ALUMNI PROFILES
Diane Regan MPH, CPH (Graduated in May 2008).
Supervising bacteriologist with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
My name is Diane Regan and I am employed as a supervising bacteriologist with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. I manage the laboratory at the MarineFisheries Shellfish Purification Plant. The Shellfish Purification Plant accepts marginally contaminated soft shelled clams from Massachusetts harvest areas and purifies them to acceptable bacteriological standards. The shellfish are then suitable for consumption. Shellfish purification is a public health intervention which originated in the early 1900’s and is currently practiced worldwide.
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. degree in Environ
mental Conservation and Zoology. I always desired to continue my education however after graduation I decided to work first to better determine which field of study I should pursue. I took a job as a laboratory technician at the shellfish plant. My plan was to stay maybe a year however over twenty five years later, I am still there! The plant’s many opportunities and challenges have kept me busy and engaged however I always retained the desire to formally continue my education. The broad curriculum for an MPH excited my interests and fit well with shellfish sanitation but unfortunately I live an hour away from an accredited university. Working full time with an irregular schedule and now having a family, it was apparent that it would be very disruptive to be gone so often during the week to attend classes. Discovering the online UMass MPH-PHP program in 2002, I initially took Environmental Health to try it out. I loved the flexibility of the online format, the stimulation of being among professionals from a variety of disciplines and the challenge of the coursework. I applied to the program and five years later graduated with my degree.
Obtaining my MPH was an incredibly rewarding journey. I can honestly say that I am a better person having gone through the MPH-PHP program. I chose to take one class a semester to really savor and master the material that each class offered. Not only was I educated from the instructors and lectures but I also learned from my classmates. As educated professionals also working in the field my fellow students brought their real time, practical questions and diverse experiences to illustrate the topics discussed. The MPH coursework was relevant, timely and prepared me well to take and pass the charter offering of the certified in public health exam. Now that I have my degree, I find I have mixed emotions. I miss being in school. I miss the global connection to the public health community, the camaraderie and daily excitement of seeing what each threaded discussion would bring. The choice of obtaining a Masters within the field of Public Health was the right one for me. The MPH brought together and gave meaning to my work training and educational experiences. The coursework increased my awareness of the depth of the public health field as well as sharpened skills which will be required for advancement beyond my current duties. Even though I obtained my MPH to satisfy a personal goal, professionally I am now excited to enhance my current position and my contributions within the field of shellfish purification and sanitation.
I so appreciate the support I received from all my instructors, classmates and friends along the way but there are three people who I really wish to acknowledge. Thank you MaryBeth Lizek. Your detailed emails, sense of humor and wonderful, sage advice were always appreciated. I would also like to thank my husband Michael and my son Tim. Five years is a long time and your encouragement and constant support truly sustained me to the end. Overall, the program was a wonderful experience; one I would highly recommend.
Diane is a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi which is the nation's oldest, largest, and most selective all-discipline honor society. Diane was chosen as an member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society due to her academic excellence and demonstration of qualities of leadership in public health.
