Born and raised in Honduras, Nazareth Bertrand Cortez moved with her parents to Hampton, Va., at the age of 12. As the eldest of her siblings, she often found herself helping her parents navigate language and cultural barriers they confronted, giving her a deep appreciation for their courage and resilience in choosing a new path.
After graduating from Christopher Newport University with a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology, Bertrand Cortez chose DGHI’s Master of Science in Global Health program to build the skills and cultural competence to provide healthcare to underserved communities. At DGHI, she did thesis research on the association between human mobility and the spread of malaria-carrying mosquitoes across the Peruvian Amazon. While the U.S. government’s tightening of visa and immigration policies prevented her from participating in international fieldwork, she says completing projects from the U.S. taught her how to nurture teamwork among researchers across multiple locations and time zones.
Bertrand Cortez is currently applying to M.D./Ph.D. programs, with the ultimate goal of doing work at the intersection of scientific research and healthcare delivery, particularly for underserved populations. “I want to never lose sight of what this journey is all about: serving those who need it most, serving those overlooked and underserved, serving those unable to raise their voices and with limited resources to grow to their true potential; serving and making a change, no matter the scale of that change,” she says.
Bertrand Cortez and friends celebrate her thesis defense
Bertrand Cortez outside Trent Hall
In a few words, how would you describe your experience in global health at Duke?
A surreal opportunity that allowed me to combine my love for service, my curiosity for learning, and my passion for exploring.
What was your favorite memory from your global health studies?
My favorite DGHI experience has been becoming a TA for biostatistics. This position has truly challenged me into navigating concepts I once saw as intimidating but have since come to truly love. Beyond the academics, it allowed me to work with an incredible team of professors whom I admire so much and who have truly empowered me to continue pursuing higher education. And lastly, for allowing me to mentor a new cohort of students who have become so meaningful to me and whom I will forever remain grateful to for the trust they placed in me as I supported them throughout
Is there a lesson you’ve learned from your global health experience that you will carry with you?
I’ve learned that growth comes from pushing myself beyond what feels comfortable and allowing those experiences to shape me. DGHI has encouraged me to embrace resilience and gain confidence in my abilities. I've learned the importance of being fully present and embracing every moment, including the challenging ones.
As you graduate, is there something for which you’re particularly grateful?
I am deeply grateful for the community I found at DGHI and Duke. As a first-generation Latina immigrant who once only dreamed of being here, this experience has meant everything. That sense of belonging, support, and lifelong relationships... I will definitely carry with me the most.
