Born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, Lashae Rolle’s journey to USF’s College of Public Health (COPH) started when she came to the U.S. for high school in Wichita, Kan. Later Rolle played collegiate basketball at Texas A&M International University.
She graduated in 2019 with a bachelor of science in chemistry and a minor in biology before pursuing her master of public health in epidemiology and global health practice at the COPH, which she completed in 2021.
Today, she is a PhD candidate in prevention science and community health at the University of Miami, where her research focuses on lifestyle medicine, cancer prevention and survivorship.
Rolle was first introduced to public health through her family, many of whom work in health care. She originally thought she would become a physician but realized she was called to a different path.
Her mother encouraged her to explore the public health field, and when she did, she said she was immediately drawn in.
“While a physician can treat one patient at a time, public health creates opportunities to improve the lives of thousands through research, prevention and community outreach,” she explained. “That possibility of broad and meaningful impact is what continues to inspire me.”
When choosing USF, Rolle was attracted by the COPH’s national reputation, its proximity to her home in the Bahamas and the recommendation of her mentor, Dr. Keva Thompson, a COPH alumna.
“Dr. Thompson exemplified what it meant to be both a scholar and a servant leader,” Rolle said. “She showed me what it looks like to pursue knowledge while also giving back.”
LaShae Rolle led an oral presentation of her research at the Society of Prevention Research conference in 2025. (Photo courtesy of Rolle)
One of her proudest moments during her MPH program came when she served with the Florida Department of Health in Hendry County.
“It was a smaller, often overlooked area of the state,” she said. “That opportunity gave me firsthand experience with rural health challenges and taught me the importance of tailoring interventions to the needs of specific communities.”
She also cherishes the early days of her program.
“My favorite memories are from those first few months with my MPH cohort, when we gathered outside of class and built lifelong connections,” she said.
Now at the University of Miami, Rolle brings together her experiences as an athlete and a cancer survivor in her research.
Rolle appeared in 29 games scoring 5.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in 2018. (Photo courtesy of Texas A&M International University Athletics)
“My attraction to this work stems from my dual identity as both an athlete and a cancer survivor,” she shared. “For me, it represents the best of both worlds, bringing science and lived experience together to improve the lives of others.”
Her resilience has shaped not only her academic pursuits but her personal achievements as well.
“One of my proudest personal and professional achievements was continuing to powerlift during cancer treatment,” she said. “Conventional wisdom often suggests that cancer patients cannot or should not engage in powerlifting during treatment. I challenged that assumption, exercising through chemotherapy and radiation. I lived out the principles I study and promote. It affirmed my belief that movement can be medicine.”
Rolle’s research and passion extend beyond the lab. She has presented her work at national meetings, such as the Society for Prevention Research 2025 conference, sharing her findings with fellow experts in the field.
She also takes her passion into the community, exercising alongside cancer survivors during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, a fundraising event that supports cancer research.
“Walking the walk is important to me,” she said. “I never want to just tell people what to do—I want to show them it’s possible.”
Rolle (center) attended the Dolphins Cancer Challenge and exercised with cancer survivors for the cancer research funding event. (Photo courtesy of Rolle)
Looking ahead, Rolle aspires to be recognized as a leader in cancer lifestyle medicine and survivorship research.
“I want to be someone who not only advances knowledge but also ‘walks the walk’ by modeling the lifestyle I encourage others to adopt,” she said.
Reflecting on her alma mater, Rolle continues to hold USF in high regard.
“Since my time at the COPH, I’ve been impressed with how much the college has grown, especially in the ways it continues to expand its research footprint and foster innovation in public health education,” she said.
Fast Five
What did you dream of becoming when you were young?
A doctor
Where would we find you on the weekend?
Working out
What is the last book you read?
The Bible
What superpower would you like to have?
The ability to fly
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
"Love and Basketball"