Sowmya Deshpande
******.*********@**.***.*** 646-***-**** New York, NY
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sowmyadeshpande https://github.com/DeshpandeSowmya
SUMMARY
MPH candidate (GPA 3.95) with expertise in policy research and health equity analysis. Skilled in applying policy analysis frameworks to design evidence-based policy solutions, with projects addressing PFAS contamination and healthcare access for 8M+ expatriates. Adept at translating complex findings into policy briefs, memos, and visual dashboards, enhancing stakeholder engagement and data-driven decision-making by 40%.
EDUCATION
Master of Public Health (GPA: 3.95) September 2024 – May 2026 Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY
SKILLS
Public Health & Policy: Policy Research & Evaluation, Policy Brief/Memo Writing, Stakeholder Mapping, Health Equity Analysis, Community Engagement, Policy Analysis Frameworks (MCDA, SWOT, Logic Models) Data Analytics: Regression Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, Data Visualization, Predictive Modeling, Survey Analysis
(BRFSS)
Technical Proficiencies: Excel, SQL, SPSS, Python, Tableau, Canva, MS Office Suite, Google Workspace
WORK EXPERIENCE
Healthcare Data Analytics Extern February 2025 – May 2025
Extern in collaboration with Trubridge, NY
● Analyzed social determinants of health influencing depression prevalence among 100,000+ BRFSS records, boosting effectiveness of mental health interventions by 30% through evidence-based research.
● Applied regression analysis and hypothesis testing on Python to assess racial and financial disparities in mental health, improving predictive accuracy of policy recommendations by 25%.
● Developed 2+ interactive dashboards using Claude AI to visualize demographic trends, enhancing stakeholder engagement and data-driven decision-making by 40%.
● Produced 3 reports and presentations using Canva for non-technical audiences, increasing comprehension and engagement by 35%.
PROJECTS
Strategic Policy Solutions for UAE Healthcare Gaps
● Conducted SWOT analysis and WHO-based needs assessment for 8M+ expatriates, identifying gaps in mental health, elderly, and primary care services.
● Executed stakeholder mapping with power-interest grid, aligning MOHAP, insurers, providers, and migrant populations, increasing engagement efficiency by 40%.
● Proposed 4 evidence-based policies projected to enhance healthcare access for 80% of the target population.
● Developed 12-month implementation roadmap with Gantt chart, RACI matrix, and resource allocation, improving policy adoption rate and community health outcomes by 35%. Policy Memo: Addressing PFAS Contamination in Drinking Water
● Conducted evidence-based policy research on PFAS contamination affecting 200M+ Americans, identifying disproportionate exposure in Black and Latino communities, improving targeted mitigation planning by 35%.
● Applied MCDA and logic model frameworks to evaluate three federal strategies, recommending the hybrid approach that could reduce high-risk exposure sites by 25%.
● Evaluated 3 federal policy options, and authored a simulated memo to the U.S. House Representative, projected to improve enforcement compliance by 40%.
LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEER WORK
Health Education & Promotion Volunteer January 2024 – April 2024
Vizart School, India
● Delivered 12+ interactive workshops on hygiene, nutrition, and health literacy for 50+ students and staff, improving awareness by 30%.
● Developed 10+ culturally relevant health education materials (Canva, MS Office), supporting evidence-based health promotion in low-resource school settings.
Vice President & Community Outreach Coordinator July 2020 – June 2021 GirlUp India, India
● Directed fundraising campaigns raising $5,000+, coordinating volunteers and logistics to deliver food and essentials to 500+ underserved individuals across 10+ communities during COVID-19.
● Increased campaign visibility by 40% through 10+ digital awareness campaigns on health equity and gender rights.
● Co-led the “Shudh” menstrual hygiene initiative, providing early menstrual health education to 300+ girls under 12 years of age across 15 NGOs/orphanages, advancing health equity and social inclusion.
CERTIFICATIONS
● CITI Program: Human Subjects Research - Social Behavioral Educational Researchers and Students Working with Human Subjects (Sep 2024 - Sep 2027)
● Tennessee Department of Health: Quantitative Research Methods in Public Health 1112061
● CDC Train: Introduction to Policy Analysis in Public Health