Juliann Lopes

Master of Health Administration, Class of 2026

Hometown: Berkeley Heights, NJ
Activities at Rutgers: Secretary, Graduate Society of Healthcare Leaders; DE&I Committee, American College of Healthcare Executives

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology, Juliann Lopes had her sights set on a pre-med track with plans to attend nursing or medical school. But a moment of clarity during an undergraduate class shifted her trajectory and ultimately brought her to the Bloustein School.

“I took an anatomy course that involved working with cadavers,” she explained. “That experience made me realize that becoming a nurse or doctor might not be the right path for me.”

After graduation, she explored marine biology and began working as an exotic animal care specialist. There, Juliann had the opportunity to assist a veterinary team on various procedures involving aquatic and exotic species. “That experience reignited my passion for medicine,” she said. “It got me thinking about how I could still be involved in healthcare without being in a direct patient-facing role.”

The answer came when she discovered healthcare administration. “Everything just clicked,” she said. “When I started researching MHA programs in New Jersey, Rutgers was the first school I considered. I was familiar with its strong academic reputation, and I connected with the university’s mission and values.”

“When comparing MHA programs, the Bloustein School really stood out,” she said. “It’s CAHME-accredited and offers a multifaceted, well-balanced curriculum. My courses are engaging, exciting, and challenging, and have helped me build the competencies I need to become a leader in healthcare administration.” 

“The professors are experienced professionals who actively contribute to the field,” Juliann continued. “They are passionate and incredibly supportive, and consistently go the extra mile to help students succeed.”

Among those professors, Juliann highlighted a few who’ve made a lasting impact, including Professor Susan Krum. “I took Financial Accounting for Managers and later Health Systems Operations with her. Both were standouts. She keeps lectures engaging and always connects the material to real-world applications.”

“Professor Frederick Weiss’ Health Care Ethics and Law class is my absolute favorite so far,” she said. “The topics we explore are incredibly thought-provoking, and he has a way of presenting complex concepts in a way that is both approachable and easy to understand.”

Her career trajectory has also been shaped by the guidance she’s received from the Bloustein School’s Career Center. “Cheryl Egan, the MHA career advisor, has been an incredible resource,” she said. “I met with her before I even entered the program. Since then, she has provided me with invaluable guidance, from countless resume edits to sending me job openings she thinks I’d be interested in. It’s clear that she, like the rest of the staff at Bloustein, genuinely wants her students to succeed. She’s always willing to go the extra mile to offer her support.”

Juliann recently completed a summer internship with Atlantic Health System in their Human Resources Department, specifically working with the Workforce Experience team. She is beginning the process to pursue a post-graduation administrative fellowship.

To prospective students considering the MHA program, Juliann offers this advice: “Take the time to understand your ‘why.’ Know what motivates you, what inspires you, and why health administration. This will not only help you share your story more effectively, but will also guide you as you navigate the field.”

She also encourages prospective students not to be afraid to reach out to current students. “LinkedIn is a great place to start. Ask about their experiences in the program. Take the opportunity to have a conversation with someone who’s doing what you hope to do. It’s also a great way to start building your Bloustein network before you join the program.”

When she’s not immersed in academics, Juliann is all about balance. “I love working out—it’s always been therapeutic for me. I also enjoy cooking and trying cuisines from different cultures,” she said. And thanks to her marine biology background, she’s an avid animal lover. “Whether they have fur, scales, or blubber—I love them all!”