Alumni Feature: Building Healthier Communities Through Epidemiology and Public Health Service

For Juan Delara, public health is where science, data and service come together to create meaningful change for communities.

After earning his Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the Hudson College of Public Health in 2014, Delara built a career focused on using public health knowledge to support programs that improve the lives of children and families across Oklahoma.

Today, he serves as Senior Home Visiting Manager at the Oklahoma State Department of Health, where he helps lead efforts focused on early intervention, family support and strengthening communities.

Delara’s interest in epidemiology grew from his love of science, numbers and problem-solving.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and had a strong interest in science,” he said. “Epidemiology allowed me to combine both in a meaningful way to impact population health.”

During his time at HCOPH, Delara gained the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to understand public health challenges and develop solutions. The program introduced him to the many paths available within public health — and helped him discover where his own skills could make the greatest impact.

“The program introduced me to the wide range of careers in public health and gave me foundational knowledge and skills that I continue to use today.”

One of the most influential experiences during his time in the program was serving as a Student Apprentice and completing his practicum with OSDH. That hands-on opportunity provided an introduction to real-world public health practice and became the starting point for his career.

The experience opened the door to continued growth within OSDH, where he progressed from a student role into positions as an Epidemiologist I, II and III, followed by roles as a Grants Manager and now Senior Home Visiting Manager.

“That experience helped launch my career.”

Through each role, Delara has continued applying the skills developed at HCOPH — using data, research and collaboration to support programs designed to improve health outcomes.

In his current position, Delara works with teams that support infants, children and families through home visiting services and early intervention programs. These efforts focus on preventing child abuse, strengthening families and connecting communities with resources that promote healthier futures.

For students considering a career in public health, Delara encourages them to explore the many opportunities the field offers.

“Public health is a broad and diverse field. There are so many unique roles and opportunities that you may not even know exist until you join a program like this.”

He encourages future public health professionals to remain open-minded and willing to explore different paths — because the career they discover may be different from the one they originally imagined.