How LSUS Graduate Mary-Elizabeth Nordberg Found Her Voice as a Researcher and Advocate in Public Health

When Mary-Elizabeth Nordberg enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program from LSU Shreveport (LSUS), she was already balancing two jobs and a growing interest in health equity. The program’s online structure gave her the flexibility to continue working while learning, which allowed her to immediately apply course concepts to real-world experiences. 

This led her to an internship at LSU Health Shreveport’s Department of Pediatrics, which has since evolved into her full-time role as a Research Associate. Today, she works on groundbreaking projects that translate classroom lessons into measurable impact on local health and wellness.  

Learn more about her career-changing journey with the online MPH from LSUS! 

Meet Mary-Elizabeth Nordberg 

Why did you choose the online LSUS MPH? 

I chose the LSUS MPH program because of its comprehensive approach to both emerging and established public health topics. The curriculum offered exactly the breadth and depth I was looking for to grow as a public health professional. I selected the online format so that I could continue working my two jobs while pursuing my degree, which allowed me to apply what I learned in real-time to my professional experiences. 

How did you balance life, work, and studies? 

The flexible structure of the program allowed me to work during the day and dedicate my evenings to school. However, staying organized was essential to this balance. I made it a point to complete assignments earlier in the week so I could maintain a structure and still make time for family and personal life. 

Were there any courses, projects, or professors that had a particularly strong impact on your learning experience? 

Both the Capstone and Applied Learning Experience were influential parts of my MPH journey. Dr. Kelley, who chaired my Capstone on the impact of climate change on public health outcomes, pushed me to think critically and deep-dive into my topic. Although my current work focuses more on behavioral health, the Capstone experience nonetheless reinforced my commitment to health equity as it relates to environmental justice. 

Madeline Barclay also had a strong influence on me during my Applied Learning Experience (internship). She consistently encouraged me to connect and explore what I learned in my courses with real-world challenges, which helped me develop a stronger sense of purpose as a public health professional. 

You started at LSU Health Shreveport as an intern, and that experience turned into a full-time position. How did your internship help bridge the gap between what you learned in the classroom and real-world research? 

My internship, now full-time Research Associate position, centers on wastewater analysis to assess the prevalence of illicit and prescription drug use in Northwest Louisiana. We compare this data with community-level social vulnerability indexes, which directly tie back to the Social Determinants of Health emphasized throughout the MPH program. Understanding how factors like poverty, housing stability, and access to care influence substance use patterns has been invaluable. 

Additionally, I am on a study that validates at-home STI testing, highlighting one of the most essential aspects of public health: prevention. I’ve particularly enjoyed this project because it has helped me strengthen my communication skills and learn how to convey health information in a way that’s accessible to everyone, regardless of their health literacy level. Learning how factors such as incentives and benefits-over-barriers contribute to the likelihood that an individual will participate in a health-conducive program has allowed me to better understand the full potential of this study. Also, the women we enroll usually ask questions and seem genuinely interested in what we are doing, which is truly exciting. Empowering women to take control over their reproductive health makes this aspect of my job one of my favorites. 

How has your career progressed since graduating? 

Since graduating, I’ve advanced into a Research Associate role with expanded responsibilities. I now present our wastewater findings to local leaders, translating data into meaningful insights about substance use trends and public health needs in our region. I also participate in recruiting and enrolling participants in the STI testing study, transitioning from behind-the-scenes data collection to direct community engagement and communication. 

What does a typical day in your role look like, and what do you find most rewarding about your work? 

On an average day, I coordinate wastewater sampling efforts, assist with enrolling study participants, and contribute to manuscripts and reports on wastewater-based epidemiology. The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing how our data can directly inform local decision-making and contribute to protecting community health. It’s fulfilling to know that our findings can lead to real, measurable change. 

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the program? 

For prospective MPH students, especially those in the online format, I strongly recommend reaching out and building connections with your professors. The faculty are incredibly supportive, but the more they get to know you, the more personalized their feedback and guidance can be. Those relationships make a significant difference in your academic and professional growth, as they did for me! 

Is there anything else you want us to know? 

My experience in the LSUS MPH program not only deepened my knowledge of public health but also helped me find my voice as a researcher and advocate. It equipped me with the confidence and skills to translate data into action and contribute meaningfully to improving the health of my community. 

Gain the Tools to Improve Community Health with LSU Online

Mary-Elizabeth reflects the real-world impact of the online Master of Public Health program from LSUS—a program built for professionals who want to apply science, data, and policy to improve the well-being of their communities. Through flexible online coursework made possible through LSU Online, mentorship from expert faculty, and opportunities for applied learning, LSUS graduates are equipped to step into leadership and research roles that drive meaningful public health outcomes. 

Explore the online LSUS Master of Public Health program, and apply today!