As a public health communications leader, Sara Floor advocates for equity in science and research—an outlook shaped by critical communications experience during COVID-19 and continued education. 

“This equity lens is one of the many things that draws me to public health work,” she said. 

With a background in public relations and communications, Sara worked across the public health and life sciences sectors. But it was her work as a communications manager for the California State Association of Counties during the pandemic—where she worked closely with counties dealing with the impacts of the pandemic—that inspired her to make the shift to full-time public health communications work. 

Building Expertise to Deepen Impact 

After transitioning into full-time public health communications at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Sara enrolled in UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s online Public Health Certificate Program to build her expertise and strengthen her impact. 

“Learner is one of my top Clifton Strengths and I was intrigued by the opportunity to go deeper into public health learning,” she said. “I was also hoping to prove my commitment to advancing my career with CDPH.” 

In her role, Sara reports on CDPH activities, results and findings. The Public Health Certificate Program augmented her understanding of her own work and the work of colleagues across the department. 

“The certificate provided ways to learn more about what my colleagues do and what goes into the programs, research and reporting at CDPH,” she said. “Completing the program gave me a deeper understanding of the complexities of our department and the incredible impact that public health has as a whole.” 

Sara added that an unexpected bonus of the program was the opportunity it gave her to collaborate with other CDPH colleagues who were also enrolled in the certificate—something she may not have been able to do otherwise. 

Learning Across Disciplines 

As Sara learned more about the public health field and the roles of others in her department, she gained a deeper appreciation for their work. 

“I have nothing but the utmost respect for our epidemiologists and scientists designing studies and interpreting the data,” she said. 

She built a network of peers who not only opened her eyes to the public health world, but whom she could rely on for help throughout the program. 

“The epidemiologists I leaned on for statistics and epidemiology leaned on me for social determinants of health and public health administration,” she said. 

Aside from the importance of connecting with her cohort, Sara also valued the interaction she had with instructors and teaching assistants. 

“They were incredibly open, responsive and helpful,” she said, adding that she attended many office hours, too. “The professors and TAs want you to succeed.” 

From Certificate to Leadership Role 

After completing UC Davis CPE’s Public Health Program, Sara was promoted to behavioral health communications lead—a new supervisorial position charged with leading the communications activities outlined in the Behavioral Health Services Act or Prop 1. 

“The legislation (Prop 1) that made this new role possible marks a major shift in funding and approach for mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse prevention in California,” said Sara. “I believe that my experience with the department, coupled with the education from UC Davis CPE’s program, gave me an advantage when applying for this position.” 

Today, Sara uses what she learned in the program in her new role every day. 

“I understand our subject matter experts better. I understand the study results I read more. I am more deeply invested in our work than ever,” she said. 

One of the most transformative lessons came from a course on social determinants of health—an insight that reshaped how she views science itself. 

“I was completely floored by the realization that scientific knowledge is a social construct. Science does not occur in a vacuum. There is bias in what is studied and what is not studied,” she explained. “That’s why there are numerous treatments for erectile dysfunction and limited effective treatment or understanding of perimenopause or menopause. That stopped me in my tracks. My parents were scientists. I’ve always held science in high regard. Now I’m an advocate for equity in science and research.” 

For working professionals seeking to deepen their subject-matter expertise while positioning themselves for new opportunities, Sara’s experience shows how targeted education can expand both perspective and opportunity. 

Sara’s advice for others considering the Public Health Certificate Program: don’t give up. 

“It’s not easy—these are master’s level courses. Make friends in your cohort. Go to every office hour if you’re having trouble. With their help, and the help of others in your program, you can succeed,” she said.