News
Faculty members share their career paths with graduate program candidates at campus event
By Amy George
Earlier this year, Northeastern University Charlotte faculty members participated in a career pathways discussion, sharing how they got to where they are and lessons learned along the way. Events like this are an essential way that the university supports prospective students and helps them cultivate the next chapter in their lives.
You can always expect an insightful discussion and a robust question-and-answer period. We caught up with each of these participants afterward, for some bonus thoughts. And here’s a glimpse at what they had to say about their career paths and what led them to Northeastern University in Charlotte.
Allyson Hudson, MPA, MPH, CTTS, Program Manager – Master of Public Health
Northeastern University: Describe your own career path.
Allyson Hudson: I began my career with a B.S. in brain behavior and cognitive science from the University of Michigan, which sparked my interest in human behavior. As an undergraduate research assistant, I delved into how policies, systems and environmental factors can create barriers to healthy living, particularly in underserved communities. This led me to the field of public health, where I could apply this knowledge and lived experience to address these challenges. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working across health systems, academic institutions, and community organizations. My focus has been on implementing equity-driven interventions and integrating public health principles into clinical curricula. This interdisciplinary approach has allowed me to contribute to initiatives that promote sustainable health improvements in an effort to reduce disparities.
NU: What has been most revealing or most surprising?
AH: The most surprising aspect has been witnessing the tangible impact of community-based initiatives. For instance, leading projects that established pop-up produce markets, new bike lanes, and moving translational research from the bench to the bedside has shown me how strategic interventions can dismantle structural barriers to health in underserved communities. These experiences have deepened my commitment to advancing health equity through community-centered approaches.
NU: Why Northeastern University — for you?
AH: Northeastern’s commitment to experiential learning and its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration align perfectly with my own professional beliefs. The MPH program at the Charlotte campus offers an online asynchronous model that combines online coursework with an in-person residency experience, allowing students to engage directly with local public health challenges. This approach not only enhances academic learning but also prepares students to address complex health issues in real-world settings while also building their professional network.
“Embrace an interdisciplinary mindset and remain adaptable. Public health is a dynamic field that intersects with various sectors. By cultivating diverse skills and perspectives, you can navigate the complexities of public health challenges more effectively. Additionally, seek opportunities for hands-on experience and community engagement to ground your academic knowledge in practical application.”
Allyson Hudson, MPA, MPH, CTTS, Program Manager – Master of Public Health
NU: What do you hope students find in your program?
AH: I hope students discover a program that not only prepares them to apply their knowledge to solve public health issues but doing so with a deep commitment to health equity and community engagement. Through our curriculum and practicum experiences, students will gain the skills necessary to lead initiatives that promote sustainable health improvements in diverse populations. Ultimately, I aim for our graduates to be equipped to drive meaningful change in public health.
Jane Carlson, PhD, BCBA-D, Program Director – Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Northeastern University: Describe your own career path.
Jane Carlson: I worked with children with autism for the first time in 1977. I was 17 years old and was doing a high school internship. The experience really stuck with me. I went on to study special education and taught special ed in public and private schools for a few years. I was particularly interested in working with folks with profound autism and severe challenging behavior. I sought out graduate training programs with this focus and I earned my PhD at SUNY Stony Brook, under the mentorship of Edward Carr, a leader in the field in this area. I’ve spent most of my professional career working in the nonprofit world, providing support for autistic individuals and their families across the spectrum and across the age span.
NU: What has been most revealing or most surprising?
JC: The most surprising thing, for me, as a young professional and to this day, is the lack of access that autistic people have to effective intervention strategies and supports. I’m also surprised that we still do not have a significant service array for adults with autism.
NU: Why Northeastern University — for you?
JC: I came to Northeastern because of the focus on experiential learning in the community. I feel very strongly that universities have an obligation to work in collaboration with the community to address real-world issues that affect that community.
“Don’t get stuck just because you’re not 100% sure what you ultimately want to do. Learning is a lifelong journey, and you’ll figure it out along the way. You also might just stumble upon your passion.”
Jane Carlson, PhD, BCBA-D, Program Director – Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
NU: What do you hope students find in your program?
JC: I think students in our Applied Behavior Analysis program will find a focus on the ethical principle that everything we do as behavior analysts must serve the best interest of our clients. That is the principle that pushes us to commit to lifelong learning and strive to always do better. Behavior analysis is a powerful science and because it’s a science, we are always learning something new.
Nia Johnson, EdD, CCC-SLP, Assistant Program Director and Assistant Clinical Professor – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Northeastern University: Describe your own career path.
Nia Johnson: My career path has woven together clinical practice, academic leadership and community advocacy. I began as a school-based speech language pathologist and transitioned into higher education, where I’ve focused on clinical education, simulation-based learning and program development. Each role has deepened my commitment to equity, mentorship and preparing future clinicians who are skilled and socially conscious.
NU: What has been most revealing or most surprising?
NJ: How much power there is in community – whether with colleagues, students or the families we serve. I’ve also learned that your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line to be meaningful. The moments of pivot or uncertainty have often led to the most growth.
NU: Why Northeastern University — for you?
NJ: Northeastern’s focus on experiential learning, innovation, and community impact aligns perfectly with my values. Being part of a university that supports interprofessional collaboration, real-world problem-solving, and inclusive excellence allows me to build a program that truly reflects the future of speech-language pathology.
“Stay open to possibilities you didn’t plan for. Your degree is a foundation, not a box. Let your values guide you more than your job title. And find mentors who not only support your goals but challenge you to dream even bigger.”
Nia Johnson, EdD, CCC-SLP, Assistant Program Director and Assistant Clinical Professor – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
NU: What do you hope students find in your program?
NJ: I hope they find confidence in their clinical voice, a deep sense of belonging and the tools to become changemakers in CSD. Our goal is to graduate SLPs who not only provide exceptional care but also advocate for justice, access, and equity in every space they enter.
Click the links below to learn about our Northeastern University in Charlotte graduate programs:
