PITTSBURGH, PA (PTTP) – Shayla Preston graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2020 with two undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology. But her motivation and drive to gaining more knowledge in smaller-focused areas did not end with her Bachelor’s. In April 2023, Preston officially left the University of Pittsburgh with a Master of Social Work (MSW),
as well as a Master of Public Health (MPH) – something that graduate students rarely ever achieve.
Preston grew up in Santa Clarita, CA, and thus moving across the country was a big adjustment, but something she was always passionate about. When she first began college, Preston was a pre-med student, but made the sudden switch when she realized that working in a hospital setting with patients and families as a medical social worker was better suited for her interests.
From August 2021 to April 2022, Preston was an intern at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she supported families with nonmedical needs, and currently, Preston is a Pediatric Social Worker at the hospital. Preston also served part-time as a Milieu Therapist at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.
Outside of the clinical setting, Preston dove deep into a range of studies to uncover research around health disparities, specifically for reducing barriers in the education system experienced by students of color. Preston’s studies have been made possible from the David E. and Cecelia Trower Epperson Scholarship Fund, created just before Dr. Epperson retired as dean of the School of Social Work. This scholarship greatly aided in making Preston’s two master degrees and her ongoing research attainable.
Along with her dual master’s program work and her hours at Western Psych, Preston is excited for what she will bring for the future. Her passion for healthcare and uncovering important data is something that will take her extremely far, and with two degrees to name, it is clear that Preston will be going to great places.
Credit: Pitt Alumni Association