Students & Alumni
Your Journey Starts Here
Whether you’re a student looking to launch your career or an alum seeking to expand your reach, the Bixby Center is your starting point.
For students, our certificate programs, internships, and hands-on opportunities connect what you learn in the classroom with the real-world challenges communities face every day. No matter your background or experience level, you’ll find ways to make a positive impact.
The Bixby Center in collaboration with FSPH Alumni and Professional offices has designed opportunities to facilitate your growth and contributions wherever you may be in your career. With a long-standing tradition of mentorship, alumni return to learn from, support, and collaborate with one another.
Student & Alumni Profiles
Learn how our students and alumni are making an impact in sexual and reproductive health
For Students
Bixby Certificate Program
Our certificate program prepares public health graduate students for careers in sexual and reproductive health by blending rigorous coursework, interdisciplinary training, and practical field experience.
Certificate highlights:
- ZAcademic and applied skills in sexual and reproductive health
- ZEngagement in seminars, conferences, journal club, and community events
- ZImmersive, hands-on fieldwork experiences
- ZGuidance and mentorship from leading faculty experts
APPLIED PRACTICE EXPERIENCE (APEx)
Transformative learning happens beyond classroom walls. The APEx program transforms academic knowledge into tangible impact. Since 2002, FSPH Bixby Alumni have completed over 170 projects across 29 countries.
These 400-hour field placements are transformative experiences that immerse you directly with community organizations, government agencies, and global partners. You'll work on projects that matter – from supporting program evaluation for new HIV initiatives in Kenya to conducting research on Black maternal health in LA County, to working alongside midwives in Tijuana, Mexico.
APEx PROVIDES:
- ZDirect mentorship from public health experts
- ZHands-on work addressing critical sexual and reproductive health challenges
- ZNetwork-building career connections
- ZAssistance with APEx placements with potential for funding
Reproductive Health Interest Group (RHIG)
Build connections that spark change. RHIG is a student-led group that brings together people from diverse backgrounds united by a commitment to sexual and reproductive health equity.
RHIG offers:
- ZInformative workshops and discussions with sexual and reproductive health leaders
- ZPeer and professional networking events
- ZOn-campus and community advocacy opportunities
- ZCollaborative projects addressing current SRH challenges
Mentorship
Mentorship is embedded in our community, from informal connections with faculty and public health professionals to formal, structured mentorship programs and opportunities. The Bixby Center supports the FSPH Alumni-Student mentorship program by recruiting mentors with expertise in sexual and reproductive health. Whether you're exploring career paths or developing specialized research skills, our mentors help you navigate complex terrain with confidence.
Mentorship Features:
- ZCareer guidance focused on professional development and networking
- ZMeaningful, ongoing engagement with professionals across academic, advocacy, research, and practice settings in sexual and reproductive health
- ZCommunity-centered relationships grounded in professionalism, respect, and shared values
- ZOne-on-one mentorship with alumni matched by shared interests and career goals in the FSPH Alumni-Student mentorship program
The Graduate Research Opportunity (GRO) Program provides UCLA graduate students with opportunities to develop and apply research skills through meaningful, hands-on involvement in sexual and reproductive health research under the guidance of a GRO Faculty Mentor.
For Alumni
Mentor Emerging Professionals
Serve as a mentor to an FSPH second-year student considering a career in sexual and reproductive health. You’ll meet over the course of the year to provide current students with guidance, support, and career advice.
Host an Intern
Serve as a preceptor to FSPH masters’ students completing their 400-hour Applied Experience (APEx) internships in sexual and reproductive health.
Are you hiring?
We send SRH-related job postings to our network of over 1,200 public health professionals. Fill out our contact form providing the job description and any relevant information.
Stay Connected
The Bixby community grows stronger with each member’s contribution:
- ZBe a part of our community
- ZParticipate in center events
- ZSupport future changemakers
- ZExpand your professional network