Hayat Naqvi — Bridging Borders and Data for a Healthier World
Before she ever set foot in a UNC Charlotte classroom, Hayat Naqvi, was already charting a path that defied borders and disciplines. Her story is not just one of academic achievement, but of transformation—of discovering how the language of data can amplify compassion and turn a passion for public health into meaningful change. As a Spring 2025 graduate specializing in Epidemiology and Health Informatics, Hayat’s journey is proof that the intersection of technology and humanity is where the future of health begins.
Choosing UNC Charlotte: A Hub for Innovation
Hayat’s decision to join UNC Charlotte was driven by the university’s strong focus on applied public health and its diverse research opportunities.
“The MPH program offered the flexibility to integrate public health with emerging technologies through the Health Informatics and Analytics certificate, which aligned perfectly with my interests,” Hayat shares.
This unique combination allowed her to pursue an interdisciplinary path and explore how technology can revolutionize public health.
Discovering a Passion for Data Science
It was during her MPH studies that Hayat’s interest in data science blossomed. She quickly recognized the power of data to bridge the gap between clinical evidence and public health practice.
“The potential to apply machine learning and data-driven decision-making to improve population health and optimize healthcare delivery inspires me,” she explains.
This realization led her to seek additional training in Health Informatics, setting the stage for her future ambitions.
Influential Mentors and Lasting Lessons
Two professors played pivotal roles in Hayat’s journey at UNC Charlotte. Dr. Deborah Beete inspired Hayat with her passion for health equity and her engaging, student-centered teaching style. “She encouraged me to think critically about public health systems and community impact,” Hayat recalls. Dr. George Shaw introduced her to coding, opening up new possibilities and sparking a passion for programming that has become central to her academic and career path.
Beyond Graduation: Hayat’s Vision for the Future
Since graduating with her MPH this May (Spring 2025), Hayat has continued to build her technical and research skills, with plans to pursue a PhD in Epidemiology. Her goal? To explore how data science can address health disparities and improve outcomes on a population level.
“I’m most excited about contributing to the evolving field of precision public health, where data-driven insights, technology, and equity intersect,” she says.
Real-World Impact: Volunteering and Community Engagement
Currently, Hayat volunteers with a community-based initiative focused on public health data collection. She finds meaning in engaging directly with underserved populations, gathering and organizing health-related data to support local programs and research. “It’s a great way to stay connected to the real-world impact of public health work,” she notes.
Lessons Learned and Words of Wisdom
Reflecting on her time at UNC Charlotte, Hayat discovered her strength at the intersection of public health and technology, as well as a passion for advocacy and translating complex data into strategies that impact communities. Her advice to her 12-year-old self states: “You won’t have all the answers, but your heart will always lead you to the right places. The world gets noisy, don’t forget why you started: to help, to heal, to make it better.”
Looking Ahead: A Story Still Unfolding
Hayat envisions a future where she is not only a public health data scientist and PhD, but also a mentor to the next generation. Her dream is to lead research that improves outcomes for thousands and to prove that it’s possible to come from anywhere and change everything. “I plan to continue pushing the boundaries of interdisciplinary research to tackle the biggest health challenges of our time,” she says.
Hayat Naqvi’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and the drive to make a difference—turning data into change and compassion into action, one community at a time.