Meet Our Team: Mallory Bersi

Over the last several weeks, we have published a series of Q&As introducing our readers to the people behind the work here at Public Health Post: our student fellows and editorial team. Closing out the series is Mallory Bersi, PHP’s managing editor. From managing our website and preparing each piece for publication to building our weekly emails and working alongside both student fellows and faculty editors to ensure all publishing deadlines are met, Mallory makes sure the many moving parts of PHP stay on track.

Learn more about Mallory, her public health interests, and her thoughts on the power of research translation and storytelling below.

What public health issue are you most passionate about, and why?

I am most interested in health education and the broader dissemination of health information. I grew up in a pretty small, homogenous town in Texas, and open conversations about nuanced topics like mental health, sexuality, and identity were largely absent. It also wasn’t until college that I realized how all of these pieces fit together to affect health outcomes. This information gap fueled my interest in pursuing a career in public health; if I was eager and open to learning more, I imagined others were, too, even if they didn’t necessarily know it yet.

I am also fascinated by how storytelling fits into health promotion and can fill information gaps. I love stories in all forms, and believe storytelling is a unique and powerful public health tool. A potent story can enact change at multiple levels, from encouraging people to think or act differently to policy implementation.

What drew you to Public Health Post, and what are you hoping to contribute or learn?

Before joining PHP, I was a public health writer and editor. I enjoyed it, but I found the process a bit lonely since writing can be such a solitary practice. What drew me to PHP was the opportunity to continue this health communications work, while working on a team and in particular with students, whom I have always been drawn to working alongside. One thing I try to cultivate in my role with each group of fellows is an open and supportive writing community for their creativity and voice to grow and thrive.

What’s a public health myth or misconception you’d love to bust?

That public health is confined to the hot-button issues of vaccinations, abortion, and COVID-19. Public health is all these things, but it is also much more. It is all around us; it is the air we breathe, the food we eat, the sidewalks we walk on. Public health is ingrained in so many pieces of our lives that we don’t often think of as “public health.” In many ways, we take these things for granted, which is a disservice. Continued progression of the field demands greater recognition and appreciation for this work.

What’s the hardest part about translating public health research into something accessible?

Making it engaging. Research is often dry and full of jargon, making it confusing and difficult to resonate with a reader unfamiliar with the topic. Finding creative ways to ground the research and, when appropriate, tie it into current events or pop culture can help make it more interesting and relatable, and allow it to stick with the reader for longer. This is also where stories and personal anecdotes can play a pivotal role.

If you weren’t in public health, what job would you want to try for a day?

I often daydream about working in a bookstore. The thought of being surrounded by and talking about books all day is so calming and wholesome.

Coffee or tea?

Iced coffee, always.

Early bird or night owl?

I am often both, which is really not great for my sleep.

Last book you read and loved?

Shark Heart by Emily Habeck. A classic story of girl meets boy, boy turns into great white shark. It’s a beautiful exploration of love, loss, and how to cope when faced with an unimaginable diagnosis.

Dream vacation spot?

Thailand