For Danielle DeNofrio, public health became a calling while discovering how health extends far beyond the walls of a clinic, which was a realization that ultimately led her to USF鈥檚 (COPH), and her first professional job in public health at the (GVN), with international headquarters at USF.
Raised in Altoona, Penn., DeNofrio left home to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where an undergraduate course in global health changed her perspective.
鈥淎t the time, I was on a pre-med track, but that course shifted how I thought about health and medicine,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 became much more interested in improving health at the population level and addressing the broader systems that shape health outcomes.鈥�
DeNofrio earned her bachelor of science in microbiology in 2023, completing a minor in chemistry and a certificate in the conceptual foundations of medicine.
DeNofrio said she chose the COPH intentionally to broaden her academic experience.
鈥淎lthough I was accepted to my alma mater for graduate school, I felt it was important to diversify my academic experience by attending a different institution,鈥� she shared. She was drawn to the strength of the COPH program, opportunities for applied learning and the chance for a new environment.
鈥淚ts location was also a great fit for me and the move to Tampa, Fla. offered a welcome change of scenery from the cold winters in Pittsburgh,鈥� she shared.
During her time at the COPH, DeNofrio balanced rigorous coursework with multiple professional roles while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
Danielle DeNofrio, MPH, CPH (Photo courtesy of DeNofrio)
鈥淭hat experience required discipline, adaptability and strong time management,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t reinforced my confidence in handling the fast-paced and multifaceted nature of public health work.鈥�
A key influence during her time as a graduate student was faculty mentor Associate Professor , .
鈥淭hrough her courses and mentorship, she helped me find my passion for epidemiology and provided guidance that has been instrumental in where I am professionally today,鈥� DeNofrio said.
One of her favorite COPH memories began in her first semester health economics course, when a shared struggle with an Excel formula led to a lasting friendship with another student.
鈥淲hat started as a shared moment of confusion turned into a close friendship and highlighted the collaborative environment that made my time at COPH so meaningful,鈥� DeNofrio said.
Coming from a lab-based microbiology background, DeNofrio initially entered the program without a clearly defined concentration. She began in health policies and programs before discovering epidemiology was a better fit.
鈥淚 had to adjust to thinking about health at the population level and determine how my scientific training fit into public health practice,鈥� she explained.
During her graduate studies, DeNofrio balanced her academic and professional commitments while earning recognition for her accomplishments. She was awarded the Athena Society Career Assistance Grant, which supports Hillsborough County women who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to advancing their education and career goals.
DeNofrio first worked in student support roles as a veteran assistant in USF鈥檚 Office of Veteran Success, where she began applying the data analysis skills she was developing through her coursework. Later, she served as a graduate teaching assistant for the Medical Terminology and Survey of Human Disease courses.
Her first public health-focused professional role came through an internship with the GVN, an opportunity made possible through COPH鈥檚 connection to the organization, which hosts its international headquarters at USF.
Danielle (back row, center) along with COPH Dean Vermund who is also the chief medical officer of the Global Virus Network (back row, left) and other students of the GVN short course in Translational Virology, December 2025. (Photo courtesy of DeNofrio)
鈥淭hat internship directly transitioned into my current role and allowed me to apply what I learned in the classroom to global public health work in a meaningful way,鈥� she said.
DeNofrio earned her from the COPH in 2025, along with her (CPH) credential.
Today, DeNofrio lives in North Carolina and works remotely as a junior content specialist at the GVN supporting the organization鈥檚 mission of pandemic preparedness. In her role, she analyzes data to produce monthly social media analytics reports, develops newsletters and outreach materials, creates digital content and supports the planning and coordination of scientific meetings and events.
鈥淲hat attracted me most to this position was the opportunity to combine my science-based undergraduate training with my public health graduate education,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n a post-COVID-19 world, being able to contribute to efforts that help prevent and respond to future public health crises is especially meaningful.鈥�
DeNofrio said the collaborative nature of her role is what she enjoys most. She is particularly proud of supporting GVN鈥檚 social media and communications strategy, helping redesign the organization鈥檚 website and seeing measurable growth in engagement over time.
Looking ahead, DeNofrio said she hopes to continue growing within the Global Virus Network while building deeper expertise in epidemiology and data-driven public health.
鈥淚鈥檓 especially interested in roles that apply epidemiologic and biostatistical methods to inform strategy and decision-making,鈥� she said. 鈥淓ventually, I hope to take on greater leadership responsibilities.鈥�
Fast Five
What did you dream of becoming when you were young?
When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a forensic pathologist, largely inspired by how the field is portrayed on TV.
Where would we find you on the weekend?
Lately, you鈥檇 probably find me renovating the house my fianc茅 and I recently bought.
What is the last book you read?
鈥淭he Silo Trilogy鈥� by Hugh Howey
What superpower would you like to have?
I鈥檇 love the ability to time travel.
What鈥檚 your all-time favorite movie?
The Godfather Part II.