Jackquelin De Leon Mendoza

Jackquelin De Leon Mendoza and mentor

Jackquelin De Leon Mendoza

Public health, BS

Pratum Co-op

What inspired or interested you about your field of study? Why did you choose OSU and the College of Health?

I have always been inspired by public health because I’m passionate about promoting community well-being and ensuring everyone can live in safe, healthy environments.

The health management and policy option aligns with my goal of having a real impact on public safety and policy.

I chose Oregon State University because of the public health program’s diverse resources and the incredible passion of the professors and mentors involved.

The program’s hands-on learning opportunities excite me, as they provide the knowledge and practical experience I need to succeed in public health. Plus, the beautiful campus and city feel like my second home!

What are you doing in your internship? What is your main project?

My primary responsibility has been to support, create, and maintain the Hazard Communication Program. This involved developing a regulatory matrix, a written hazard communication plan, and an internal audit checklist to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations across multiple Pratum Co-op sites.

I also created a master contact list to establish communication with emergency services and key stakeholders in each Oregon county where the sites are located.

Through these projects, my skills in disaster preparedness and regulatory compliance have improved.

What do you see as the greatest value of your internship? What have you learned the most?

The most valuable aspect of my internship has been the opportunity to apply my skills in creating regulatory programs while working with supportive mentors.

This experience has boosted my confidence. I’ve learned a lot about emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance.

I’ve also realized how important it is to collaborate with helpful coworkers. My supervisor and mentor, Mandy Rebel, has been incredibly supportive, and working under her direction has helped me grow as a team player and problem solver.

What do you think of your experience at OSU and in the College of Health so far? Any standout moments?

I truly appreciate how supportive the College of Health is. The people here make you feel seen and heard.

Have you received a scholarship? If so, how has it affected your life and studies?

I was fortunate to receive the WUE Scholarship from Oregon State University. Although it’s the only scholarship I've received so far, it is the main reason I can attend college. It’s also a reminder to keep pushing forward because my hard work has been recognized, and it literally pays off.

What are your post-college dreams or plans?

My goal is to delve deeper into the public health field after college.

I may continue in regulatory compliance and health management, or I might pursue epidemiology to study disease patterns and population health outcomes.

I’m also interested in roles like health and wellness manager, where I could promote healthier habits, or medical and health services manager, where I’d lead a health care organization.

I’m considering graduate school as well, to expand my knowledge and open up more advanced job opportunities.

More internship spotlights

  • Online MPH student Vee Escobar works to address health disparities while advocating for LGBTQ+ communities through her internship with OSU Student Health Services.

  • During his public health internship at Thrive Umpqua, Jeff Twibell coordinated community wellness events and built community partnerships while pursuing his BS through OSU's Ecampus program.

  • Public Health student Jackquelin De Leon Mendoza shares her experience developing safety programs and regulatory compliance initiatives during her internship at Pratum Co-op.