From Doctoral Student to Disease Detective

For alumnus Dennis Ogeto Nyachoti, DrPH, his fervor to study public health dates back to his childhood, where he witnessed the harsh impact and economic toll preventable illnesses took on rural and underserved communities. Years later, his passion led him to a career opportunity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officer.

While completing his Doctor of Public Health with a focus in Health Promotion and Health Education in May 2023 at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in El Paso, Ogeto observed a noticeable shift in the public’s perception and understanding of public health. The COVID-19 pandemic brought an awareness to public health that had not existed previously. During his pre-dissertation work, he focused on food insecurity and healthy living, but the COVID-19 pandemic allowed him to redirect his research to vaccine-preventable diseases. Supported by his advisors, Leah Whigham, PhD, and Andrew Springer, DrPH, he redirected his dissertation research to focus on COVID-19, recognizing the potential impact his work could have on the population.

“If we view challenges as opportunities, there is no setback we cannot overcome.” Dennis Ogeto Nyachoti, DrPH

“Through public health, I could make a greater difference by focusing on disease prevention at the population level rather than at the individual level,” he shared.

Now, Ogeto serves in a governmental role, uniquely referred to as a “disease detective”, studying and identifying disease outbreaks and better understanding the why and how of health outcomes. This work as an EIS officer prepares public health professionals like Ogeto to investigate and respond to urgent health issues across the U.S. and worldwide.

“Public health professionals must continue working with communities to improve health, protect lives, and provide accurate and evidence-based information,” Ogeto said.

Over the course of his career, Ogeto has developed disease surveillance tools, designed community programs, and built professional teams to support peer-to-peer growth. He considers those contributions rewarding despite the challenges along the way.

He credits his advisors and professors at the School of Public Health for supporting and shaping his path in the field. Through courses in implementation mapping, geographic information systems, and infectious diseases, he has actively applied his academic work to support his career at the CDC.