Student Profile: Samantha Kloft
Samantha Kloft is a fourth-year doctoral candidate concentrating in Health Policy and Management
Q. Why did you choose UMass for your doctoral studies?
I chose UMass because the Health Promotion and Policy department gives you a lot of flexibility to explore interdisciplinary topics. I’ve been able to connect with researchers not only within the department but also across other programs and schools, which has helped me get the most out of my time here. That openness to collaboration really stood out to me when I was applying, and it’s been a big part of my experience so far.
Q. Can you share a bit about your experience so far at the Young Scientists Summer Program in Vienna?
The YSSP at the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) has been an incredible opportunity for me to grow as a researcher! I’ve been working on the second aim of my dissertation, analyzing nationally representative survey data to identify trust profiles in public health authorities. Being part of an international research community has pushed me to think about public health issues in a broader systems context and to connect my U.S.-focused work to global challenges in health governance and institutional trust. It’s also a really collaborative and supportive environment, and I’ve learned so much from my peers who come from a wide range of disciplines and countries. Whether we are in the office or out exploring Austria together, those conversations have made the experience even more meaningful.
Q. In what ways has your time at UMass prepared you for the YSSP?
My research experiences at UMass play a big role in preparing me for the YSSP. Through my work with Dr. Martínez and Dr. López-Cevallos, I’ve been able to take on projects that focus on applied research, intersectionality, and the social and structural factors that shape health. These opportunities have helped me build a strong toolbox of methods and frameworks that I continue to draw from while working on my dissertation. I also feel really lucky to have faculty mentors who encourage me to pursue opportunities like the YSSP and support my goals every step of the way. That support, both from my advisors and the department overall, helps me feel more confident and ready to be part of an international research community like IIASA.
Q. What is your favorite part of being in the Health Promotion and Policy department and the School of Public Health and Health Sciences as a whole?
What I appreciate most is the growing sense of community in our department. I’ve been lucky to find supportive faculty and peers who are invested in each other’s success, and there is space in the program for open conversations and learning from one another. I also value how the school encourages students to get involved beyond the classroom through teaching, research, and community engagement. It feels like a place where people are working toward making public health more inclusive and responsive, and that has really enhanced my experience here.
Q. What advice would you give prospective Health Policy and Management students?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to faculty and students early on and build relationships. You never know what new connections might lead to! Also, stay open to unexpected experiences. Some of the most rewarding parts of my PhD journey so far have come from saying yes to things that weren’t originally on my radar, like presenting at conferences, applying for fellowships, or teaching undergraduate student seminars.
Q. What are your plans for after graduation, and in what ways is UMass setting you up for future success?
After graduation, I hope to continue doing research that bridges academia, public health practice, and policy, ideally in a university or research institute setting. My goal is to support stronger, more resilient relationships between public health authorities and the communities they serve, while bringing more people to the table to navigate difficult health topics. UMass has given me a strong foundation through coursework, mentorship, and research opportunities to pursue this work in a way that is rigorous, community-centered, and equity-driven.
