Mariel German, a graduate student at the University of North Florida (UNF), is set to complete her Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in epidemiology. Originally from the Dominican Republic, German has focused her academic and professional work on health education and disease prevention, particularly for underserved communities both in the United States and abroad.
“There are many things we can do to help prevent chronic and untreatable diseases,” said German. “Making lifestyle changes can minimize risks.”
German is currently working as an epidemiology intern with the Florida Department of Health (DOH). Her duties have included administering testing and vaccines at local shelters for individuals living with hepatitis. She describes this experience as vital in connecting classroom learning to practical application.
“I have spent the last two years studying to be able to work in the public health field,” said German. “This internship has allowed me to put faces to all the data we see on a daily basis.”
German credits her mother, a medical doctor, for inspiring her interest in healthcare. As a child, she volunteered alongside her mother in providing medical aid to underserved populations. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Santo Domingo Institute of Technology in 2022 before interning with organizations such as the Dominican Red Cross and Lutheran Services Florida (LSF). Her time with LSF led her to Jacksonville, where she conducted health evaluations on children and learned about public health administration in the U.S.
After completing further studies in pediatrics in Austria, German shifted her focus from clinical medicine toward preventative care and education.
“Public health offers the tools and resources to impact whole communities,” German said.
German began UNF’s MPH program in fall 2023. She worked as a graduate assistant supporting faculty research, served as a peer mentor, and participated as a distance learning coach. Despite initial concerns about fitting in as an international student, she found support within UNF’s community.
“I came to UNF knowing nothing about it except for what’s on the website,” said German. “At UNF, you are surrounded by a community of people that want to support you.”
She joined Eta Sigma Gamma, an honor society for public health students, and engaged in campus activities such as exercising at the Student Wellness Complex and kayaking at Lake Oneida.
Under Dr. Sericea Stallings-Smith’s mentorship, German co-authored studies examining cancer information comprehension among adults and engagement drivers related to exercise during COVID-19 based on social media analysis. These projects highlighted challenges around effective communication about cancer risk factors and misinformation spread online during the pandemic.
Throughout 2024, she presented these research findings at several conferences including UNF’s Showcase of Osprey Advancements in Research and Scholarship Symposium (SOARS) and meetings held by national public health organizations.
“Almost everything I know about research came from her,” said German regarding Stallings-Smith’s guidance.
Dr. Stallings-Smith described German as dedicated: “Mariel is endlessly positive and curious. She is a kind, empathetic person, which makes her an ideal public health researcher and practitioner.”
Looking ahead, German plans to apply for a fellowship with DOH-Duval County focusing on maternal/child health initiatives, food insecurity programs, employee wellness efforts, among other topics. She also expressed interest in returning one day to teach at UNF’s Department of Public Health.
“I wouldn’t be here without my family. They are my rock,” she said.