Meet Paromita Hore, Rutgers School of Public Health Class of 1998 (MPH) and 2003 (PhD)!
Paromita Hore, director of Environmental Exposure Assessment and Education at the NYC Health Department, received her Master of Public Health (MPH) in 1998 and her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 2003 from the Rutgers School of Public Health. This May, she is accepting the school’s highest honor: The Distinguished Alumni Award.
We sat down with Dr. Hore, who will be celebrating 20-years at the NYC Health Department, to learn more about her career in public health.
How did you become interested in public health?
My public health journey likely started at a very young age, as I spent a considerable amount of time in low-and-middle-income countries, influenced by public health issues that are abundant. The desire to help people, coupled with the relationships I formed, and the experiences I garnered at the Rutgers School of Public Health, have fueled the path forward.
What do you do at the NYC Health Department?
At the NYC Health Department, Bureau of Environmental Disease and Injury Prevention, I provide support to the childhood and adult lead poisoning prevention programs, oversee community investigations of hazardous consumer products, and inform education initiatives. I spearheaded the creation of a surveillance database that documents information about consumer products collected during lead poisoning case investigations and NYC store surveys. This data is being recognized by global stakeholders and has informed enforcement and education efforts, locally, nationally, and internationally.
What does it mean to you to receive the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award?
I will be celebrating my 20-year anniversary this May with the NYC Health Department. Commemorating this public health journey with the receipt of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from Rutgers School of Public Health could not be more poignant. I am deeply honored.
What advice do you have for students?
To current and future students, I will say, make your own path, but make sure to follow through.
