Blue Path

• Great, hands-on experiences
• Learn about careers in public health, nutrition, occupational/physical therapy and athletic training
• Earn a full college credit

Blue Path helps eliminate barriers to equal opportunity and access in public health and the health professions by providing an interdisciplinary, two-week, interactive learning experience for rising 11th- and 12th-grade students in the Buffalo-Niagara area.

Blue Path aims to build bridges between health professionals and high school students with different identities, backgrounds and lived experiences by cultivating and refining critical skills that are central to thriving careers in epidemiology, health policy and economics, exercise science, occupational therapy, community health, nutrition and dietetics.

As the Blue Path Director, Craik works with UB faculty and community professionals to introduce high school students to the field of public health. She helps students explore career pathways, develop basic skills and gain exposure to real-world health issues. Craik also encourages participation in activities that support learning and personal growth.

As a clinical faculty member, Craik specializes in public health policy, population health improvement and health management. With over 25 years of experience, she brings a wealth of practical expertise to her students, offering valuable insights drawn from real-world public health challenges. By integrating real-life applications into her teaching, Craik bridges the gap between theory and practice, enriching her students’ educational experience. Her commitment to education and mentorship inspires and empowers the next generation of public health professionals.

The School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP) strives to expose youth in our communities to possibilities for careers in public health and health professions. To that end, SPHHP has partnered with several community organizations to promote and host this 2-week program for college credit.

Most notably: