Nick Falkenberg, SM ’25, brings data-driven curiosity to environmental and public health

For Nick Falkenberg, SM ’25, public health is a meaningful way to blend his analytical background with his desire to advance population health.

“I studied statistics and economics in undergrad,” he said. “But I wanted to blend that with health because I thought that was an interesting way to contribute to the well-being of society in this modern world.”

As a student of the Master of Science program in Epidemiology, Falkenberg applied these skills to a range of pressing public health issues. As a trainee at the School’s Education and Research Center—funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health—he took coursework in environmental health and occupational safety, and his thesis focused on environmental determinants of cancer.

Much of Falkenberg’s academic experience has centered on understanding how environmental conditions like climate change shape population health—something that connected unexpectedly with a personal interest.

“One of my favorite classes has been the health geography class I took last fall,” he said. “[It] is something I find really cool and I could connect it to what I’m doing as a profession.”

Outside of class, Falkenberg finds community through volleyball games and a unique hobby: mushroom photography.

“Something about the scavenger part of it appeals to the deep, reptilian part of your brain,” he said with a laugh.

Falkenberg said the diversity of the student body at Harvard Chan School has been one of the most rewarding parts of his experience. “The amount of different types of people that are brought together in public health is astounding,” he said. “That’s the power of public health… it brings together all these skills and talents and experiences to actually make change.”