Putting Wellness PHirst: Aditi Sharada on Pharmacoepidemiology and Evidence-Based Care

Rutgers School of Public Health Wellness PHirst Ambassador Aditi Sharada shares how her work in pharmacoepidemiology and her commitment to translating evidence into real-world care shape her journey in public health

At the Rutgers School of Public Health, the Office for Student Experiences, Public Health Practice, and Alumni Affairs advances the school’s commitment to cultivating a culture of health and well-being through its various initiatives, including the Wellness PHirst program. Designed to integrate wellness practices into every aspect of the school community – among students, faculty, and staff – the program promotes the Dimensions of Wellness: cultural, social-emotional, occupational, intellectual, creative, environmental, physical, spiritual, and financial.

As part of this effort, the Wellness PHirst Ambassadors play an essential role in bringing these dimensions to life. These student leaders mentor their peers, promote wellness resources, and co-facilitate programs and initiatives that enhance engagement, connection, and belonging across the Rutgers School of Public Health community.

Among them is Aditi Sharada, a Master of Science (MS) in Epidemiology student concentrating in Pharmacoepidemiology. Here, she shares her path into public health, why she chose to be a Wellness PHirst Ambassador, and what she enjoys beyond the classroom.

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Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

Before beginning my master’s program, I worked with a small cancer technology startup developing models to predict cancer risk, recurrence, and treatment outcomes. During early market research, I spoke with oncologists, cancer survivors, and their families about screening awareness and treatment experiences. 

These conversations showed me how difficult it can be to build trust in medical evidence, especially when personal experiences or misinformation shape perceptions of healthcare. This motivated me to better understand how drug safety and treatment effectiveness are evaluated at the population level. 

I believe public health and evidence-based medicine must work together to reduce chronic disease and improve equitable access to healthcare, ensuring that scientifically proven treatments not only work but also reach the populations who need them most.

Aditi Sharada

Master of Science Student and Wellness PHirst Ambassador

I currently serve as the Academic Lead for the student council of the International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE), where I help organize webinars connecting students with industry professionals and academic researchers. I also work in the Environmental Epidemiology Lab under Dr. Zorimar Rivera-Núñez and Dr. Emily Barrett. Recently, I was shortlisted for the Break the Cycle National Environmental Fellowship Program.

I believe public health and evidence-based medicine must work together to reduce chronic disease and improve equitable access to healthcare, ensuring that scientifically proven treatments not only work but also reach the populations who need them most.

Why did you choose to become a Wellness PHirst Ambassador?

I chose to be a Wellness PHirst Ambassador because I wanted to develop leadership skills and gain practical experience organizing public health programs. The program’s focus on leadership training, teamwork, and event planning really appealed to me. I’m particularly interested in learning how to design initiatives that promote student wellness and actively engage the campus community. 

I also value the opportunity to work closely with a team and coordinate programs together. Overall, I see this role as a great way to build real-world public health skills.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your academic and professional life?

Outside of public health, I enjoy learning ballroom dance and exploring different cuisines. I love reading about how food traditions evolve through climate, trade, and historical influences, and I enjoy experimenting with cooking these dishes myself. I also enjoy visiting museums, which helps me connect history, science, and culture in new ways. In my free time, I like watching anime as a way to relax and unwind.