Hobbies, interests, etc

I love spending my free time listening to podcasts, baking, and going for long walks outside!

Why did you choose OSU for your Public Health graduate degree?

I completed my Master of Public Health degree at Oregon State University and am pursuing my PhD in Public Health at the same institution. Oregon State University is highly recognized and substantially integrated with research and outreach activities. There are many opportunities to broaden your knowledge in the Master of Public Health and Public Health PhD programs with the classes you choose to take. Perhaps the most influential factor in my decision to continue my education at Oregon State University was the support from faculty, staff, and other students during my time in the Master of Public Health program. Feeling that sense of community and knowing I was choosing a program with people who cared about my success was very important to me.

What is your favorite course you have taken so far?

One of my favorite courses I took while in the MPH program was H525: Epidemiological Methods I with Dr. Bethel. This course helped significantly develop my theoretical understanding of Epidemiology and my ability to apply epidemiological concepts to the Public Health field. This course was a springboard for me to take additional Epidemiology and Biostatistics courses to strengthen my skills in quantitative research methods while pursuing an MPH degree on the Global Health track. Now, as a Public Health PhD student, I aim to continue advancing my quantitative research skills and pursue a doctoral minor in Epidemiology.

Most memorable experience in the program?

As a Public Health graduate student at Oregon State University, I've found that being a mentor can be a memorable experience. You get to share your knowledge and experience with others and have the opportunity to make a real difference in someone's life. Whether you're helping a student navigate the academic landscape in your role as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, providing advice on how to balance coursework and research in your role as a Graduate Research Assistant, or offering insight into the job market and career paths, being a mentor can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. And perhaps most importantly, being a mentor allows you to provide emotional support and encouragement to someone who may be going through a stressful time. Overall, I highly recommend taking the initiative to find opportunities to be a mentor as a graduate student.

What advice would you give someone thinking about getting a graduate degree in Public Health?

Public health is a growing field. Getting a graduate degree in Public Health is a solid choice if you're interested in topics such as climate change, politics and social justice, infectious diseases, maternal health, and more. The Public Health graduate programs at Oregon State University contain a variety of disciplines and courses for everyone! I recommend visiting the campus of your program if you can and connecting with members of the admissions staff or current students. Having the opportunity to do this as a prospective student helped me picture myself in the program. I understood how beneficial pursuing a graduate degree in Public Health would be for my future academic and career aspirations. Additionally, be prepared to work hard! Graduate school is challenging, and good time management is an important skill to have.

If you were to recommend the MPH to a close friend, what would you say?

If you're looking for a program that will prepare you for a career in the Public Health field, I highly recommend the MPH. The coursework can be rigorous, but the instructors at Oregon State University are knowledgeable and incredibly supportive. You'll learn about various topics, from Epidemiology to Health Policy, and gain practical experience through internships. Plus, the job prospects for MPH graduates are vast, with opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Overall, joining the MPH program will be a rewarding experience that will set you up for success in your future academic or career endeavors.

Is there anything else that you would like to comment on or say about the OSU Public Health graduate programs?

You will not find a friendlier, more compassionate group of people than the ones who run the OSU Public Health graduate programs. I felt incredibly supported throughout my MPH journey and continue to feel supported as a PhD student.