Samantha Calvin, PhD(c), MHI, MBA - Instructor

I began my post-secondary education when I was 15 at my local community college where I was able to earn my Associate's in Science. Then, I finished my undergrad at the University of Minnesota (Go Gophers!) - and received my Bachelor's in Health Sciences with a minor in Spanish

During my undergrad, I also worked full-time for Mayo Clinic in the Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition research department. I deployed large interventions in obesity prevention and management.

I applied and got into medical school, but realized in my time working for Mayo Clinic that I loved community-based research and public health. So when my boss asked me to move to Arizona to manage an initiative between Mayo Clinic and ASU called Obesity Solutions - and I said "yes!" I completed my first master's degree in Healthcare Innovation during this time, and also started my PhD in Healthcare Innovation.

I realized I wanted to know more about the "business" side of healthcare, so I got a MBA as well (apparently, I can't stop going to school).

In my free time I volunteer in the Phoenix-metro community, train for half marathons and triathlons, try new recipes, travel (I always have a plain ticket booked), and attend lots of live concerts and sporting events.

My specific area of research currently is sex trafficking, which brings me to this course. I have been studying the topic of human trafficking now for 7 years. I have had the privilege to work with survivors and victims, conduct research, teach courses on the topic to undergrad, grad, and community members alike, and more. I believe that everyone needs to have a basic understanding of this critical community issue, and this course is the start to that!