Rohitha Hoffman
Hometown:
Rochester Hills, MI
Favorite Color:
Royal Blue
Favorite Movie/Musical Singer or Group
Tate McRae and Myles Smith
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching MSU basketball! My current pastime obsession is embroidery stitching!
Degree in Progress:
PhD in Epidemiology
Research Focus:
Nutrition and mental health
What inspired your interest in pursuing your degree?
My interest in this field began in undergrad when I learned about the concept of “food as medicine,” which revealed the powerful link between nutrition, lifestyle, and health. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted how external factors shape overall well-being and strengthened my desire to study public health. Through my MPH, I gained skills in designing and evaluating health programs, but I realized I wanted to deepen my ability to generate and interpret the evidence behind them. I’m especially interested in how nutrition affects mental health and hope to contribute research that connects physical and mental well-being through evidence-based nutrition strategies.
Why did you choose to study at MSU?
I chose to continue my education at MSU because of the strong sense of community and meaningful experiences I had here as an undergraduate student. My time in East Lansing helped shape who I am today, both personally and professionally. MSU represents not only academic excellence but also a place that holds deep personal significance for me, it’s where I built lasting friendships and even met my partner.
What are some of the best things about being an MSU/Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics student?
One of the best things is the close-knit and supportive environment this department offers. The department’s smaller size allows for more meaningful connections with faculty and peers, which creates an atmosphere where it’s easy to seek guidance, collaborate, and grow. I really appreciate that whenever I’ve needed support, there’s always been someone willing to help or connect me with the right resources. At the same time, being part of a large university like MSU provides access to diverse research opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a wide range of academic and professional resources.
Any thoughts or advice for current students?
My advice to current students is to get involved and take the time to connect with others. Some of my favorite experiences have come from spending time with classmates both in and outside of class. Getting to know your peers, as well as the faculty and staff, really helps the department feel like a community. The more you invest in those relationships and in the program, the more rewarding your experience will be.
What are your future plans?
My immediate goal is to successfully defend my dissertation and advance research on the link between nutrition and mental health. Beyond that, I hope to continue making a meaningful impact in public health, whether as a professor guiding research and training the next generation of scientists, or in industry applying epidemiologic evidence to develop programs and policies that improve population health. This flexibility allows me to contribute both to scientific knowledge and practical solutions in the field.