Scott Harpin (MPH ‘03) was attracted to MCH because of the importance placed on social justice for children and families, as well as emphasis placed on policy:

“Throughout our Program, we were encouraged to understand the legislative process and to consider careers that incorporate policy into the work.”

For his Master’s project, Harpin analyzed data from the Minnesota student survey to examine the relationship between mental health and well-being of youth in foster care.

After receiving his PhD in nursing, Harpin became an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado’s College of Nursing. He quickly became involved with the Kempe Center (Aurora, CO), an organization that works to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect. Not only was this a natural transition for Harpin, but it allowed him to begin a study to screen, intervene, and refer runaways/homeless youth to services.

Harpin is currently shaping the future of public health through the creation of a one-of-a-kind dual degree program at the University of Colorado.

“I think that, for most of our students, the Advanced Nursing Education program is fulfilling a need for an education they probably didn’t know existed. So many nurses tell me how much they value what an MPH can bring them professionally, including the possibility for new career options.”

Read more about Harpin’s professional path and current work in this Healthy Generations article.