USF student strives to make our world healthier

Most people run from the topic of infectious diseases. Melanie Colombo embraces it. 
 
The 21-year-old undergraduate student in USF’s College of Public Health (COPH) is focusing her nascent career on a simple premise: Understanding how pathogens threaten our health. By combining her public health major with minors in infection control and microbiology, she’s developing a comprehensive understanding of disease dynamics and its global impact. 
 
“I’m particularly drawn to how these agents operate at a molecular level and cause disease, with a specific interest in zoonotic and foodborne illnesses,’’ Colombo said. “Long before the pandemic, I was captivated by the intricate ways these tiny organisms can cause widespread harm.’’ 
 
Colombo believes she’s off to a good start. She was one of three undergraduate students involved in a COPH feasibility study called “Building Capacity of the Public Health Workforce: An Examination of Challenges and Opportunities Related to Enhancing Infection, Prevention and Control Education and Training for Students.” 
 
That work opened the door to another opportunity as a paid research assistant for COPH’s Infection Control for Emergency Responders team, which is funded by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She has focused much of her time on recruitment and outreach – an effort that helps educate fire and emergency medical services personnel.   

 
“I gladly accepted the offer because the project aligns perfectly with my passion for infectious disease and public health,’’ she said. “It also provides insight into an often-overlooked aspect of health: understanding the exposures faced by frontline workers and exploring ways to assist them.’’ 
 
Through data collection and analysis, the project will help determine the exposure risks faced by emergency responders, such as ambulance teams. 
 
Colombo said, “The findings will give us a clear understanding of these risks, allowing us to develop and implement effective materials to enhance their safety,.’’ Colombo said. 
  
If Colombo isn’t busy enough, she has found time to be involved in the COPH Health Scholars program and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Association. Health Scholars is a nine-month, cohort-based program that enhances public health majors' skills and knowledge through experiential learning. Benefits include career site visits, leadership and volunteer opportunities, health-focused training, connections with peers and professionals, and resume-building to prepare students for graduate studies.  
 
“I'm passionate about these organizations and proud to contribute to their success,” she said. “I believe that student involvement is an essential part of the college experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to learn and grow through my leadership roles.’’ 

 
The study of disease prevention requires a broad perspective, Colombo believes, one reason she traveled to England last summer for specialized coursework. While her USF in London courses in Public Health and Sex and Decision-making were not specifically focused on global health, they offered a unique, integrated learning experience. It included activities that connected public health concepts to various locations throughout London, providing insights into the city's healthcare system and history. 
 
“During our month-long stay in London, I gained a new perspective on living abroad and developed a greater sense of comfort and confidence in exploring new environments,’’ she said. 
 
Encouraging her to set the bar high was a Frank Luscher -Eendowed Undergraduate Scholarship based on her status as a first-generation college student; although born in Miami, her family is from Argentina. The scholarship will help with her plan to graduate in 2026 and pursue a master's degree in public health with a focus on microbiology. She is considering a job with the CDC or World Health Organization. 

 
“Receiving this scholarship is incredibly rewarding,’’ she said. “As a first-generation college student with immigrant parents, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. It empowers me to fully embrace my education and pursue my dreams, knowing I have their unwavering support and incredible opportunities ahead of me.’’ 
 
Part of her own support comes from a mentor, Laura Rusnak, director of undergraduate programs at COPH. She believes Colombo will make a difference where it’s needed most. 
 
“Melanie is an outstanding student and a natural leader whose dedication to her academics is matched only by her strong leadership skills,’’ Rusnak said. “She consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to serving others and her contributions to the college. I don’t doubt that she will contribute to positive health outcomes in any community she serves.’’