New Staff Q&A with Faryn Fairweather, MPH, Program Coordinator

Welcome to the Division of Ethics, Faryn! Who are you? 

I am Faryn Fairweather, born in San Diego, California, and raised in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Being raised in a multigenerational household of strong women instilled in me values of compassion and resilience, while growing up surrounded by educators gave me firsthand insight into the importance of community, education, and advocacy. These experiences have profoundly shaped my identity and work ethic, leading me to pursue a career in public health. I deeply value understanding people's lived experiences and experiencing different cultures, aspiring to merge my passions to address systemic disparities, enhance access and resources for communities of color, and promote health equity and justice.

What are you most excited about in joining the Division of Ethics? 

I am incredibly excited to join the Division of Ethics and collaborate with its outstanding team. I believe the Division of Ethics offers a unique environment that unites diverse interests under ethical principles aligning with my values. The opportunity to work alongside individuals dedicated to justice, ethics, and equity is truly inspiring. Each day brings new chances for learning and personal growth, and I am eager to absorb insights from my colleagues and embrace diverse experiences in my new role.

What led you to this position, what was your academic/career trajectory? 

In 2020, I earned my BS in Community Health with a minor in Psychology from George Mason University. During my undergraduate journey, I participated in the Summer Public Health Scholars Program at Columbia University which really ignited my passion for public health and interest in health advocacy, food justice, and educational equity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I chose to pursue an MPH, graduating in 2023 from the Mailman School of Public Health with a degree in Sociomedical Sciences and Infectious Disease Epidemiology. With experience in both nonprofit and city government sectors, including my most recent role at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, I am excited to return to academia and work in the Division of Ethics.
 

What is one bioethical issue or topic that interests you? 

I am very interested in educational equity and accessibility. I am particularly intrigued by the intersection of workforce training, especially within healthcare and public service sectors, with ethics and equity considerations. In my graduate thesis, I investigated how public health programs address race and racism in their curricula, conducting a comprehensive review of how professional training schools approach this topic. My research revealed that many institutions are only beginning to address these issues. The initiatives in this division, particularly those focusing on diversity in bioethics, resonate deeply with my interests.
 

Outside of work, what is something you are passionate about?

Outside of work, one of my greatest passions is fitness. I strive to integrate physical activity into my daily routine, whether through yoga, gym sessions, cycling, or running. Not only do I find joy in being active and keeping my body in motion, but excersizing has become a major stress reliever for me. I find that physical activity really helps me find balance, and more importantly, my fitness journey has taught me valuable lessons about patience, consistency, and perserverance.