Student Highlight – Mahua Saha grew up in Kolkata, India, and developed a natural liking for mathematics and statistics in early childhood. Her work in the field of public health began when she was in high school and she was introduced to many different aspects of public health through volunteering. She continued her volunteer work while in college in Calcutta and was an active member of an AIDS awareness project there.

Mahua moved to Omaha in 2007. Her passion for mathematics, statistics, and public health came together when she learned about the MPH program with a concentration in biostatistics offered by the UNMC COPH. The program’s specialized courses help her to achieve her goals of challenging herself in biostatistics. Mahua also serves as a graduate assistant for the Plaza Partnership, a collaborative, community-based participatory research program that addresses complex health issues specific to South Omaha. She works with colleagues from partner organizations such as the Douglas County Health Department, OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc., and the South Omaha Community Care Council.

Mahua enjoys the diversity within UNMC’s student community and the opportunities to interact with students from various backgrounds. She believes UNMC fosters a great environment for academic and professional growth. Mahua’s current goal is to complete her MPH degree along with SAS certification. After completing her program, she looks forward to pursuing a PhD and applying her statistical and mathematical skills to tackling various complex issues in the field of public health.