Zoey Riess

Hobbies, interests, etc

Animals (pets), reading, and Animal Crossing!

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

I did my undergrad here and loved it so much that I decided to come back for more!

What is your favorite course you have taken so far?

Dr. Robert Thompson's course on the Prison Industrial Complex! Easily the best and most interesting class I've ever taken. It inspired me to add an Ethnic Studies minor to my undergraduate degree!

Most memorable experience in the program?

Again, it was taking Dr. Thompson's course on the PIC. It was the first in-person course I took post-COVID-19 outbreak. During the year I spent only doing online school, I was feeling really burnt out. This course single-handedly reignited my passion for learning.

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

Do it! It's only week 1 and I already feel so excited about the next few years. The administration and professors have made it very clear that they are here to help us succeed, which makes me, as a student, feel supported and ready to take on any challenges I might face during graduate school.

If you were to recommend the MPH or Public Health PhD program to a close friend, what would you say?

Much like my last answer, I would emphasize that even though the idea of attending this high level of education can feel daunting, everyone in this program is dedicated to helping one another succeed, which is often the biggest determinant in taking on complicated learning outcomes and a large workload.

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

I was extremely nervous about coming into this program, and still kind of am, but after orientation I was more excited than anything. It feels so good to know that there are so many people and so many resources that are here specifically to support me and other people in this program.