Fiorella Lozada-Perdomo wasn't always sure where her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience would take her. Following her graduation from Georgia State University in December 2022, she was hired by Emory University as a research specialist, where she investigated the neural systems associated with taste in fruit flies. Although she gained essential experience from the research, it wasn't her passion. Lozada-Perdomo loved the analytical aspect, especially analyzing experimental data, but she longed to use her knowledge in the health care industry, outside of direct patient care.
When Lozada-Perdomo learned about GSU's fully online M.S. in Health Sciences with a concentration in Health Informatics, fate took over. Despite her initial reluctance because of her work schedule, the online format allowed her to comfortably pursue graduate school. This program seemed to connect her interest in data analysis and health care.
She knew she had found her passion during her first semester in a health care data analytics course taught by Professor Marci Bennafield. Lozada-Perdomo would lose herself in the subject, staying up late using Excel and SAS to analyze data and really enjoyed the process.
During her second semester of the graduate program, Lozada-Perdomo began applying for entry-level health care data analyst positions. She sought advice from her advisor, Professor Bennafield. Lozada-Perdomo lacked formal experience, so Bennafield recommended using her class assignments as a platform to highlight her abilities. Equipped with this guidance, Lozada-Perdomo secured a job interview at Wellstar Health System as a data analyst.
The interviewers connected with her class project on heart failure readmissions using government healthcare datasets; they acknowledged doing comparable calculations in their own work. After four rounds of interviews, Lozada-Perdomo was offered the job and began work before she graduated.
Two months into her new job, Lozada-Perdomo is delighted. Her leadership team actively supports her progress, she says, her pay has almost doubled, and she loves the flexibility of working remotely.
Lozada-Perdomo says she hopes her path provides other students with insightful guidance.
"Our professors have a stake in our success,” she says. “Use their expertise without hesitation! They are committed to helping their students. And make the most of every opportunity that comes your way."
Lozada-Perdomo graduates in December 2024.