Most people run from the topic of infectious diseases. Melanie Colombo embraces it.
The 21-year-old undergraduate student in USF鈥檚 鈥�(COPH) is focusing her nascent career on a simple premise: Understanding how pathogens
threaten our health. By combining her public health major with minors in infection
control and microbiology, she鈥檚 developing a comprehensive understanding of disease
dynamics and its global impact.
鈥淚鈥檓 particularly drawn to how these agents operate at a molecular level and cause
disease, with a specific interest in zoonotic and foodborne illnesses,鈥欌�� Colombo said.
鈥淟ong before the pandemic, I was captivated by the intricate ways these tiny organisms
can cause widespread harm.鈥欌��
Colombo believes she鈥檚 off to a good start. She was one of three undergraduate students
involved in a COPH feasibility study called 鈥�.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
That work opened the door to another opportunity as a paid research assistant for
COPH鈥檚 team, which is funded by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
She has focused much of her time on recruitment and outreach 鈥� an effort that helps
educate fire and emergency medical services personnel.
(Photo courtesy of Colombo)
鈥淚 gladly accepted the offer because the project aligns perfectly with my passion
for infectious disease and public health,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淚t also provides insight into
an often-overlooked aspect of health: understanding the exposures faced by frontline
workers and exploring ways to assist them.鈥欌��
Through data collection and analysis, the project will help determine the exposure
risks faced by emergency responders, such as ambulance teams.
Colombo said, 鈥淭he findings will give us a clear understanding of these risks, allowing
us to develop and implement effective materials to enhance their safety,.鈥欌�� Colombo
said.
If Colombo isn鈥檛 busy enough, she has found time to be involved in the COPH and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Association. Health Scholars is a nine-month,
cohort-based program that enhances public health majors' skills and knowledge through
experiential learning. Benefits include career site visits, leadership and volunteer
opportunities, health-focused training, connections with peers and professionals,
and resume-building to prepare students for graduate studies.
鈥淚'm passionate about these organizations and proud to contribute to their success,鈥�
she said. 鈥淚 believe that student involvement is an essential part of the college
experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to learn and grow through
my leadership roles.鈥欌��
Colombo (third from left) attended a USF basketball team, alongside dean Vermund (center). (Photo courtesy of Colombo)
The study of disease prevention requires a broad perspective, Colombo believes, one
reason she traveled to England last summer for specialized coursework. While her USF
in London courses in Public Health and Sex and Decision-making were not specifically
focused on global health, they offered a unique, integrated learning experience. It
included activities that connected public health concepts to various locations throughout
London, providing insights into the city's healthcare system and history.
鈥淒uring our month-long stay in London, I gained a new perspective on living abroad
and developed a greater sense of comfort and confidence in exploring new environments,鈥欌��
she said.
Encouraging her to set the bar high was a Frank Luscher -Eendowed Undergraduate Scholarship
based on her status as a first-generation college student; although born in Miami,
her family is from Argentina. The scholarship will help with her plan to graduate
in 2026 and pursue a with a focus on microbiology. She is considering a job with the CDC or World Health
Organization.
(Photo courtesy of Colombo)
鈥淩eceiving this scholarship is incredibly rewarding,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淎s a first-generation
college student with immigrant parents, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility.
It empowers me to fully embrace my education and pursue my dreams, knowing I have
their unwavering support and incredible opportunities ahead of me.鈥欌��
Part of her own support comes from a mentor, , director of undergraduate programs at COPH. She believes Colombo will make a difference
where it鈥檚 needed most.
鈥淢elanie is an outstanding student and a natural leader whose dedication to her academics
is matched only by her strong leadership skills,鈥欌�� Rusnak said. 鈥淪he consistently
demonstrates a deep commitment to serving others and her contributions to the college.
I don鈥檛 doubt that she will contribute to positive health outcomes in any community
she serves.鈥欌�欌��