Doctoral student, Megan Ani Mirkhanian, is finishing up her third year of her academic journey toward earning a PhD degree in Environmental Health Sciences. That journey got a significant boost as she was named the inaugural recipient of the Malek Family Scholarship – a testament to her exceptional dedication to public health.
The Malek Family Scholarship, the first-ever PhD summer fellowship established at UCI Public Health, was designed to provide financial assistance for students to continue their research during the summer months. Beyond providing a financial boost, the scholarship serves as a validation for Mirkhanian’s commitment to her studies, supporting her work and ability to make meaningful contributions to the field of public health.
I am deeply thankful for the support of the Malek family. In the future, I hope to pay forward their kindness by giving back to students in the same impactful manner as I follow in their footsteps to make a difference in the lives of others, just as they have done for me.”
– Megan Ani Mirkhanian, Doctoral Student
Mirkhanian’s journey into public health was an unexpected pivot for her original academic plans, which was further study hydrometeorology. Both of her grandfathers – immigrants who worked tirelessly for a better future in America – were exposed to hazardous working conditions and tragically suffered from health complications. Their experience left a lasting impact on Mirkhanian, and this became the catalyst for her switch to the field. After her undergraduate degree, she was drawn into advocacy work with organizations like the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. She quickly realized that pursuing a PhD in Environmental Health Sciences would provide the additional training she would need to make an impact and minimize environmental hazards in certain workplaces.
Intersecting her environmental engineering background and her passion for public health, Mirkhanian’s current research focus, and what she plans to do her thesis on, is both innovative and impactful as she aims to bridge the gap between toxicology and engineering. Under the mentorship of Dr. Rufus Edwards, she is currently developing sensors and applications to reduce exposure to particulate matter for wildland firefighters, acknowledging the inherent health risks they face to protect the safety of the community and the planet. Additionally, she has created a simulated lung system for analyzing electronic nicotine delivery systems, contributing to a deeper understanding of the harmful effects of these products and aiding in the ongoing efforts to discourage their usage.
Looking ahead, with the aid of the Malek Family Scholarship, Mirkhanian aspires to share her knowledge with younger generations and persist in finding ways to minimize exposure across various occupational settings through rigorous research. The memory of her two grandfathers serves as a constant reminder of the importance of her work, pushing her forward to dedicate herself to ensure that no one else experiences the consequences of unsafe working conditions.
