Convocation Profile: Ngo Omoaka

Ngo Omoaka

Ngo Omoaka’s passion for public health has been a driving force behind her academic and professional choices, including her decision to pursue a master’s of public health at the University of Alberta. Below, Omoaka shares in her own words why she chose the U of A and the School of Public Health for her studies, her experience as the sole graduate student in her specialization and her plans for the future.

I have 10 years of experience working as a regulatory officer and a public health inspector at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Before pursuing an MPH, I obtained a BSc in food science and technology and a MBA. I am also a member of both the Canadian Public Health Association and the Alberta Public Health Association. I was drawn to the U of A when I discovered its MPH program with a specialization in food safety. Public health plays a crucial role in safeguarding the overall well-being, health and quality of life for both individuals and communities. Considering that food is a fundamental necessity and is consumed daily by everyone, the assurance of its safety becomes a matter of utmost concern. I was excited about the opportunity to connect with others in my specialization, anticipating the opportunity to share both academic and professional experiences. To my surprise, I was the only student in the food safety specialization. However, it turned out to be an enriching learning experience that extended beyond food safety to include other critical areas of public health, such as environmental health, biostatistics, public health practice and professional skills among others. These fields complemented my regulatory and inspection background while broadening my perspective on various public health fields.

The public health practice project provided my first real-world, hands-on experience, offering me an invaluable opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout my program. Working on a project in an entirely new domain not only pushed me beyond my comfort zone, but also sparked a deeper interest in exploring diverse facets of public health practice. I utilized research tools and techniques, such as interviews, to gather comprehensive data. Additionally, I contributed to the interpretation of results and formulation of recommendations, enhancing my skills in critical thinking, data synthesis and evidence-based decision-making. This experience broadened my perspective and encouraged me to delve into areas beyond my initial scope, significantly enriching my professional outlook.

My practicum placement at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada was an exciting hands-on opportunity to collaborate with a government agency, allowing me to learn and also contribute meaningfully to research. I had the valuable opportunity to collaborate with diverse professionals, including an agricultural economist, and researchers specializing in different fields. These interactions were crucial in expanding my understanding of interprofessional teamwork, and highlighted the importance of integrating expertise from various fields into public health initiatives. This hands-on experience reinforced the importance of the One Health approach, as it demonstrated how public health, animal health and environmental practices must work in tandem to effectively prevent and control disease outbreaks. This experience proved to be highly rewarding, as it drew on my competencies in using and creating evidence in public health, a core focus of my academic training. The project highlighted the importance of adapting research methodologies and reinforced my aspiration to expand my professional horizons further.

Looking ahead, I would welcome the opportunity to work with Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to deepen my understanding of regulatory affairs and inspection practices in diverse jurisdictions. It would be exciting to bring a global perspective from working in regulatory affairs outside Canada advancing public health and safety standards through rigorous regulatory oversight. The prospect of engaging with these institutions aligns with my goal of integrating regulatory science with public health to drive evidence-based decision-making and compliance.

Reflecting on my journey, I acknowledge that it has not been without challenges. Adjusting to a new environment while managing a demanding academic workload with six courses in the first semester and five in the second amid personal health challenges required resilience and perseverance. Yet, despite the hurdles, I view this journey as a highly rewarding experience that I am deeply proud of. As I anticipate my graduation in fall 2024, I am filled with gratitude for God’s guidance, my unwavering determination and my family’s steadfast support, both emotional and physical.