UF’s Population Health Management track stood out because it blends the principles of public health with population-level analysis, policies, messaging and solutions.
What have been some of your favorite moments in your program?
Some of my most meaningful moments have come from seeing long-term work come to life. After four years of research, finding out that our manuscript was accepted into the journal Emotion was incredibly gratifying. It validated the persistence, collaboration and growth that defined my undergraduate research journey.
I also deeply valued working with Dr. Brittney Dixon-Daniels to advocate for Type 1 diabetes awareness and share my story publicly, creating space for family, friends and the broader community to engage in meaningful conversations about chronic illness and health equity. It even led a few people to tell me their family members were getting tested!
Another highlight was collaborating with Dr. Richard Kates to design an AI and maternal mortality poster for PHHP Days, exploring how emerging technologies can address disparities in maternal health outcomes.
Additionally, developing a GLP-1 research paper in Foundations of Public Health, which I hope to pursue for publication, has strengthened my passion for pursuing my academic inquiries and following them through into real-world innovation.
What do you plan to do with your degree?
I plan to pursue a career in health care administration, focusing on improving chronic disease management, operational efficiency and equitable access to care within health care systems in the United States and possibly internationally. I am particularly interested in leadership roles that allow me to combine data-driven strategies or research with patient-centered care and policy implementation. At the same time, I hope to continue my research through pursuing a Ph.D. one day, with a long-term goal of contributing to academia and one day teaching at the university level. I am passionate about advancing evidence-based health care innovation while mentoring the next generation of public health professionals.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy staying actively involved in the communities that have shaped my college experience. I serve as a Disability Ambassador with the Disability Resource Center and am a member of Delta Alpha Pi international honor society for disability, where I advocate for accessibility and inclusion on campus. I also work as a Marketing and Resident Experience Manager at a local apartment complex, focusing on resident engagement and operations. Beyond that, I serve as Executive Officer of the Gainesville Fear Garden Psychology Lab and intermittently intern with the Primary Care Institute, continuing to explore public health practice outside the classroom. As a Research Excellence Program for Undergraduates scholar, I have expanded my research to national disciplinary conferences, mentored undergraduate researchers, and developed an array of research topics. Staying involved allows me to grow both as a leader and advocate while building meaningful connections across campus and the Gainesville community.
What would you like to share with others who may be considering the same program?
I would encourage prospective students to take full advantage of the opportunities that PHHP has to offer, especially the research, scholarship and internships that are announced. I would also highly encourage students to stay creative and curious. If I hadn’t, I never would’ve put myself out there for the projects I have done! Public health at UF is not just about coursework, it’s about research, mentorship, collaboration and community. The faculty are deeply invested in student growth and there are countless ways to tailor the program to your passions. If you are willing to seek out opportunities and step into leadership roles, the program will support you every step of the way.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
My experience at the University of Florida has shown me that leadership and scholarship are most meaningful when they use creativity and curiosity to serve others in the community. Whether mentoring researchers, advocating for accessibility or working with underserved patient populations, I strive to ensure that my education translates into real impact. I am grateful for the mentors and opportunities that have shaped my journey, and I look forward to continuing to represent UF through service, scholarship and advocacy. I am proud to stand as a current gator, soon to be a double gator, on track to become a triple gator, and hopeful to one day earn the title of a quadruple gator.
Want to learn more?
Learn more about the combination Bachelor of Public Health/Master of Public Health program.
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