Alumni Profiles
Interviewed by Polly Po
John H. Kleschinsky
Graduation Year (Undergraduate): 2004
Graduation Year (Graduate): 2007
Major: Undergraduate: Kinesiology w/ a minor in Biology
Major: Graduate: MPH in Health Policy & Management
What activities did you do as an undergraduate? : I was a member of the Kinesiology club and a member of many intramural sports teams. Everyone should try at least three Registered Student Organizations while they’re an undergrad. During my junior year, as a resident of Moore dormitory I signed up as a community leader; a wonderful experience that taught me the value of serving your community. I also spent several semesters volunteering with the Boltwood Project.
Most unforgettable memory as an undergraduate: Toss up: 1) Being a student during the 2004 Red Sox playoffs run or 2) Watching Gov. Deval Patrick, then a candidate for Governor, speak about his vision for public education in Massachusetts and reinvesting in UMass after years of neglect. I have to admit I am really jealous of the undergrads right now who have a fitness center, new science buildings on North Pleasant St., and new arts building. The campus looks great!
What class prepared you the most? : Another toss up: 1) Dr. Dan Gerber taught a class on Group Dynamics that has helped me to manage the many different personalities that have arisen in my collaborative work, or 2) Dr. Lisa Chasan-Taber taught a class called Epidemiologic Investigations, this class most prepared me for my life as a researcher after grad school. I still use the information she provided as a resource for my research projects.
Current Job, Location: Research Associate, The Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance, Medford, Ma
Job duties: (Sorry that these are straight out of my CV):
- Designing and implementing research projects
- Analyzing statistical data related to addictions
- Drafting and editing publications for peer review
- Evaluating public health programs
- Directing research assistants
Best thing about your job: Autonomy as a researcher. I’m given a substantial amount of responsibility and it’s up to me to find a solution and get the job done. It’s wonderful not to be micromanaged. Also, having access to the entire research team has been wonderful. Each member of the research team has a unique skill set and it’s been wonderful to learn from each of them. From other research associates, to the associate directors and the director of the program, they have all been invaluable mentors.
Where do you see yourself in five years: In five years, I will be finished with my DrPH, developing public health programs that utilize mobile technology.
What is strikingly different or the same between college and the real world: If you are not careful, college will allow you to defer many responsibilities until you graduate. I would encourage every undergraduate to seek out more responsibility not less before you graduate. I promise you, you’ll be better prepared for that first summer after college.
Best advice to others: Try everything once and don’t be afraid to fail. You might not find your path immediately after graduating. That’s ok, keep searching until you find what makes you happy.
Quick guide to success in your words: The minute you become complacent in your job is the minute it’s time to move on. Always be evolving and asking for more responsibility. The more projects you are involved with the more valuable you become as an individual.
