Outstanding Student, PEO International Peace, and Aurelia Murphy Killian Endowment in Public Health Scholarship Recipient, Meghna Lama, Shares the Story of How She Applied for Fully Funded Awards to Pursue Her Master of Public Health at UTHealth Houston

Hi all, my name is Meghna Lama. I’m an internationally trained dentist from India, and I recently graduated with a Master of Public Health (MPH) from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.

While treating patients back home, I realized healthcare isn’t just about individual needs - it’s about the bigger picture. That’s what drew me toward public health. I was always curious about how data could help us understand health outcomes more holistically, and that interest led me to make the switch and pursue an MPH in the U.S. Since then, I’ve been lucky to work on projects I really care about, from health equity and substance use to creating my own community project through the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship.

Outstanding Student, PEO International Peace, and Aurelia Murphy Killian Endowment in Public Health Scholarships Details

I’ve been fortunate to receive several scholarships during my time in graduate school. When I first joined, I received the Outstanding Student Scholarship ($1,000) from UTHealth, which also made me eligible for in-state tuition. Later, I was awarded the PEO International Peace Scholarship (IPS) ($12,500), which covered most of my living expenses and tuition. In my second year, I also received the Aurelia Murphy Killian Endowment in Public Health Scholarship ($1,000), which provided additional support.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree in India with a GPA of 3.83. After moving to the U.S., I pursued my MPH in Epidemiology at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, where I graduated with a 4.0 GPA. My background in dentistry gave me a solid clinical foundation, but what really shaped my interest in public health was the fieldwork I was involved in back home. As a field coordinator, I helped organize oral health camps in schools and rural communities. We weren’t just providing care - we were also collecting data and running surveillance programs to understand the bigger health trends. That hands-on experience showed me how important it is to connect individual patient care with population-level health, and it prepared me well for the transition into public health research and training in the U.S.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Texas Health Science Center?

SOPHAS (Schools of Public Health Application Service) is the centralized application system used by most public health programs in the U.S. It simplifies the process by allowing you to apply to multiple schools with a single application and is managed by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH).

When I applied, I put a lot of effort into making my application strong. I started early, which gave me enough time to reflect on my experiences and decide what I wanted to highlight. Writing my Statement of Purpose was a big part of that. I kept refining it until it truly told my story in an honest and meaningful way. I also gathered all of my accomplishments, from clinical work to field projects, and framed them in a way that aligned with the programs I was applying to. Starting early, staying organized, and being intentional really made a difference in putting together a solid application.

How Did You Find Information About the Outstanding Student, PEO International Peace, and Aurelia Murphy Killian Endowment in Public Health Scholarships and the University of Texas Health Science Center?

Honestly, it was a mix of persistence and curiosity. I did a lot of constant research online, checking school websites and scholarship databases. I asked around whenever I could - friends, mentors, and even people I connected with on LinkedIn. And sometimes it was as simple as a Google search. Whenever I found a scholarship, I carefully checked the criteria to see if I was eligible before applying. It took effort, but that’s how I ended up finding opportunities that really helped me.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes, I took the IELTS and scored an 8.0. My preparation was pretty simple; I mainly used free practice tests on YouTube and practiced speaking with friends to get more comfortable. Once I got into a routine, it felt very manageable. My advice would be to keep it simple: use the free resources available, practice a little every day, and focus extra time on the areas where you feel less confident. If you’ve already been speaking English regularly, a couple of weeks of steady practice is usually enough. Just make sure to book your test slot at least 10 days in advance so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Outstanding Student, PEO International Peace, and Aurelia Murphy Killian Endowment in Public Health?

When it came to scholarships, I treated the process just like applying to schools. Preparation and storytelling mattered a lot. I started by making a list of all my experiences, from academics to volunteer work, and thought about how they connected to the values of each scholarship. I also took the time to write and rewrite my essays instead of rushing them. For me, it was about showing not just what I had achieved, but also why those experiences mattered and how they shaped my goals. I always tried to start early, so I had time to gather recommendation letters, polish my essays, and double-check the requirements. It wasn’t about being perfect - it was about being honest and making sure the reviewers could really see my journey, my challenges, and my potential.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Texas Health Science Center? 

My experience at UTHealth was amazing. It was my first choice because it’s one of the best schools for public health and is located in the Texas Medical Center (TMC), which gave me incredible exposure. As an international student, I really appreciated how many opportunities there were to get on par with my peers. The diversity on campus was also something I loved — students came from all over the world, and I learned so much from those interactions. The professors were wonderful, too. Many of them became mentors and always welcomed me with open doors.

How Do You Rate the University of Texas Health Science Center Academically and Why?

I don’t know how to put it in numbers, but academically, UTHealth is definitely top-tier. There are plenty of opportunities for research, and it’s very likely you’ll find projects that align with your interests. Before applying, I did my research and knew this school had exactly the kind of programs I was looking for. The only thing I’d add is that RA/TA positions are competitive, so you really have to be proactive — reach out to professors, do your research, and don’t forget to lean on your peers. People often overlook how helpful classmates can be, but they’re a great resource too.

How Does the University of Texas Health Science Center Support International Students?

They’re very supportive of international students. For example, UTHealth has several scholarships that open in February, and if you receive one worth $1,000 or more, you qualify for in-state tuition. This is especially helpful for students who start in the fall but aren’t able to secure a scholarship in their first semester. It makes a huge difference financially, particularly for those managing loans. Another option is getting an RA or TA position for at least 20 hours a week, which also makes you eligible for in-state tuition. On top of that, the school offers services like writing support, which was really useful when I first joined. They helped me polish my resume to match U.S. standards while I was applying for on-campus jobs, and I made full use of that resource.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think what helped me stand out was being able to connect my story to my goals. Instead of just listing grades or achievements, I showed why those experiences mattered and how they shaped my interest in public health. I also made sure my Statement of Purpose tied everything together - my clinical work, my community involvement, and my long-term plans. Reviewers want to see not just what you’ve done, but where you’re headed, and I think I managed to bring that across clearly.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I had to do it again, I’d probably start my scholarship search even earlier. In the beginning, I underestimated how many opportunities were out there, and I missed deadlines just because I didn’t know about them in time. I’d also keep a better system for tracking requirements and due dates, because juggling school applications and scholarship applications can get overwhelming.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My biggest advice would be:

Start early. Give yourself time to write, edit, and gather recommendation letters.

Tell your story. Don’t just focus on numbers - share your journey, challenges, and passions.

Be proactive. Reach out to people, ask for feedback, and apply even if you’re unsure. Sometimes the ones you don’t expect are the ones that come through.

Stay organized. Keep a spreadsheet of scholarships, deadlines, and requirements. It makes life so much easier.