When Dr. Spring first stepped onto University of Bridgeport’s campus as a Biology major in 2002, she never imagined her career would lead her to become a leader in public health, a mentor to future changemakers, and now a best-selling author. Today, she serves as assistant professor and associate director of the Public Health program at University of Bridgeport, guiding students toward impactful careers that shape healthier, more equitable communities.
A proud UB alum (Class of 2006), Dr. Spring embodies the school’s mission of academic excellence, innovation, and service to her community. Her new book, Mastering Clinical Research: Pathway to a Six-Figure Career, opens doors for students and professionals interested in public health and clinical research, especially those who may not know this path exists. In it, she shares career guidance and a powerful message of representation, purpose, and equity in healthcare — values she lives every day both inside and out of the classroom.
Below, Dr. Spring reflects on her UB journey, her passion for mentoring future public health professionals, and what inspired her to write her book.
Q and A With Dr. Nadine Spring
What’s your role at the University, and what courses or programs do you teach or support?
Assistant professor and associate director, Master’s in Public Health (MPH) program.
How long have you been part of the University community?
I have been employed at UB since January 2024 but am also a UB alum. I studied Biology and earned my bachelor’s degree at UB in 2006.
What inspired you to pursue your area of expertise?
I actually discovered public health by accident. Initially, I considered medical school, PA school, or even pursuing a Ph.D. in the lab. However, during my undergraduate summer internships, I realized that working directly with patients wasn’t my passion. I was too uneasy about the hospital environment, and bench research felt too tedious. One summer, I was introduced to public health through an international internship and learned about epidemiology and biostatistics. I had always excelled in math, and I began to see how combining my strength with numbers and my love for science could lead to a fulfilling career in public health. The work done by public health professionals and researchers is what drives how medicine is practiced and how healthcare is delivered.
After graduating from UB, I began working as a research assistant at Mount Sinai Medical Center while earning my MPH in the evenings. Over time, I advanced from research assistant to research coordinator, then completed a second master’s in clinical research. I fell in love with clinical research because of its potential to bring hope to patients facing chronic or life-limiting conditions. It’s a field I hadn’t considered in high school or college, but it turned out to be deeply meaningful and full of purpose. Eventually, I became a research manager and then a director of clinical trials at a large academic medical center. I later pursued my Ph.D. in public health to deepen my impact in the field, where I can mentor the new generation of public health professionals.
What do you love most about teaching or mentoring students?
What I love most about teaching and mentoring students is witnessing their growth and transformation. I have the honor of meeting many students before they even start their first course in the program, and then I see them towards the end when they are working on their capstone projects and shaping their future contribution to the field. It’s rewarding to see students gain confidence as they connect classroom learning to real-world applications and see their potential to make an impact. I love encouraging them to participate in UB RISE, especially if they win an award in one of the categories. I really enjoy helping them discover their unique strengths and guiding them toward opportunities they may not have considered. Watching them evolve from uncertainty to clarity and from learners to leaders in public health is the most fulfilling part of my work. Our students go on to do such impactful work in the field.
How does your work reflect University’s mission or values?
As a proud UB alum, my work reflects the University’s mission of fostering academic excellence, innovation, and service to humanity. When I was a student at UB, the campus was often rated as one of the most diverse in the nation. I made friends from all over the world, and they are still my friends today. UB instilled in me the importance of global awareness, inclusivity, and community impact. I carry these values into everything I do as a public health professional and educator. Through my teaching, mentorship, and work advancing representation in clinical research, I strive to empower students to think critically, act compassionately, and create solutions that promote health equity and improve lives — just as UB inspired me to do.
What inspired your book?
The inspiration for Mastering Clinical Research: Pathway to a Six-Figure Career came from seeing so many people passionate about healthcare but unsure which path to take. I wanted to open the field of public health and clinical research to them, just as I hadn’t considered it a viable career path in high school. There are many paths one can take in this field. Clinical research has been my dream and my calling. I wouldn’t work in any other field, and this book also fulfills my lifelong goal of becoming a published author.
To increase representation in clinical trials, which is something we need to advance health equity, we need a workforce that is representative of the populations we serve. Research has shown that health outcomes improve when care comes from providers who share the same community or background as the patients. This book provides guidance for building a successful, impactful career that can help make that vision a reality.
What is the central theme or takeaway you hope readers or peers gain from it?
The central theme of Mastering Clinical Research: Pathway to a Six-Figure Career is that with guidance, perseverance, and strategic planning, anyone — including first-generation students like me — can build a successful career in clinical research and public health.
As the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree, I want readers, including those who are first-generation or underrepresented in healthcare, to gain hope and see that they can make a meaningful impact, too. Beyond financial success, this book emphasizes that a career in clinical research offers the opportunity to improve health outcomes, advance representation in clinical trials, and contribute to communities that need representation and equitable care.
How does this work build on or connect to your teaching or research?
This work directly builds on my teaching and research by extending the focus I explored in my dissertation, which examined representation in clinical trials. The book allows me to translate those insights into practical guidance for students and professionals, highlighting the importance of representation and health equity in clinical research. The public health team is also actively seeking grants to fund projects that address these issues, and this further connects my scholarship to real-world impact. This work also shapes how I mentor students, helping them understand the broader implications of their research and the critical role that inclusive practices play in advancing public health.
Was there a particular moment or discovery that shaped your work?
A moment that shaped my work was when I worked directly with people with lupus and saw firsthand how the lack of representation in clinical trials can limit health advances for certain communities. In some cases, the participants in clinical trials do not reflect the populations most affected by the condition, reducing the applicability and effectiveness of treatments. As a member of an underrepresented group, this experience made the issue personal. It motivated me to advocate for greater awareness and education around clinical research in underserved communities, while acknowledging past injustices and the historical mistrust some communities have toward medical research. It strengthened my commitment to advancing equity and representation in clinical trials.
What was the most rewarding or challenging part of publishing a book?
The most rewarding part of the process was seeing my book reach the Amazon Best Seller list in several categories. This felt like a milestone and validation of the work I put in. The most challenging part was finding the time to write and edit while balancing a full-time career as a professor and parenting responsibilities. There were many late nights and moments of juggling competing priorities, but the outcome made every challenge worthwhile.
Who supported or collaborated with you along the way?
I was supported throughout the process by my publisher and friends, who offered encouragement and feedback along the way. My amazing son as well.
Is there a quote or piece of advice that guides your work?
A guiding principle in my work comes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane.” This quote reminds me daily that advancing health equity isn’t just a professional goal. This is a moral imperative that shapes every project, decision, and mentorship opportunity I take on.
Dr. Spring’s story is a powerful example of the transformative impact of education, mentorship, and purpose-driven work. From her time as a UB student and discovering her passion to her leadership in the classroom today, she continues to uplift the next generation of public health professionals. Dr. Spring reminds us that our voice, background, and lived experience are essential in shaping a more equitable future.
Her book, Mastering Clinical Research: Pathway to a Six-Figure Career, is more than a career guide — it’s a call to action to build a more diverse, compassionate, and inclusive healthcare workforce. University of Bridgeport is proud to celebrate Dr. Spring’s accomplishments and her commitment to empowering students to make meaningful contributions to public health.
With over 14 years of experience in writing and communications, Abby Levandoski is a seasoned storyteller specializing in highlighting stories that build community. As the communications manager for University of Bridgeport, Abby produces compelling narratives highlighting academic programs, research initiatives, and student success. Her work has earned positive media coverage across print, digital, and TV platforms. Abby holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in political science, bringing a strategic and creative approach to her role in higher education marketing and communications.