Kevin Rwigamba
Master of Public Health
Kevin has made friends the world over while tackling population health.
Kevin Rwigamba鈥檚 MPH has taken him all around the world. Originally from Rwanda, he moved to Vancouver to pursue his master鈥檚. His research with SFU took him to South Africa to study HIV and AIDS, and his practicum led back to Rwanda, where he was involved in a program studying discordant couples鈥攑artnerships where one only partner is HIV positive.
鈥淔or my practicum, I worked with an HIV organization. I came up with a strategy for participant retention, which will help them continue their research. Then in South Africa, over the summer, I got to meet people with lived experiences, and to collaborate with students from across Africa. I was already passionate about the research area, but it really lit a fire under me to pursue it.鈥�
Over the last two years, he has had no shortage of adventure in the pursuit of health equity; but, he says, it鈥檚 the friends he made along the way that inspired him most.
鈥淥ur cohort is very close. We鈥檙e relatively small鈥攖here鈥檚 about 40 of us 鈥� and they鈥檙e very welcoming. It鈥檚 the same with the faculty, everyone is very approachable.鈥�
In between research, study, and an active social life, he also represented FHS to the Graduate Student Society as part of the faculty鈥檚 Graduate Caucus. With such a rich graduate school experience, his advice to applicants is to be strategic.
鈥淭wo years go by very quickly. Think past the degree; imagine where you see yourself in five years and then try to tailor the coursework according to that. At the same time, there鈥檚 a chance to be open-minded. The faculty is interdisciplinary. There鈥檚 a lot of paths to choose from.鈥�
As for where he sees himself in five years, his options are open. 鈥淚鈥檓 particularly interested in global health, but I鈥檇 like to study more first. I鈥檓 considering either a PhD or a Doctor of Public Health program.鈥�