Heather Mendez, MPH, CPH works as an epidemiologist for a state health department. Her work focuses on surveillance, informatics and analytics. She recently developed training resources that will be used to educate epidemiologists, data scientists, analysts, informaticians, and other public health professionals. She also works as an adjunct instructor for the College of Public Health and Health Professions at the University of Florida. On her current work, Heather says, “I enjoy teaching! I also have stepped into a role that allows me to solve problems” and involves “very challenging, yet very rewarding work.”
Heather’s career in public health has allowed her to maintain a healthy work-life balance for her family. She hopes “that my children value the work that public health professionals conduct, and that my passion to work hard to achieve my goals inspires them to do the same.” Heather hopes to develop interventions that will positively impact communities. She begins her doctoral program this Fall and our Chapter wishes her the best of luck!