CofC Student Committed to Building Healthy Communities

^{Above: Maya Pia with her Park Equity Policy Scan poster.}

Maya Pai knew that staying close to home was the best choice to continue her studies, and the West Ashley native quickly fell in love with the College of Charleston. 

“During my campus tour, I could sense the strong pride and enthusiasm that everyone had for the school, and that solidified my decision to come to the College,” she says. 

Pai originally started as a psychology major. While she was drawn to the idea of a career in clinical psychology, however, she realized the emotional demands of the field weren’t the right fit for her. 

“When I started exploring other career paths, I knew right away I didn’t want to go to medical school, but I still wanted to stay in health,” explains the Honors College senior. “When I heard about public health, it piqued my interest enough to take an introductory class.” 

That introductory course confirmed that she had found her calling. One class that particularly stood out was Zip Code or Genetic Code – What Decides Our Health? Taught by Morgan Hughey, associate professor of health and human performance, the course focused on how a person’s health can be shaped by their genetics and their environment. 

“Dr. Hughey is one of the best professors I’ve ever had,” says Pai, who was inspired by the passion Hughey brought to the classroom. “I look up to her as both a person and a leader in public health. It’s rare to find someone so accomplished yet so grounded.” 

With Hughey as her mentor, Pai participated in an Honors immersed program, conducting a study titled, “Park Equity Policy Scan.”

“My role involved investigating park access policies in 25 cities across the U.S. and collaborating with the research team and the Trust for Public Land,” she says. “Our goal was to understand the state of park policies, particularly those aimed at increasing access for residents.” 

During the study, Hughey encouraged Pai to take opportunities she hadn’t imagined possible. 

“In the summer of 2023, I went to Portugal to study evidence-based medicine as well as the differences between health care systems in Portugal and the U.S.,” says Pai. “I learned how Portugal’s approach to handling illegal substance use focuses on providing rehabilitation options rather than criminalizing individuals. Unfortunately, in the U.S., many people don’t benefit from this approach, in part because we lack universal health care.” 

Pai credits Hughey for pushing her to seize the opportunity: “I never thought I could go abroad, but Professor Hughey told me about the program and encouraged me to go. It was an unforgettable experience.” 

The admiration is mutual. 

“Whether in the classroom, a research lab or a community setting, Maya brings a positive attitude, a spirit of teamwork and an inquisitive nature to learning,” says Hughey. “She has embraced adventure through a summer study abroad program, analyzed complex health problems through multiple research projects and improved the campus community through her service to CofC organizations.“

Indeed, Pai serves as co-secretary for the Asian Student Association, has been a member of the Allied Health Association since her sophomore year and actively participates in the Let’s Walk program, which encourages community engagement and physical activity of older adults.  

“She exemplifies the values of the College as a lifelong learner and will brighten your day whenever you see her,” adds Hughey. “I look forward to seeing the impact Maya will continue to have in her career after graduation.” 

For her bachelor’s essay, Pai explored women’s experiences returning to academia after childbirth, aiming to inform better policies. She will present her findings at the South Carolina Public Health Association Conference in March with guidance from her research advisors in the Department of Health and Human Performance, assistant professors John Sieverdes and Katie Trejo Tello. 

She is also grateful for the scholarships that have supported her journey. 

“Receiving the Dr. Deborah A. Miller Public Health Scholarship, the Boykin Scholarship and the Benjamin F. Cox Scholarship makes me feel empowered,” says Pai, who plans to pursue a doctoral degree in occupational therapy after graduation. “It’s refreshing to know that others recognize the work I’m doing and want to support me in continuing it. It motivates me even more to make a difference in the community.”