Ravneel Gulati did not know much about public health when she graduated from George Mason University. With an undergraduate degree in biology, she always thought of getting a job in medicine. After doing some research, she found it interesting that public health would allow her to advance a career in healthcare, while helping to improve the lives of entire populations of people.
Ravneel is leading a unique study that is looking to see if children with low birth weights are more prevalent in households with lead paint. There is no other known research of its kind.
"It is commonly agreed upon that lead paint lowers IQ levels in children, but lead poisoning may also point to other important health indicators for mothers and their babies. The more we know about the impacts of lead paint, the better preventative public health measures, as well as medical treatments, can be put into place," said Ravneel.
Ravneel is working closely with the Maternal and Child Family Health Center and the Philadelphia Health Department’s Childhood Lead Poisoning and Prevention Program in her research. She is currently working to complete her research.
Ravneel’s advisor is Arthur L. Frank, MD, MPH, who is the chair and a professor at the School of Public Health’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health. Dr. Frank is an internationally-renowned expert, and travels the world teaching on the impacts of asbestos, lead paint and other environmental health concerns.
"The faculty at the School of Public Health is outstanding. They are terrific at helping to guide you through the research process and advise you on career paths," said Ravneel.
Ravneel also found Drexel appealing because it allowed her to explore all areas of public health before choosing an area of concentration, and it was close to her home in Virginia.
"I would recommend Drexel to anyone," said Ravneel.
For more profiles of students "living" public health at Drexel University, please visit the main Student Profiles page.