Greetings and welcome to my e-portfolio page. Here I will share my story so far that includes my academic experience and career experiences. My name is Brandon James Clarida, I am an MPH student with a concentration in Global Environmental Health at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, VA.

The journey to my MPH began in 2010 when I was an undergraduate at the University of Southern Indiana. I was originally pursing a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, but in 2011 changed my major to Health Services with a focus in Health Administration. I graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Services and a minor in Public Health. My time spent in college I was involved in many organizations including student government and my fraternity Phi Delta Theta. As an executive member of my fraternity, I served as the Secretary for four years developing my organizational skills and confidence in my leadership potential.  I was regularly involved in community service and fundraising events to support the ALS Foundation, my fraternity’s primary philanthropy.  The sense of pride I felt with committing myself to a cause greater than myself gave me a great sense of satisfaction and contributed to my joining the Navy after graduation. My path towards joining the Navy began during my junior year of college at the University of Southern Indiana.  As I approached my senior year, I began to consider what was next for me in life, I knew I wanted to pursue further academic opportunities and the Navy was a way to obtain them.

I joined the Navy in 2014 and it was an honor to serve I learned leadership skills and gained the confidence to pursue further academic success. In 2019 I decided I wanted to further my career and become a Naval Officer by enrolling at Old Dominion University, I did not apply for the MPH program until Spring 2021. In line with my interests the MPH program with a concentration in Global Environmental Health was exactly what I needed to become an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) in the Navy, a position I had wanted to pursue for years. I applied for the Navy Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP) in 2021 to become a full-time student and after a rigorous selection process I was selected for the program. Following graduation, I will be a commissioned officer in the Navy Medical Service Corps with responsibilities that include the health and well-being of service members. With my MPH I will better serve my fellow service members and ensure their health and safety.