Ariana Saroufim (she/her), MPH, Ph.D. Candidate

Ariana is a member of Cohort 6 in the MPH program at Simmons University and completed the program in the Winter of 2022. She was recently accepted to the Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics with a focus on perinatal and reproductive health at UMass Amherst. 

"I currently work as a Research Administrator at Boston University Medical school in the Slone Epidemiology department. I focus on social inequities in maternal-child health on a national level, focusing on safe sleep and breastfeeding among vulnerable populations. I am thrilled to begin my doctoral-level training, PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the fall at UMass Amherst. I will be focusing on why women of color receive lower-quality reproductive health care. Why infant mortality is higher among infants of color? What social determinants of health are associated with obstetric inequities? My goal is to improve the quality of care for women and decrease the incidence of adverse obstetrical outcomes. Addressing structural factors associated with pregnancy-related causes of death can prevent pregnancy-related deaths. It is crucial for the survival of infants and mothers in the United States that we create systemic change when it comes to our healthcare system, healthcare workforce, and facilities. 

By pursuing a career as an epidemiologist, I believe that I can help beyond individual care and that I can outreach into the community. My hope is to make changes in the public health field so that vulnerable populations can have access to education and care. The unanswered scientific questions, if answered, would increase the quality of care and reduce the incidence of adverse obstetrical outcomes. There’s nothing I can change now as far as offering free healthcare, discounted medications, or changing the Supreme Court but I have ideas that may make an impact on a smaller scale. For me it is not just about helping individuals who can afford care, it is about making changes within my community and population as a whole to fix a broken system. I want to make an impact so that people can live happier, healthier, and longer lives. Specifically, when it comes to reproductive health. "

Congratulations, Ariana! We, the Simmons community, are so proud of your accomplishments!

Black Feminist Rants is an independent Reproductive Justice and Black Feminist podcast. The podcast centers Black women and covers topics within the Reproductive Justice framework and beyond including: abortion access and storytelling, sex work, youth activism, and more. The host, LaKia Williams, is a Reproductive Justice organizer with experience in contraceptive equity activism.

Dora Rodriguez is the founder of Salvavision, a Tucson, Arizona-based organization providing aid and support to asylum seekers, migrants that are passing through or being dropped off by cartels or deported by Border Patrol in the remote town of Sasabe, Sonora. She is one of the featured speakers for the Arizona immersion.

Check out her interview to learn more about the work that she does and how you can help!