Environmental Health, PhD

What brought you to SPH and what do you like about being an SPH student?

I’m originally from Minnesota and I am lucky enough to attend a top school of public health in my home state.

One tip you have for new students? (favorite classes, favorite places on or off campus, resources to utilize, other suggestions, etc.)

Get to know your professor’s research and interests. Making connections early will be beneficial as you complete your degree requirements.

Public Health Administration and Policy MPH

What brought you to SPH and what do you like about being an SPH student?

My interests lie at the intersection of public policy and science, and my goal is to work in health policy analysis at the state level driven by my desire to improve health outcomes at the population level. I am interested in continuing research which is grounded in community relationships which I have been able to pursue in several research projects as a SPH student.

One tip you have for new students? (favorite classes, favorite places on or off campus, resources to utilize, other suggestions, etc.)

Get to know your cohort! I tend to enjoy and get a lot more out of courses when I am able to connect with the students taking them alongside me.

Environmental Health Sciences MS, Industrial Hygiene Track

What brought you to SPH and what do you like about being an SPH student?

I was a pre-med then a pre-nursing student during undergrad, but I felt that my interests and work experiences were much broader than just medicine. The values of SPH align closely with my own and exploring the programs led me to industrial hygiene. Industrial hygiene (IH), or occupational hygiene, is a lesser known but equally important alternative to traditional healthcare careers that focuses on preventing workplace injuries. In IH, we use our passion for health and wellness to focus on “upstream” solutions. We learn to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control hazards before they result in injuries or illnesses. IH combines the passion I have for helping people and my background in science and allows me to apply my knowledge across all industries. The health equity minor assures that my work in IH addresses hazards for every population, especially those with disproportionate rates of occupational illnesses and injuries. The School of Public Health is providing the knowledge, context, and network I need to ensure that every single person has access to a healthy, safe workplace.

One tip you have for new students? (favorite classes, favorite places on or off campus, resources to utilize, other suggestions, etc.)

The libraries on campus have reservable study rooms that are great for a quiet study space and for group meetings. Most have a large monitor that connect easily to your laptop, and whiteboards for brainstorming. The SPHere lounge is also a great study space and a convenient way to meet and network with other SPH students (plus, free printing!).

Public Health Administration and Policy, MPH

What brought you to SPH and what do you like about being an SPH student?

I came to the School of Public Health because of its reputation to get students into jobs and the feeling I got when I talked to my program director, Stuart Grande. When I first met with him he made sure that I knew I would be supported and have people to help me advance my career wherever that took me. I love how being a SPH has given me the supports throughout my first year in the program. I moved from halfway across the county and within a week of starting school I had peer mentors, an alumni mentor, my program coordinator and advisor, my academic advisor and many other supports. Being a student at the School of Public Health means you will always have someone to turn to when you need help.

One tip you have for new students? (favorite classes, favorite places on or off campus, resources to utilize, other suggestions, etc.)

Utilize the different resources the campus has to offer to expand your network. I have had some amazing experiences going to networking events, participating in the alumni mentor program, participating in peer mentor programs and reaching out to alumni in my program. It is important to build relationships, not just contacts.

Health Services Research, Policy, and Administration, PhD

What brought you to SPH and what do you like about being an SPH student?

I heard great things about the program and how academically rigorous it is, and I thought it would be a great place to attend. What I like the most about being an SPH student is being able to meet great people who care about public health. Everyone wants to help people in some way using their respective skillset and that is not something that you find everywhere.

One tip you have for new students? (favorite classes, favorite places on or off campus, resources to utilize, other suggestions, etc.)

I would suggest talking to professors, TAs, other students, alumni, etc. to know what opportunities are available to you throughout your time at SPH. I also suggest getting involved in the different organizations and positions that are available. It is a great way to get to know people!

Public Health Administration and Policy, MPH

What brought you to SPH and what do you like about being an SPH student?

I came to SPH with goals to work in a health department or policy role to support people by affecting the resources and funds both available and accessible to them. The emphasis on health equity throughout the school is evident and a core value that strongly resonates with me. I have felt valued as an individual and inspired by the school’s belief in me, which was a large part of what brought me here! Situated in the Twin Cities, I also love the blend of city and nature with lots of professional and learning opportunities given that the state capitol and health department are right here along with many other health-related organizations.

One tip you have for new students? (favorite classes, favorite places on or off campus, resources to utilize, other suggestions, etc.)

Definitely make use of the CHIP lounge on the 7th floor of HSEC! It’s only for health interprofessional students, and perfect for lunch, studying, or hanging out between classes. One more thing is to do all your printing in the SPHere lounge on the first floor of Mayo – it’s for SPH students and you’re allotted printing money there!

Public Health Administration and Policy, MPH

What brought you to SPH and what do you like about being an SPH student?

As a lifelong Twin Cities resident, I am passionate about improving the health and lives of those in a community I feel so connected with. I knew that UMNSPH was the best choice for me because I could continue to work in the community I love, but I also knew that UMNSPH would expose me to many perspectives from outside the state and country. I have met so many incredible people from around the world and learned so much about many public health issues I didn’t even know existed. UMNSPH’s drive to achieve health equity is also meaningful to me, as our government and society often neglect and harm many groups and communities. UMNSPH and its curriculum relight my passion for public health every day, and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the opportunities and knowledge it has given me.

One tip you have for new students? (favorite classes, favorite places on or off campus, resources to utilize, other suggestions, etc.)

If you have any disability, big or small, I encourage you to check out the Disability Resource Center and ask for any necessary accommodations! As a graduate student with ADHD and anxiety, accommodations through the Disability Resource Center have really helped me. All those who work in the DRC are compassionate and understanding, and all my professors have been so flexible with my needs. And even if you don’t have a disability, don’t be afraid to ask for help from UMNSPH faculty – they’re all here to help you and to make your experience at UMNSPH the best it can be! (If you have any questions about accommodations or concerns about a disability, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at mcfar289@umn.edu!).