Unusual Combinations Lead First-Generation Alumna to Yale Graduate School For Public Health

Precious Taylor-Forde '22 says that as a first-generation student, Allegheny College's interdisciplinary studies helped uncover her passion for public health- little did she know that it would lead her to Yale University.

Taylor-Forde says that her experience volunteering in the Meadville community instilled her commitment to public health, especially after serving at the Center for Family Services and the Crawford County Mental Health Awareness Program.

As a student, she also had the opportunity to research with Amelia Finaret, associate professor of global health, which deepened her interest in contributing to more equitable healthcare and supporting underserved populations.

Professors actually get to know you; you're not just a face in a classroom. I began working with Finaret as a first-year student and benefited greatly from her guidance in research and academic development," says Taylor-Forde. "I was very fortunate to find mentors and advisors at Allegheny College who helped me build the confidence to pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach. Allegheny College gave me not only the tools for professional growth but also a deeper sense of self and purpose.

After graduating with a major in psychologywith a minor in global health, Taylor-Forde worked as a clinical research assistant at the Rhode Island Hospital, combining her passion for health and research. Taylor-Forde explored a range of topics, including at-risk adolescents, emergency medical services, and firearm injury prevention.

She says that she benefited from her unusual combination of psychology and global health as she conducted research.

"The interdisciplinary nature of my major and minor taught me to approach complex issues from multiple perspectives and engage effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, which I found to be incredibly helpful in my field of work," remarks Taylor-Forde.

Taylor-Forde continued to collaborate with Finaret after leaving Allegheny College. Recently, they had an open-access paper published through the prestigious journal, Nutrition Reviews, examining health equity in children pertaining to nutrition and socioeconomic factors.

"Since graduating, Taylor-Forde has demonstrated dedication, rigor, and intellectual curiosity while working in both mental health research as well as in clinical settings, consistently applying her interdisciplinary training in public health to deliver meaningful, evidence-based contributions to improve mental health equity in her community and beyond," says Finaret. "It has been so great to work with Taylor-Forde because she always came to conversations with great questions and an open mind."

Taylor-Forde is now pursuing a master's degree in public health at Yale University, remaining curious to learn more about the connection between the body and mind.

"I hope to continue challenging existing systems that impact health and to contribute to innovative research and interventions that truly support the communities I aim to serve," reflects Taylor-Forde. "It may sound cliché, but the most fulfilling aspect of my career has been the people and communities I've had the opportunity to engage with. For me, watching them grow in confidence and improve in their mental and physical health over time has been incredibly rewarding."