With a history of diabetes in her father's family, Sasha T. Smith maintains good health and fitness by working out in the gym at least twice a week. Her main workout routine is walking around the UGA campus and exercise DVDs.

Grandparents in rural Georgia reared Sasha T. Smith, who grew up in Woodbury, one of the oldest towns in Meriwether County, Georgia.  

Those experiences in rural Georgia and Mississippi instilled the values of hard work and helping others in the University of Georgia College of Public Health graduate student.

"There were many influences. My family was one of the reasons I chose public health as a career. I have two aunts in the health profession as an obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN) and registered nurse," Smith said. "Of course, my undergraduate degree in biology shows that I have a real passion for science. Overall, my passion for people and science led me to my field of work.  I really enjoy helping people."  

Smith is getting a real-life look at public health as an intern in the Epidemiology Section with the Georgia Department of Public Health.

"Ladybug" is a 13-year-old Chihuahua. Sasha T. Smith has nicknamed her "Killer," "Missy," and "Yo quiero Taco Bell."

"Sasha is working under the FoodNet component of the Emerging Infections Program to collect and analyze foodborne disease surveillance data and design educational materials related to disease prevention," said Rebecca Meyer, MPH, FoodNet epidemiologist in the Acute Disease Epidemiology Section.

According to CDC, the FoodNet accomplishes its work through active surveillance; surveys of laboratories, physicians, and the general population; and population-based epidemiologic studies. Information from FoodNet is used to assess the impact of food safety initiatives on the burden of foodborne illness.

"Currently, I am conducting surveillance interviews for Salmonella and Campylobacter.  I also perform data cleaning as assigned by the epidemiologists. It is a lot of paperwork but I am really enjoying it. Conducting the surveillance interviews with patients has been most enlightening and educational."

Because of her background, Smith hopes to impact rural communities during her career in public health.

Sasha T. Smith met Congressman John Lewis (center) with friends at a planned parenthood event for women's Civil Rights at Georgia State.

In Georgia, research shows that southwest and south central Georgia are among the poorest regions. Citizens in rural communities often have little or no health insurance. They also have to travel further to reach medical doctors or health clinics.

"In Georgia, there is always a need in getting access to proper health care, especially in rural counties," Smith explained. 

"Some counties are understaffed with healthcare professionals. I think that it is the same as the rest of the U.S. and rural counties."

But telemedicine and enhanced technology help ensure communities get basic care such as seeing a dental hygienist and other healthcare professionals.

Smith will graduate in May 2013 and has a vision for the next 10 years.
 
"I hope to have an awesome job opportunity in public health and in the next 10 years maybe an advanced degree and world traveling," Smith said. "I want the next generation of public health professionals to remain compassionate about the people that we are serving. As a future epidemiologist, I must remember that the surveillance data that I am reviewing represent real Georgians or people in other states. I have to do what is right for the population."

-Story by Connie F. Smith, DPH Communications