Graduate Spotlight: Katrina Dunn & the Online LSUS Master of Public Health

As a registered nurse with 26 years of experience, Katrina Dunn was a firsthand witness to the systemic barriers that contribute to health disparities. She knew she wanted to move beyond patient care and into policy advocacy, where she could work toward real, systemic change. For her, earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) was an essential step in the fight for health equity.

The online LSUS MPH program gave her the flexibility she needed as a working professional, while equipping her with the knowledge and skills to turn her passion into action. Today, as a Policy Consultant for the California Black Health Network, Katrina is leading legislative efforts to address racial health disparities—work that directly ties back to what she learned in the program.

Meet Katrina Dunn

What inspired you to pursue the online Master of Public Health program from LSUS?

As a registered nurse, I have always been passionate about health equity and tackling systemic barriers to care. I wanted to expand my impact beyond direct patient care and influence policies that create meaningful change. When exploring graduate programs, I considered two options, but the online MPH program at LSUS offered the flexibility and affordability I needed as a working professional, while providing a strong foundation in public health principles that aligned with my ultimate goal to do health advocacy work. Additionally, having earned my undergraduate degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, returning to a school within the LSU system felt like home.

You have over 26 years of experience as a registered nurse. How did this program build on your existing knowledge and skills?

While my nursing background gave me the fundamentals in healthcare and firsthand experience in patient care and health disparities, the LSUS MPH program equipped me with the tools to analyze public health data, design interventions, and advocate for policy changes at a systemic level. It helped bridge the gap between my clinical expertise and my overall policy and advocacy goals.

Your capstone project on race-based medicine was presented at the 2023 APHA Annual Meeting. How did the coursework help shape this project and your research and advocacy efforts?

Studying public health research methods gave me the skills to critically analyze existing literature on race-based medicine and its role in perpetuating health disparities. Additionally, discussions on health equity and structural racism in healthcare reinforced my passion for addressing these issues through advocacy. The opportunity to have my work presented at APHA was a direct reflection of how the program, and the professors, empowered me to translate academic research into real-world policy discussions.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while earning your MPH, and how did you overcome them?

Biostatistics! (Only half-joking.)

But honestly, balancing a career and coursework was probably the biggest challenge. Since I was in school during the COVID pandemic, I had more free time than usual, but there were moments when the course load felt overwhelming. I remember asking one of my professors if he really expected us to read an entire book in just seven weeks. His response was, “Katrina, this is graduate school.” I truly appreciated that perspective—it was a reminder of the level of dedication required.

And how did I overcome Biostats? I studied really hard.

How has this program influenced your life and/or career?

Earning my MPH has provided me with the credentials to be taken more seriously in legislative and public health spaces. Since completing the program, I have taken on the role of Policy Consultant for the California Black Health Network, where I lead efforts to advance policies that address health disparities at the state and federal level.

Can you share a specific example of how you applied lessons from the program in your current role as Policy Consultant for the California Black Health Network?

One key application has been my work in health policy. Through my coursework, particularly my capstone and internship, I gained a deeper understanding of how to analyze health policy and advocate for evidence-based solutions. This knowledge and experience was instrumental in my organization’s efforts to support the passage of three health equity-focused bills in California, two of which were signed into law. Additionally, the skills I developed in community engagement and coalition-building have been crucial in leading initiatives like the Health Equity Advocacy Training (HEAT) program, which empowers community members to advocate for policy changes that impact Black health.

What advice would you give to healthcare professionals considering an MPH?

Just do it. The program deepens your understanding of social determinants of health, health disparities, and population-level strategies for disease prevention. And for those interested in leadership roles, an MPH can open doors to health administration, public policy, and global health opportunities, as well as epidemiology and biostatistics.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that education isn’t just about absorbing information—it’s about thinking critically and challenging ideas. If something doesn’t align with your beliefs or experiences, it’s okay to question it, engage in discussion, and seek out diverse perspectives. That’s how true learning happens. There were times when I openly challenged my professors, yet to my surprise, they still voted to award me the Outstanding Achievement Award—a testament to the fact that thoughtful debate and critical thinking are valued at LSUS. Education is about more than just acquiring knowledge; it’s about learning how to think critically, analyze information, and apply it in meaningful ways. Freedom of education means having the space to explore different ideas, even those that challenge our own.

Fight Health Disparities with an Online MPH from LSUS

Katrina’s journey is proof that the online LSUS Master of Public Health program prepares students to lead change in healthcare, policy, and beyond. Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking to expand your impact or someone passionate about health equity and public health advocacy, this program provides the flexibility, support, and real-world skills to help you achieve your goals.

Ready to take the next step in your public health career? Learn more about the online LSUS MPH program and apply today!