Since childhood, USF College of Public Health grad Shahrzad Zamani was interested in what makes people sick and how to prevent it, but it wasn’t until her second year of undergraduate school at USF taking biology classes that her path narrowed to public health.  

“I was interested in people,” Zamani said, “but my biology classes were more about life sciences like trees, fossils and things that had nothing to do with human physiology. So, I was just lost.” 

Zamani said she saw a flyer for the public health major while she was on campus that changed everything for her.  “I was immediately intrigued by the COPH,” she said. “The flyer had a list of all the classes. And I said, ‘This is it.’ I met with my advisor and I changed my major to public health that evening. To date, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made!” 

Zamani said she can vividly recall her initial tour of the COPH building.  

“It felt like being at home. It was as if the building exuded positive vibes that instantly resonated with me,” Zamani said “As I recently walked through the building, a rush of nostalgia hit me. The spirit and camaraderie that characterized my student experience are still very much alive within the walls of the college.” 

During her time as an undergraduate student, Zamani presented at the American Public Health Association (APHA).  

“This was a highlight for me. It offered the chance to share my research, insights and ideas with a broader audience of experts and enthusiasts,” she stated. “This experience not only boosted my confidence but also solidified my passion for contributing to the field of public health.” 

Zamani said it was the network of connections, mentors and lasting friendships through the COPH that also stands out to her. 

“The USF Women in Leadership and Philanthropy provided exceptional financial support through scholarships, as well as their ongoing mentorship,” she said. “Their guidance has extended beyond my time as a student, and their contributions have been instrumental in my journey.” 

Zamani said Dean Petersen stands out as a consistent source of motivation throughout her educational journey, along with several professors including Dr. Alison Oberne and Ms. Laura Rusnak.  

“I had a pivotal moment during my Intro to Public Health course when Professor Rusnak highlighted the distinction between practicing medicine and practicing public health,” Zamani said. “She elucidated that public health operates on a population level, while medicine focuses on individuals. It was like a light bulb switched on in my mind, leading me to realize that my career aspirations should encompass both these dimensions.” 

Zamani said she chose the COPH because it is among the top public health programs in the country.  

“The college’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research has led to its recognition as a hub of knowledge and innovation in the field of public health. The range of programs, opportunities and resources available to students is a testament to the college’s dedication to training the next generation of scientists. The faculty are experts in their fields and are dedicated to helping students succeed. The community is highly collaborative which created an environment where my cohort and I thrived.” 

Currently Zamani, who graduated the COPH in 2019, is a third-year medical student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) where she is engaged in a series of monthly rotations that provide exposure to various medical specialties.  

Additionally, Zamani serves as research associate at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in the cancer epidemiology program under the guidance of program leader Dr. Matthew Schabath. 

“In my current role at Moffitt, what truly captivates me is the process of looking at the same findings through various lenses,” Zamani said. “This approach to analyzing data opens up new insights, which is rewarding and enriching.” 

Zamani’s research focuses on cancer health disparities among sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations across the entire cancer continuum. 

“The sexual minority describes people who do not identify with heterosexual orientation, but rather with sexual orientations such as lesbian, gay, bisexual and others,” Zamani explained. “Conversely, gender minority individuals have a gender identity that does not align with the biological sex assigned to them at birth or does not fit within the traditional binary gender constructs. The concept of sexual and gender minority (SGM) is an inclusive umbrella that encompasses individuals who identify within one or both categories of sexual and gender minority. Over the last decade, while strides have been made to reduce health disparities, there remains a noticeable gap in research addressing and alleviating cancer disparities within SGM communities. My engagement in this role reflects my dedication to understanding and addressing health inequities, particularly within marginalized communities.” 

Zamani’s future aspirations involve combining her medical training with her public health perspective.  

“I want to be a physician that approaches health care with a broader, population-level perspective that emphasizes preventive measures into patient care,” she said.  “I want to work toward reducing the inequalities that exist in health care access and ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have the same opportunities.” 

Fast Five: 

What did you dream of becoming when you were young? 

A biologist working with microscopes 

Where would we find you on the weekend? 

Running with my local running group RunTampa! 

What is the last book you read? 

“The Light We Carry,” by Michelle Obama 

What superpower would you like to have? 

Ultrasonic hearing 

What’s your all-time favorite movie? 

“Elf” 

Story by Liz Bannon, USF College of Public Health