Air Force 1st Lt. Brooke Broxterman’s journey to USF’s College of Public Health (COPH) began in a place far from where she is today. Born in Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., the daughter of a military family, Broxterman spent her early years in Ohio before her family moved to Lakeland, Fla. She attended high school at the Harrison School for the Arts. Initially interested in a career in visual arts, she soon decided her calling was elsewhere.
“I really enjoyed drawing,” Broxterman said, “But I realized it wasn’t the right career for me.”
Determined to pursue a medical profession, she set her sights on becoming a doctor—an ambition that evolved as she explored different academic paths.
Broxterman’s decision to major in biology and minor in psychology at Florida Southern College opened doors to her love for public health, ultimately leading her to the COPH for a master of public health (MPH) degree.
“During my time at Florida Southern, I took a parasitology class and malaria research caught my attention,” Broxterman explained. “I wanted to help people in areas like Africa and South America who suffer from malaria. That desire led me to public health.”
For her master’s degree, Broxterman looked for nearby schools in Florida that offered reputable MPH programs, and as the highest ranked public health program in the state, the COPH sealed her decision to pursue her MPH concentrating in global communicable diseases and epidemiology.
Adjusting to a large research university during the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges, yet she thrived.
“I was worried I wouldn’t make friends,” she said, “But I did, and I found a community in Dr. John Adam’s lab which is part of the USF Center for Global Health and Inter-Disciplinary Research, where I worked on malaria research.”
She said the experience shaped her expertise, and she quickly became knowledgeable about malaria. “When I first joined the lab, I didn’t know much, but by the time I left, I was definitely a subject matter expert,” Broxterman said.
Broxterman conducted lab work in the Adams Lab under the mentorship of COPH Associate Professor Dr. Francis Ntumngia. (Photo courtesy of Broxterman)
One of Broxterman’s most rewarding experiences as a student was presenting her research at USF Health Research Day in 2023, where she won the best poster award for her work on malaria vaccine development. Her project focused on developing a vaccine for Plasmodium vivax, a strain of malaria found in South America, India and parts of Africa.
“Vivax is different from Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest strain found in Africa,” she explained. “Vivax affects various populations and requires a unique vaccine.”
Reflecting on the experience, Broxterman said, “Presenting my research helped me overcome my public speaking anxiety and was a huge milestone for me.”
Broxterman also pointed to the professors who mentored her along the way. “Dr. John Adams and Dr. Francis Ntumngia were both incredibly supportive, helping me build expertise and confidence,” she said.
Since graduating with her MPH in August 2023, Broxterman has embarked on a new journey as chief of public health operations at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Ariz., marking her first professional role in public health. She credits her military family background for her decision to pursue a public health officer role in the Air Force.
“The military has always been in the back of my mind,” she noted. “My grandfather was in the Air Force and my dad was in the Army. When I found this opportunity online, I knew it was the right fit.”
In her current role, Broxterman oversees various programs, including occupational health, hearing conservation and disease surveillance.
“I manage programs related to hearing protection, food safety and deployment readiness, ensuring personnel are up to date on immunizations and prepared for assignments,” she shared.
The position demands a broad skill set, but Broxterman said she feels prepared, thanks to her education at USF. “The curriculum at USF prepared me well for what I’m doing now. Although I still have to complete some military-specific training, the foundational knowledge is there.”
Broxterman completed Officer Training School which is an eight and a half week intensive and very selective military program where she was one of ten people chosen out of 27 applicants across the United States, which further emphasizes the selectiveness of this career avenue to become a public health officer in the military.
Looking to the future, Broxterman has her sights set on advancing her education and career.
“The military offers opportunities to pursue a doctorate in exchange for service, so my goal is to earn a doctor of public health (DrPH) in infectious diseases,” she said.
Additionally, she hopes to participate in the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) fellowship, which aligns with her interest in epidemiology.
“I’m thankful for the experiences that led me here and am excited to see where this journey takes me next,” Broxterman said.
FAST FIVE
Where would we find you on the weekend?
You'd probably find me at a record store or a thrift shop.
What is the last book that you read?
Honestly, I think it's this Control of Communicable Diseases manual for work.
What superpower would you like to have?
Time travel
What is your all-time favorite movie?
Interstellar