The path taken by Lisa Harrison-Gulla in the field of public health is more than just a job decision.
Thirty years ago, Lisa Harrison-Gulla started her profession in public health, assisting those who were addicted in their rehabilitation and treatment. She is now use her expertise to assist influence policy that supports the public health workforce, in addition to her recent doctorate from Rutgers.
Harrison-Gulla’s path has been molded by her own struggles and experiences as well as family history—her grandpa, Herman Weiss, was a native of New Jersey and one of the nation’s earliest physical therapists.
“At first, I concentrated on treating addiction one-on-one,” the woman stated. “My father’s addiction and death when I was 16 influenced my initial decision to specialize in addictions.”
Harrison-Gulla pursued a career in psychology, eventually graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and a master’s degree from Seton Hall University in counseling psychology education.
“I went from treatment to prevention throughout my journey, and as a result, I now work at the Municipal Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention for the Edison Health Department. I became familiar with every facet of the health department during my time there, and because I enjoy learning, I went back to school in 1998 to earn my MPH (master’s in public health) from the Rutgers School of Public Health.
Harrison-Gulla made the decision to return to Rutgers as a member of the first cohort of students for the school’s new doctorate program in Leadership, Practice, and Research, nearly two decades after earning her master’s degree there.
Harrison-Gulla successfully defended her PhD dissertation in March. The paper examined the mental health difficulties that New Jersey’s public health personnel, particularly those hired after the COVID-19 outbreak, encountered.
Harrison-Gulla stated, “My goal is to present data supporting a more robust governmental public health system in New Jersey.”
Harrison-Gulla stated that this May’s graduation marks the culmination of years of toil and devotion as well as a new phase in her career as a leader and advocate in public health.
Harrison-Gulla declared, “Now that I have proudly reached this milestone at the age of 57, I am ready to take the next steps and use what I have learned from the program to impact public health in New Jersey as an advocate and educator, but also take what I’ve learned to potentially impact public health on a national level.”
Her daughter Jillian Gulla, whom she gave birth to while completing her master’s degree, is carrying on her mother’s public health service heritage.
With a concentration on health systems and policy, Gulla is a current student at Rutgers School of Public Health. Her academic objectives are to address systemic difficulties in health administration and to advance equity and transparency within the healthcare system.
“My mom’s years in public health and her experiences at Rutgers have given me a great advantage in that I can come home from class and discuss what I’ve learned and brainstorm ideas for changes I’d like to make in my career,” Gulla said. “Even though we are at quite different stages of our Rutgers careers, it feels like I have a partner in tackling significant public health issues that I’d like to see develop.”
Gulla’s mother’s work and their family’s medical experiences—particularly a family member’s uncommon form of epilepsy—had a big impact on her decision to begin her master’s program.
“As a child, I experienced personally the effects of neurodevelopmental disorders and the ongoing need for resources and research,” Gulla said. “I was aware that I wanted to contribute to the solution and significantly improve other people’s lives.”
The woman and her daughter have a strong relationship and are dedicated to improving public health. Harrison-Gulla stated, “As I am coming to the end of my journey and Jillian is beginning hers, I hope that I can be a role model to her, encouraging her to keep going even when you are most frustrated.
As a mom, I will continue to be her biggest cheerleader.” “Jillian will continue to inspire my passion for public health as we discuss what she is learning when she starts her classes.”
Harrison-Gulla views her pursuit of a career in public health as a means of carrying on her family’s and her father’s legacy. Harrison-mother Gulla’s desire for learning and education was ingrained by her grandfather, who encouraged healthy habits to ward against illness and disease. Tyler Gulla, her son, who was only six years old when she obtained her master’s degree, works as a physical therapist now.
Harrison-Gulla’s narrative demonstrates the strength of perseverance and personifies the unwavering pursuit of advocacy and healing.
Harrison-Gulla commented, “I have had the chance to see how much has progressed and changed and sadly how much has stayed the same over the course of three decades.” “Considering how much wealth our nation possesses, we still lag behind in providing for the general health of our citizens, and worse, we continue to neglect those who are most in need and disproportionately impacted.”
But I’ve discovered that developing advocacy skills is essential. For the community you serve, for the general public’s health, and for yourself. More people must voice their opinions and support legislative improvements. Even though your opinions won’t always be shared, if they are well-founded and motivated, you should feel confident in the things you do.
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