Student Spotlight - Jeanbaptist Nizeyimana

Jeanbaptist Nizeyimana

Student, PhD

1. The “Spark”

What initially sparked your interest in this research area, and what problem are you most passionate about solving?

The "Spark"Growing up in a refugee settlement inspired me to develop the Public Health Curriculum–Action Based (PH-CAB) to empower young people with practical public health knowledge that improves health literacy and prevents disease in underserved communities.

2. The “Journey”

Can you share a key moment or challenge in your research—an “aha!” discovery or a hurdle you overcame—and how you navigated it?

The "Journey"One of the greatest challenges has been delays in funding processing, which postponed project implementation, but it reinforced the importance of resilience, partnership, and strategic planning to achieve sustainable community impact.

3. The “Big Picture”

How do you see your research impacting the real world or contributing to your field in the next few years?

The "Big Picture"I envision PH-CAB becoming an evidence-based model that equips young people to become public health leaders who improve health outcomes and strengthen resilient communities locally and globally.

4. The “Inspiration”

Who has influenced your research path (a teacher, scientist, mentor, or even a fictional character), and what is one thing you learned from them?

The "Inspiration"The University of Memphis School of Public Health faculty, especially Dean Ashish Joshi, have inspired me to translate research into community action through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based public health practice.

5. The “Personal Touch”

What is one unique skill or non-academic hobby that supports your research or keeps you motivated?

The "Personal Touch"My passion for community teaching and developing practical public health education programs motivates me to transform research into sustainable solutions that empower underserved populations.