Ryan Max

Master of Science in Public Health degree candidate
Bachelor of Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Majors: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Minor: Modern Languages and Linguistics, French
United States
Global Disease Epidemiology and Control in the Department of International Health
What are your career goals?
I hope to use my training to implement more effective public health interventions to prevent the spread of infectious disease in the developing world.
What sparked your interest in global health?
Public health represents an opportunity for me to incorporate my love of science and interdisciplinary work while addressing the issues that matter to me the most. My time in Laos has solidified an impression that while the relationship between development, quality of life, and human happiness is complicated, the intrinsic value of human health is simple and straightforward, even when the means to it are not.
How do you see yourself making a difference in public health because of the Global Health Scholarship?
The Global Health Scholarship will give me the opportunity to pursue an MSPH degree in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control. The training that I receive will inform my approach to biomedical interventions to infectious diseases endemic in the developing world by providing knowledge of current methodology, as well as context for the challenges faced by developing countries in implementing effective programs.
Who inspires you and why?
My family has been my biggest inspiration. Their dedication and selflessness in caring for each other has both given me the support that I’ve needed and shaped my values and understanding of my place in the world.