Alumni Spotlight
SPH Alumna Kara Zografos, MPH, DrPH, graduated from the Loma Linda University School of Public Health (LLUSPH) with her doctorate in health education with a concentration in epidemiology. Her journey has led her to become the new Associate Dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Fresno State University, effective August 1, 2023.
Kara's academic pursuit began at Fresno State University, earning a bachelor's degree in community health and a master's in health promotion. Recognizing the potential of the Doctorate of Public Health program at LLUSPH, she embarked on a path aligned with her aspirations.
Before entering the doctoral program, Kara focused on asthma research and coordinated asthma camps for children, teens and families with the American Lung Association. This sparked her interest in this field driving her to choose this topic for her dissertation. Asthma research was her passion from the beginning and she was committed to improving the lives of those affected by this respiratory condition.
"Every project I did was on asthma," said Zografos. "Any time a faculty member would ask us to do a research project, I did it on Asthma. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the topic and it was my method for organizing my literature review before I started my doctorate work. It interested me and I ended up doing my dissertation on it."
Among her notable achievements, Kara participated in a groundbreaking collaboration between Fresno State University, the University of California Berkeley and Stanford University. This project, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and National Institute of Health, was about the effects of air pollution on various health outcomes and Kara focused on those effects in pregnancy. It kick-started her research career and provided students hands-on experience, enriching their academic journey.
Kara's dedication to research extended to examining the impact of COVID-19 on faith. Through surveys conducted in Fresno area congregations, she explored how people coped with the pandemic and found solace in prayer.
After teaching for 15 years as a Professor and serving as Department Chair since 2016, Kara has embraced her new role as Associate Dean. She started as an Assistant Professor in 2007 and then worked her way through the various ranks to becoming a full professor in 2018. Some of the responsibilities of her role with be overseeing curriculum and scholarships, providing oversight on the matters related to her college, assessment and advising services, leaving a lasting impact on the College of Health and Human Services.
Guided by faith and a passion for service, Kara believes in the transformative power of public health. As she assumes her new role, she remains steadfast in her commitment to the Lord's work, striving to make a difference and giving back to others.
"All the glory goes to God first," Zografos said. "Then it goes to who helped me and that’s Loma Linda. Always go back to where you started, give thanks and then pay it forward because that is the circle of life.”
LLU is still an integral part of Kara’s life and she maintains the relationships she has built with faculty, staff and colleagues. Former Dean of the School of Public Health, Helen Hopp Marshak, PhD, MCHES, has continued to mentor Kara throughout her career.
“Mentorship did not end after I graduated,” said Zografos. “That is so special to me and it really speaks to how the faculty and administrators are at LLU.”
Dr. Zografos inspires current and future LLUSPH students, demonstrating the power of perseverance, dedication and a heart devoted to serving others.
"We are doing the Lord's work," Kara said. "We are serving the Lord in our work and I plan to keep that at the forefront. I feel like I have been called to serve in this position and I am grateful for this opportunity.”