Beats, Books, and Breakthroughs: From Marching 100 to Doctoral Candidate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Before earning national accolades, leading public health research, or preparing to defend her doctoral dissertation, Ericka Horne was simply a first-generation Jamaican American student with a dream — and a mission. 

In 2008, Horne dual-enrolled at Florida A&M University and Florida State University, where she balanced life between two campuses while proudly serving as a member of FAMU’s World-Renowned Marching 100 until her graduation in 2011. Along the way, the piccolo player said she encountered mentors who encouraged her to persevere.

Through a friend from the band, she found a church home at Family Worship & Praise Center, where she was poured into, her faith increased, and she was given the opportunity to foster her servant-leadership.

From day one, Horne believed in the power of education to transform lives — even if she could not imagine the heights she would one day reach. What began as a pursuit of knowledge soon evolved into a mission to drive change at the intersection of science, service, and spirituality. She returned to her alma mater in 2020 to pursue a doctorate in public health specializing in behavioral science and health education.

“I felt called to bridge the gap at the intersection of faith and health, a connection that had long been overlooked. One scripture that continually inspires me is 3 John 1:2: ‘Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.’ The phrase ‘in all respects’ reminds me that true well-being spans every area of life, and health is foundational to fulfilling one’s purpose,” she said. 

Horne’s doctoral research explored the connection between religiosity, trauma, and type 2 diabetes management in Black adults, giving a voice to populations often overlooked in health care. She presented her findings at more than 20 national and international conferences, earning first-place awards at the Florida A&M Student Research Forum and the Alpha Kappa Mu National Research Competition. 

“Public health, being so broad, expansive, and inclusive, allows me to tap into each of those areas if I so desire,” she shared. 

Her commitment to integrity and innovation in health earned her prestigious honors, including the McKnight Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship and two Florida Public Health Association (FPHA) Presidential Awards for her outstanding contributions to public health research and service. 

"One of my life’s missions has been to lead with authenticity, and I can honestly say the Institute of Public Health truly gave me the tools, the platform and the support to do that," said Ericka Horne, a public health doctoral student who will graduate this weekend.