We asked Cecilia Jarquin Tapia a few questions about herself and her role at ICH. Read on to learn more!

1. How would you describe your role at ICH?

   

I am a Research Associate at ICH. I’m responsible for supporting different projects across different tasks. Depending on the project, you might find me taking meeting minutes or learning how to navigate a new platform to manage data. 

2. What is your educational background?

I graduated with my B.S. in Health Science with a minor in public policy from Boston University’s Sargent College in 2022. During my sophomore year, I decided to pursue the combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health degree. I began my graduate classes the following semester and graduated with my MPH in 2024. 

3. What was your career path before coming to ICH?

After graduating in 2022, I continued my MPH on a part time basis while working full time as a Research Fellow at the Center on the Ecology of Early Development (CEED). Here I contributed to research projects focusing on dual language learners and racial, ethnic, and/or linguistic equity in early childhood classrooms. 

4. What made you decide to come to ICH?

I decided to come to ICH because of their direct work with community organizations and commitment to health equity. ICH has also provided me the opportunity to build on my experience with early childhood education and apply skills from my public health background. 

5. What are some projects that you are working on right now?

I’m working on projects covering a wide range of topics including substance use disorder, community engagement, and early childhood education.

6. What are your favorite projects topics and why?

I enjoy working on projects that focus on community engagement. I truly believe that the best public health work can only be produced when community members are fully involved in a project. 

7. What are you most excited about for the future of ICH?

I’m looking forward to seeing what new collaborations and projects are in store for ICH. 

8. What are your hobbies or things you like to do for fun?

I recently moved to a new neighborhood so I’m excited to try new restaurants and cafes! 

9. Do you have any plans for this winter? Anything that you are looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to the holiday season!