Graduate Q&A: Brittyne Hlavay

Brittyne Hlavay, Master of Science graduate, Spring 2026.

What drew you to this area of study?

A few years after completing my bachelor of science, I was working as a laboratory technician when I felt I was at a crossroads. I wanted to further my education but I thought about shifting away from science altogether. I remembered a friend of mine who completed the MPH program at U of A and now enjoys working as an epidemiologist. I then discovered that I could do a thesis-based master of science within the School of Public Health. This appealed to me because I could apply my laboratory and research skillset and still take public health courses. I felt that by shifting into the public health field, I could continue to follow my passion for health sciences while building a broader, more interdisciplinary perspective. I was drawn to environmental health in particular because I find fascinating interconnections of human health, animal health, microbiology and our environments.

How did you stay motivated when things got tough?

When times get tough, it helps to spend time with loved ones and do things I enjoy. I love to dance and throughout grad school, I was always working on a dance project, doing choreography or taking classes.

What were your go-to spots on campus? Why?

Firstly, Starbucks for coffee breaks with my colleagues and to satisfy my mid-afternoon sweet treat cravings. The main quad was also a go-to for me whenever I wanted to spend time outdoors. It’s a good place to go for a stress-walk, share lunch outside with friends or witness the latest student shenanigans. And although I didn’t get to spend a lot of time there, I really like the new Geoffrey and Robyn Sperber Health Sciences Library in the Dianne and Irving Kipnes Health Research Institute. The atmosphere is calm and it’s typically not as busy as other campus libraries.

What did you learn about yourself during your time at the U of A?

I called the U of A my home for a decade, both as a student and an employee. Throughout this time, I have grown immensely, and learned that my interests and career aspirations can evolve. I gained confidence in myself as a scientist, artist and person, and I also learned how to trust my knowledge and advocate for myself when needed.

What advice would you give to a student considering your area of study?

I would recommend it! Public health is an ever-growing field that encompasses elements of science and humanities, making it interesting and accessible for people with diverse academic backgrounds and trajectories. If you are interested in the environmental health sciences program, I can say that I had an excellent experience being a part of this cohort, and it’s a great option for biology-inclined folks who don’t mind laboratory or field work. My advice would be to connect with people working in public health-related careers, if possible, to get a better sense of which knowledge and skills you’d like to gain during your time as a grad student.

What’s next for you in your career and/or academic journey? What do you hope to accomplish?

While I consider myself a life-long learner, I am leaving academia for now to travel and explore the next chapter in my life. Career-wise, I would like to continue to work in the public health sector or I might return to health sciences research. My goal is to be able to apply my experiences from my thesis work to help make a difference in managing waterborne diseases.