NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — The path Lisa Harrison-Gulla has taken in public health is far more than just a career choice—it’s a calling shaped by personal experience, family legacy, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
Thirty years ago, Harrison-Gulla began her public health career helping individuals struggling with addiction find their way to recovery and treatment. Today, she uses that expertise not only to guide policy supporting the public health workforce but also to inform her recent doctorate from Rutgers.
Her journey has been shaped by her own struggles and experiences, as well as family history. Her grandfather, Herman Weiss, a New Jersey native, was among the nation’s earliest physical therapists.
“At first, I focused on treating addiction one-on-one,” Harrison-Gulla said. “My father’s addiction and his death when I was 16 influenced my early decision to specialize in addictions.”
She pursued a career in psychology, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and a master’s degree in counseling psychology education from Seton Hall University.
“Over time, I moved from treatment to prevention, which led me to work at the Municipal Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention within the Edison Health Department. During my time there, I became familiar with every aspect of the health department. Because I love learning, I went back to school in 1998 to earn my MPH—my master’s in public health—from the Rutgers School of Public Health.”
Nearly two decades after earning her master’s degree, Harrison-Gulla decided to return to Rutgers as a member of the inaugural cohort for the school’s new doctoral program in Leadership, Practice, and Research.
In March, Harrison-Gulla successfully defended her PhD dissertation. Her research examined the mental health challenges faced by New Jersey’s public health workforce, particularly those hired after the COVID-19 outbreak.
“My goal is to present data that supports a stronger governmental public health system here in New Jersey,” Harrison-Gulla said.
She noted that this May’s graduation represents not only the culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also the start of a new chapter in her career as a public health leader and advocate.
“Now, at age 57, I have proudly reached this milestone,” Harrison-Gulla said. “I’m ready to take the next steps—using what I’ve learned from this program to impact public health in New Jersey as an advocate and educator, and also to potentially influence public health on a national level.”
Her daughter, Jillian Gulla—whom she gave birth to while completing her master’s degree—is carrying on her mother’s legacy of public health service.
Jillian Gulla is currently a student at the Rutgers School of Public Health, concentrating on health systems and policy. Her academic goals include addressing systemic challenges in health administration and advancing equity and transparency within the healthcare system.
“My mom’s years in public health and her experiences at Rutgers have given me a huge advantage,” Jillian said. “I can come home from class, discuss what I’ve learned, and brainstorm ideas for changes I’d like to make in my career. Even though we’re at very different stages of our Rutgers journeys, it feels like I have a partner in tackling the major public health issues I want to see addressed.”
Jillian’s decision to pursue her master’s program was significantly influenced by her mother’s work and their family’s medical experiences—particularly a relative’s rare form of epilepsy.
“As a child, I personally experienced the effects of neurodevelopmental disorders and the ongoing need for resources and research,” Jillian said. “I knew I wanted to be part of the solution and make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Mother and daughter share a strong bond and a mutual commitment to improving public health. “As I near the end of my journey and Jillian begins hers, I hope to be a role model for her—encouraging her to keep going even when she’s most frustrated,” Harrison-Gulla said. “As her mom, I’ll always be her biggest cheerleader. Jillian will continue to inspire my passion for public health as we discuss what she’s learning in her classes.”
Harrison-Gulla views her public health career as a way to honor her family’s legacy and her father’s memory. Her grandfather instilled in her a love of learning and education, promoting healthy habits to prevent illness and disease. Her son, Tyler Gulla—who was just six years old when she earned her master’s degree—now works as a physical therapist.
Harrison-Gulla’s story demonstrates the power of perseverance and embodies an unwavering commitment to advocacy and healing.
“Over the course of three decades, I’ve had the chance to see how much has progressed and changed—and sadly, how much has stayed the same,” Harrison-Gulla reflected. “Given how much wealth our nation has, we still lag behind in caring for the public’s health. Even worse, we continue to neglect those who are most in need and disproportionately affected.”
“But I’ve learned that developing advocacy skills is essential—for the community you serve, for the public’s health, and for yourself. More people need to speak up and support legislative changes. Your opinions won’t always be shared, but if they’re well-founded and motivated by passion, you should feel confident in the work you do.”
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