Alumni
Course: 2023-2024
Sara Moraca holds a PhD in environmental sociology and epidemiology. She has a background in communication and biology, with expertise in science communication. She has been a science communicator and journalist working for Nature, National Geographic, and other international outlets. Currently, she is a postdoc at Burlo Garofolo Trieste in a project on the impact of climate change on children’s health.
“Since I began my Master’s in Global Health, I have encountered concepts and fields that I initially found daunting and challenging, such as epidemiology and statistics. Among my goals was also to immerse myself in unfamiliar areas or those distant from my background because I understand that engaging in global health means transcending the boundaries of disciplines and having a broader, interdisciplinary perspective.
This has been made possible through group work and the assistance of my colleagues. During the two weeks of work missions abroad, when I couldn’t attend classes, and also throughout various assignments, I have always relied on the support and expertise of my peers, who often have different backgrounds and skills than mine. They helped me see different perspectives on the homework assignments we were given.
Perhaps the most surprising thing for me was finding myself more comfortable working in a group than alone, whereas usually it’s the opposite, as the nature of my work is largely independent and only a small part is team-based. I believe this is one of the main skills and lessons I’ve taken away – the awareness that if I want to work in global health, my approach to work will change and be much more team-oriented. I see this as an important achieved goal upon which I still want to challenge myself.
Following the master’s program hasn’t always been easy; for me, it has been challenging due to work missions, family commitments, and health reasons. Despite this, I feel that this experience is enriching me not only in terms of knowledge, which is undoubtedly important, but also in the realm of soft skills.
Among these, the enhanced ability to work in teams stands out, along with gaining insights that I could never have had from colleagues with similar backgrounds. Additionally, there’s the opportunity to meet professionals and professors who have been working in the field for many years and can provide concrete and vivid examples, allowing us to grasp the practical aspects of the work we are about to undertake. The importance of internships that will enable us to delve into global health and see the application of what we have experienced and learned so far in the lessons”.
My future engagement in Global Health
The commitment I have put into the Master’s so far, and intend to continue, is driven by a specific goal: to work internationally in this sector in the coming years. My mixed background in biology and sociology, experience in communication, and years in research (Ph.D. and now postdoc) I believe can form a winning combination for a role in global health. This role should encompass a holistic vision, capable of engaging with both the humanistic and scientific aspects, while not neglecting the social components on which I currently work (engagement, capacity building, communication, risk perception), which are increasingly important in this sector.
I will complete my Postdoc by the end of 2026, by which time my son will be old enough for us to plan a couple of years abroad together. Given that I already lead a busy life, I never make random choices, not even regarding the timing of decisions. The opportunity to study in this area and develop these skills, to be utilized first in my work and then abroad, is part of my medium-term plans. In particular, I hope to do so in the pediatric field and, if possible, in developing countries where my skills may truly make a difference.