Marco Senatore, is an MPH student from Bologna, Italy.
Why did you choose Thomas Jefferson University?
After completing my undergraduate studies at Thomas Jefferson University as a student-athlete, I chose to continue my education here because of the university’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and community engagement. To take a hands-on approach to learning while gaining a broader lens through which to view medicine.
What is it about the MPH program that interested you?
What caught my attention was the melting pot of people I could meet and engage with through this program. From the beginning, it was clear that the MPH program would offer meaningful opportunities to connect with the Philadelphia community and interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Being part of small classes with such a rich mix of perspectives has been the perfect way to learn and fill in gaps in my understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, before eventually transitioning to the more clinical side of medicine.
What is the best part of your studies?
The best part of my studies is connecting with faculty and peers, engaging in meaningful discussions, and growing together. Throughout this journey, I have appreciated how the MPH faculty consistently encourages us to seek out experiences independently and to work on projects that can create real impact in the world.
What is your current role?
In addition to being a full-time MPH student, I work as a Graduate Assistant with Dr. Harriet Okatch on a federally funded lead remediation evaluation project in Lancaster, PA, where I assist with qualitative interviews, coding, and program evaluation. This role has helped me develop strong analytical skills and a deeper understanding of community-based public health interventions.
Clinically, I recently accepted a position as a Patient Care Technician on the Medical-Surgical/Orthopedic Trauma floor at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital. In this role, I will assist with direct patient care, monitor vital signs, and support nurses in day-to-day clinical responsibilities. This experience will allow me to apply the communication skills, empathy, and systems-thinking perspective developed through my MPH training.
I also volunteer weekly at Broad Street Love, where I help serve meals and support guests facing food insecurity and homelessness, an experience that continues to strengthen my empathy and understanding of the social determinants of health.
Describe a project or research you’re working on?
I am finalizing my proposal for my MPH capstone, which I will complete in the spring. My project examines the burden of musculoskeletal injuries and disabilities among individuals with substance-use disorders in Philadelphia using a citywide emergency department dataset. The goal is to identify service gaps and propose interventions that improve access to care for vulnerable populations. The scope and uniqueness of the data may lead to a publishable manuscript.
In addition to my capstone and GA responsibilities, I contribute to a systematic review with Rothman Orthopaedics under the mentorship of Dr. Alexander Vaccaro, analyzing the potential use of abaloparatide as a preoperative intervention in spine surgery. This experience has strengthened my skills in literature appraisal, evidence synthesis, and working with interdisciplinary clinical teams.
What types of awards or recognitions have you received?
I was recently awarded the Eakins Fund Scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year, a merit-based award established within the Jefferson College of Population Health to support high-achieving MPH students. During my undergraduate years at Jefferson, I was also recognized as a student-athlete with distinctions such as CSC Academic All-District, CACC All-Conference Team, and the CACC Honor Roll.
Share some advice for prospective students pursuing a degree in your field.
Come into this program with curiosity and openness, but above all, be self-driven. Jefferson offers countless opportunities, both within the university and throughout the Philadelphia community. The students who grow the most are those who take initiative, seek out experiences, and stay engaged beyond the classroom. Public health is ultimately about impact, and the more you immerse yourself in real-world settings, the more meaningful your learning will be.
What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?
I love cooking. I grew up in a family where dinner was the moment we all came together, and food became a symbol of care, connection, and tradition. Even now, cooking helps me slow down, feel grounded, and share my culture with others while living abroad. My favorite dish to make is tiramisu, though the family recipe will always stay a secret.
Learn more about our MPH program by attending our Virtual Information Session:
January 7, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ET