Meet Population Health Student Marissa Leahy

Why did you choose Jefferson?
As a Jefferson Health employee, I was already familiar with the university's strong commitment to public health and innovation. When I learned that Jefferson offered an MS in Population Health fully online, it felt like the perfect fit. The flexibility of the program makes it possible for working professionals like me to balance school, career, and life, while still getting a high-quality education rooted in real-world application.

What is it about the program that interested you?
I was drawn to Jefferson’s MS in Population Health program because it sits at the intersection of public health, healthcare delivery, data analytics, operations, and policy—areas I’m deeply passionate about. The curriculum reflects the future of healthcare, where there’s a growing emphasis on improving quality, enhancing patient experiences, and achieving better outcomes at lower costs. As someone working in infection prevention, I saw how this program could directly strengthen my ability to make systems-level improvements that align with value-based care, patient safety, and health equity. I also appreciated that the program prepares professionals to lead in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, where population-level thinking is more important than ever.

What is the best part of your studies?
One of the best parts has been the ability to apply what I'm learning directly to my role in infection control. It’s rewarding to take new concepts and use them to improve real-world practices. I also really enjoy the class discussions. Everyone brings a different perspective based on their background, and that makes the conversations more engaging and insightful. It's been a great opportunity to build on my foundation in public health and continue growing both professionally and academically.

What is your current role?  How has the coursework in your program benefitted your work?
I work as an Infection Control Practitioner at Jefferson Health, covering Jefferson Methodist Hospital and Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation. In this role, I focus on preventing healthcare-associated infections, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting patient safety. The courses in the Population Health program have deepened my understanding of healthcare systems, quality improvement, and data-driven decision-making. Topics like health policy, value-based care, and care delivery models directly relate to the challenges I see every day. The program has helped me think more strategically about how infection prevention fits into broader population health goals, especially as healthcare continues to shift toward patient-centered, high-quality care.

Tell us about a project or research you’ve worked on. 
I presented at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) 2026 Conference, on a project focused on an occupational mpox exposure involving a registered nurse who developed mpox after caring for a patient, despite appropriate use of recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). The case highlights the complexity of emerging infectious diseases and reinforces the importance of ongoing monitoring and prompt recognition of symptoms, even when recommended precautions are followed.

Working collaboratively with occupational health, public health partners, and clinical leadership, Infection Control conducted an exposure investigation, supported contact tracing and risk assessment, and reviewed infection prevention practices. The project emphasizes the value of strong surveillance systems, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clear communication in responding to rare but high-consequence infectious disease events.

Presenting this case has been a meaningful opportunity to share lessons learned with infection prevention professionals across the country. It also demonstrates how population health principles, including disease surveillance and systems-based approaches to prevention, can strengthen healthcare worker safety while improving preparedness for future emerging infectious disease threats.

Describe any recognitions or awards.
My team at Jefferson was recognized with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s 2026 In Safe Hands Award for leading a multidisciplinary response to reduce Candida auris infections in high-risk patients through advanced screening and infection prevention. 

Share advice for prospective students pursuing a degree in your field.
Be open to exploring different paths, and don’t be afraid to pivot or change direction when needed. There are so many ways to make an impact in this field—whether in public health, healthcare, industry, or academia. I’ve worked in both public health and healthcare and have found value and growth in each setting.

Leverage your knowledge and experiences as much as you can, and stay connected with your classmates and colleagues. Check in on people. Networking doesn’t have to be transactional; it’s about building relationships and lifting others up as you grow.

Keep learning, whether through formal education, certificate programs, webinars, or even YouTube videos. Stay curious and passionate about the issues that matter to you, but also remember to take care of yourself. That balance will help you build a strong foundation for long-term success. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek out opportunities. The worst you’ll hear is “no,” and even rejection can lead you in a better direction. Stay the course, and don’t hesitate to reach out to people you admire—whether on LinkedIn or in your own organization. You never know where those conversations might lead.

What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?
Before starting my career in public health, I worked as a host at Zahav, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant in Philadelphia. It was one of the most sought-after reservations in the city, so we operated at a fast pace and were fully booked almost every night. The experience taught me how to stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and work as part of a highly coordinated team.

It also sparked my love of Philadelphia's food scene, and I still enjoy exploring new restaurants whenever I can. Looking back, I realize many of the skills I developed in hospitality—attention to detail, teamwork, and delivering a consistently high-quality experience—are the same qualities I rely on today in infection prevention.