Mackenzie Donatelli G '26 (center)
Mackenzie Donatelli G ’26, a second-year MPH student at the College of Health (COH), has made the most of her graduate experience, conducting impactful research, winning prizes in the Seton Hall University Healthcare Management Case Study Challenge and the ACHE Healthcare Case Competition and pursuing her academic passions. Ahead of her graduation this month, she reflected on her COH journey and what’s next.
Why did you decide to attend the College of Health?
I went to a small undergraduate college, Ursinus College, where I was very involved and was able to take advantage of various leadership opportunities. I wanted that same environment, and I found that here at the COH.
I was originally pre-med in undergrad. I took the MCAT, and then in my senior year of undergrad, I took Sociology for a pre-med requirement. I wrote an essay about public health, but I didn't really know what the field was. My teacher was like, “Wow, Mackenzie, you should really look into public health!” So I started looking into programs in the area. I kept researching public health and found that I really liked it more. I had wanted to go to med school because I wanted to do public health.
I’m from the Reading area, so the Lehigh Valley is close. I knew I didn't want to do a program online; I just wouldn't do well in that environment. I wanted to meet in person and develop connections. I found Lehigh and their program was generally pretty new. I’m in the second or third cohort. Also, I really liked that it was a small program, that I would be able to make an impact and my professors would get to know me on a more individual level, while still being at an R1 research institution and getting to do research here.
Can you tell us about your research focus and its potential impact?
For my applied practical experience, I'm conducting water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) research with Dr. Gabrielle String. She has a dual appointment in the College of Health and the P.C. Rossin College of Civil and Environmental Engineering. We're doing research on amoebas related to healthcare-associated infections. Amoebas can sometimes engulf and then transmit bacteria because our cleaning products don't necessarily account for the fact that we have to kill amoebas as well. So, we're looking into how this affects specific surfaces regarding specific hospital cleaning policies. If the amoebas engulfing the bacteria change the characteristics of the bacteria at all, that makes them more resistant to these cleaning solutions.
You’ve participated in a number of unique learning opportunities and case competitions during your time at the COH. How have they supported your academic or career goals?
Participating in programs like the ACHE Healthcare Case Competition allowed me to move beyond the classroom and take what I have learned and apply it to the real world. I am graduating this month and exploring healthcare management, as well as epidemiology roles. Getting to network with the judges and being able to present solutions as I would in a healthcare management setting has provided invaluable experience for me, only reinforcing my desire to enter the field. Getting to mentor an undergrad student was also super impactful. I am very passionate about student development, and I love getting to share my knowledge with younger generations and inspire them to pursue their passions.
How would you describe the faculty at the COH?
I was once asked to pick a faculty member who was super impactful or mentored me throughout my time here, but I was really unable to pick just one. I think that is such a testament to how integrated and family-like the COH truly is. You will have each professor in your corner cheering for you, and you really do get to know them all on a more personal level. Each professor in the COH has impacted my journey and graduate education in a different way, providing their own guidance and advice and holistically shaping me into the young professional I have become today.
Do you have any advice for other students?
Take advantage of the opportunities presented! As I near graduation, that is my advice for younger generations. And if you ever have any questions or want someone to talk to, reach out to your professors; they are amazing!
