written by Kathryn Ross
Irene Prabhu Das graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 1986. Though her path originally was pointed toward medical school, Das shifted course to study Public Health, which brought her to APU to major in Biology and minor in Chemistry. After APU, Das went on to earn her Masters of Public Health (Epidemiology) from UCLA in 1989 and her PhD in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior from the University of South Carolina in 2005. Today, Das works as a health science administrator at the National Institutes of Health.
“My career has progressed at various levels and segments of the public health sector,” noted Das. “ From working at the county level in the health department, to doing research management in academia, spending 12 years in the state health department, and now working at the federal level with the NIH since 2006, Das has held several positions and worn several hats. “I began with research project coordination,” said Das, “and moved on to leadership and supervisory roles with responsibilities for a data tracking unit, surveillance, and evaluation. I eventually began directing a statewide program and began work as a division director, and am now responsible for a portfolio of research awardees at the NIH. I also must track and characterize the research enrollment infrastructure supporting the national program, All of Us.”
The All of Us Research Program invites one million people across the country to contribute to and build one of “the most diverse health databases in history.” Participants of all backgrounds are welcome to join as researchers will use that data to learn how one’s biology, lifestyle, and their environment affect their health in hopes to one day find new ways to not just treat, but prevent disease. Das’ work with All of Us can be studied via the program’s Research Hub.
Throughout her career, Das has also earned various leadership awards and racked up an extremely impressive list of research credits and publications in prominent health journals over the years. From Cancer to The Oncologist to the Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice and the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Das has contributed to tomes of public health and cancer-centered research.
With such an impressive career, it's easy to wonder how Das has been able to do it all and continue her upward momentum in her field. Through her various positions, Das noted that it was APU’s Christ-centered education that has grounded her with a good foundation in academics so that she can provide excellent work in her field: “Integrating my faith in my work keeps me relying on God for wisdom and direction to conduct my professional responsibilities,” Part of that foundation also came from Das’ time as an international student counselor and peer counselor while she lived on campus at Bowles. “As you pursue academics,” said Das, “always seek opportunities to serve students.” That, noted Das, paired with strengthening your own focus on God and keeping him first, is what prepares you to serve others in any capacity and in any career. “God is always at work within me and through me,” she said. “APU enabled me to always view my work from that perspective.”
For future and current students at APU, Das urges the importance of connections and networking both while in school and as an alumni. “Expose students to various career opportunities through alumni experiences,” she noted. “Identify professional member organizations for current students so they can attend and network before they enter the professional world.” These simple steps can prepare young professionals to hit the ground running in their careers as soon as possible.
If you’d like to learn more or participate in the All of Us Research Program, read more here.
