Michelle Fedrick’s Journey to a Doctorate in Public Health
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For Michelle Fedrick, the journey to earning her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) from Florida A&M University has been anything but traditional. Rooted in purpose, shaped by resilience and defined by a willingness to pivot, her path to graduation reflects years of determination, sacrifice and growth.
Originally from the Tampa Bay area, Fedrick began her academic career at the University of Maryland, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiological sciences in 2010. After graduating, she worked as an educator but quickly realized that the role did not align with her long-term goals.
“I realized that wasn’t what I went to school for,” Fedrick said. “So, I made the decision to go back and pursue something that truly aligned with my passion.”
That decision led her to Florida A&M University, a place she had long known through family, friends and mentors connected to Rattler Nation. Fedrick said she was intentional about choosing an HBCU experience.
“Coming from a predominantly white institution, I really wanted to experience my culture,” she said. “FAMU was at the top of my list.”
Fedrick initially returned to strengthen her academic background for dental school, completing additional science coursework and earning a second degree in biology. However, while pursuing her Master of Public Health (MPH), she discovered a new direction.
Michelle Fedrick poses inside Florida A&M University’s Institute of Public Health
as she prepares to earn her Doctor of Public Health degree during Spring 2026 commencement.
Fredrick balanced motherhood, research and a full-time role at the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention while completing her doctoral journey. (Photo Courtesy: Michelle
Fedrick)
Through her coursework and research, she became interested in the broader reach of public health, particularly its ability to address health disparities and improve outcomes on a larger scale.
“Once I got exposed to public health, I realized how much I loved it,” she said. “I saw that I could still make an impact in dental health, just in a different way.”
An internship with the Department of Health further solidified that interest, introducing her to public health dentistry and data analysis while connecting her with mentors who encouraged her growth.
Today, Fedrick works as a contractor with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, supporting the Antimicrobial Use and Resistance team, where she analyzes public health data to better understand patient outcomes and identify patterns related to antibiotic resistance.
“It’s about understanding the data and what it means for patient outcomes,” she said. “Even routine procedures can present risks, and our work helps inform safer practices.”
Balancing a full-time career while completing both her Master of Public Health and Doctor of Public Health programs required discipline and a strong support system, something Fedrick said she found at FAMU.
“I think it really comes down to your community,” she said. “Having supportive professors,
mentors and colleagues makes all the difference.”
Michelle Fedrick stands outside Florida A&M University’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, where her passion for public health and research continued to grow throughout
her academic journey. (Photo Courtesy: Michelle Fedrick)
That support became especially important during one of the most challenging periods of her life.
In late 2025, while completing her doctoral program, Fedrick welcomed her daughter. Navigating a high-risk pregnancy and her newborn daughter’s stay in the neonatal intensive care unit due to medical complications, while continuing to work, conduct research and complete her dissertation, tested her resilience.
Michelle Fedrick holds her daughter, one of her greatest sources of motivation throughout
her doctoral journey. While balancing motherhood, a full-time role at the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, and doctoral studies at Florida A&M University,
Fredrick remained committed to earning her Doctor of Public Health degree. (Photo
Courtesy: Michelle Fedrick)
“That was one of the most difficult moments for me,” she said. “But it also showed
me how strong and resilient I could be.”
Earlier this year, Fedrick successfully defended her dissertation, reaching one of the most significant milestones of her academic career. Now, as she prepares to graduate, she does so with her daughter there to witness the moment.
At FAMU, Fedrick said she found more than an academic program. Through the Institute of Public Health, in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, she built lasting relationships and deepened her commitment to community-centered work.
Her involvement in student organizations, including Future Public Health Professionals, allowed her to engage directly with communities and advocate for health equity. She was also recognized as a McKnight Dissertation Fellow, representing FAMU among top scholars across the state.
When asked to describe her FAMU experience in one word, Fedrick chose “transformative.”
“FAMU didn’t just shape my academic path,” she said. “It refined my purpose and strengthened my voice as a public health leader.”
Throughout her time at FAMU, Fedrick credits mentors who recognized her drive and potential.
“Michelle is very professional, always structured and incredibly inquisitive,” said Adriane Cooksey, health officer/administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Gadsden County and an adjunct professor at Florida A&M University. “She took public health personally. Her interest stemmed from life experiences and a genuine desire to find solutions that could help others.”
Fedrick attends a public health conference while pursuing her Doctor of Public Health
degree at Florida A&M University. Her passion for research and service helped shape
her journey in public health. (Photo Courtesy: Michelle Fedrick)
Cooksey said Fedrick’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence consistently stood out.
“She was always detailed and committed to seeing things through to the end,” Cooksey said. “If the answer wasn’t apparent, she would go out and find it. She wasn’t afraid to ask the necessary questions.”
She added that Fedrick’s qualities make her especially well-suited for a career in public health.
Michelle Fedrick poses during a Florida A&M University campus event, where her passion
for health care and community service first began to take shape. That early foundation
helped lead her to pursue and earn her Doctor of Public Health degree in Spring 2026.
(Photo Courtesy: Michelle Fedrick)
“She is a poised and passionate person who always wants to present her best,” Cooksey said. “She’s also a very patient individual, and that works well in public health because the work requires compassion, persistence and understanding.”
As she looks ahead, Fedrick plans to continue advancing her career within the CDC, with aspirations to grow into leadership roles and expand her impact at the federal level.
Her story is a reminder that success is not always linear and that sometimes the most meaningful paths are the ones that require change.
“It’s okay to pivot,” Fedrick said. “As long as you stay true to your passion, it will lead you where you’re supposed to be.”
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
