During the latter quarter of the 1800s and the first quarter of the 1900s, scientific development, especially in microbiology steered in a novel aspect for the field of public health. This bacteriologic phase of the public health movement was led by the discoveries of Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch and the subsequent ‘germ theory of disease. In his learning, Pasteur revealed aerobic and anaerobic organisms and started to reflect on the likelihood of a causal connection between germs and disease. Koch, a country physician, revealed the bacillus accountable for anthrax and was able to exhibit that the disease was transmissible. This newly discovered germ theory opened the door for new opportunities to control infectious diseases, including developed diagnosis, comprehending the states of carriers, and insight into the importance of vectors for transmission of diseases.
The bacteriologic discoveries of Pasteur and Koch formed a transition between the old and the new public health. The relation between bacteria and disease causation drew attention away from the sanitary problems of water supply, housing, street cleaning as well as living conditions of the poor. In the process, a disease-focused approach to public health became significant for the health officers as well as local health agencies. Due to this growth in the field, I am interested in joining the field and working with health officers to assist the community. Public health may be described as controlling diseases, ensuring a healthy and enhanced life through environmental hygiene as well as enlightening the community on the importance of personal cleanliness and identification of illnesses early enough before they become fatal. Ideally, this is what has attracted me in advancing my studies in public health administration.
My father has been diagnosed with a rare kind of “adenocarcinoma of the stomach” and is likely to undergo an operation soon; doctors say the cause of the disease is unknown. In this context, my nerve has switched to take a master’s in public health to work on the causes of such a rare type of illness. “Hope” and “Miracle” are the 2 words remaining in front of me in this scenario. Hence I am determined to take up a study in public health to determine the environmental causes for such rare disorders.
Academically, I possess a doctorate in Ph.D. Environmental Science and Engineering (Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay) and two master’s degrees in M.Phil. Environmental Science (Bharathiar University) and M.Sc. Environmental Science (P.S.G.College of Arts and Science). I have also volunteered in various organizations and events which have enhanced my leadership skills. These include director in Young Students Movement, eye camps in rotary club, Center for Environmental Education, cultural committee during SPICMACAY convention 2006, and Washington Hospital Health Care Center, Fremont, CA.
As a research scholar, my notable accomplishments include, publication of 4 peer-reviewed research papers in highly reputed international journals, co-authorship in 3 book chapters in the Environmental Engineering bio-series, a lead role in drafting Environmental Status Report for the State of Chattisgarh, India, and contribution to a research proposal for the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. My research papers also bagged awards for their technical excellence at different conferences held at the national level. I am a life member of the Indian Association of Separation Scientists and Technologists, the Indian Environmental Association, and the Indian Association of Environmental Engineers. In addition, I have experience in teaching, having been a lecturer at Erode Arts College in the department of Microbiology during the years 1999 to 2000 and at Bharathiar University in the Department of Environmental Science during the years 2001 to 2002.
I Chose to intern with the country environmental laboratory to gain experience in the environmental sampling and analysis of priority pollutants (air/water) affecting health and the environment. Development and application of activated carbon from locally available materials (straw, fruit peel) to reduce the concentration of toxic metals (Pb, Cu, Zn & Hg) and priority pollutants (TOC, COD & BOD) in dyeing wastewater was the objective of the project. A team of scientists tested columns with activated carbon on a pilot scale and recommended setting up activated carbon columns for the final polishing of dye effluent in the common effluent treatment plant (CETP) in our country.
With society continuing to grow, there is a need for more public health professionals who can work with the public and communities to address the wide range of community-identified public health problems. Thus there is the steady growth of career in the field of public health which has attracted me to join the field. This career is directed to serve the health and the environment. This will expound my knowledge in the environmental studies that I have undergone, as well as go along with satisfying my soul once I become a public health professional. I have also been attracted by the fact that this field connects science and policy spheres, hence one can holistic ideas about health, environment as well as the laws governing them. The other point of attraction is that the field is diverse and thus will give me the opportunity to communicate to specialists from the science, management, and policy spheres. I am determined to protect health and the environment just as the field is focused on and definite goals for the protection of health and the environment.
My experience in public health administration will help me in pursuing my goals in this program. I am focused, organized, and able to communicate ideas clearly to the people as I have a background in environmental research and knowledge of treatment and handling of priority environmental pollutants. In addition, I can manage multitasking, making me be effective in handling scientific and management issues. Moreover, my administrative ability and experience to serve as the head of the department of microbiology will be helpful in handling teaching and administrative tasks. Nevertheless, I am enthusiastic and looking forward to attaining my dream of becoming a public health professional in your institution.