Staff Profile: Azure Nozawa

Azure Nowara is the Associate Director of the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion within the SMS department. Azure manages all Center projects, communications and initiatives. She also coordinates the Health Communication Certificate and Turning the Tide conference series. Azure is a graduate of the SMS department. She received her MPH in 2016 with a Certificate in Health Promotion Research and Practice.
 

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO SMS?

The impressive faculty and research initially attracted me to the SMS department. The diverse research topics, variety of methods used and emphasis on research translation and public health practice make the department stand out. Furthermore, the department encourages a culture of experimentation and acceptance which is extremely valuable as a student and an early career professional.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF WORK?

On the weekends, I can be found walking the city in search of the best [enter food item here]! I love cooking, eating and all things food, and NYC never lets me down. I follow blogs and social media accounts that feature the best food items, chefs and restaurants in NYC. It is a fun way to find myself in parts of the city that I may not have otherwise visited. And, the donut or bowl of noodles is almost always worth the trip!!

FAVORITE NEW YORK ACTIVITY? 

Other than taking advantage of New York’s culinary excellence, I love visiting the city’s great museums and art galleries! And, a tip: there are over 30 museums you can get into for free as a CU student including the MOMA – one of my favorites! I also love the Brooklyn Museum where you can check out Judy Chicago’s “The Dinner Party.”

FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF?

I just finished the book Heavy by Kiese Laymon. It is a beautifully written memoir about a boy growing up in the South, his experiences with racism and sexual violence, and his journey to become a writer. It is emotionally intense, but I highly recommend it! As for TV, I am currently watching the last season of Broad City! A much lighter (albeit raunchy) way to unwind at the end of the day.