“I’d like to do my part to reduce the physical, emotional, and financial burden that cancer causes millions of people every year."

“My mother survived both breast and endometrial cancer, and I watched first-hand as she suffered through both. I’ve also felt the pain of losing loved ones to breast, brain, and lung cancer. I’d like to do my part to reduce the physical, emotional, and financial burden that cancer causes millions of people every year.

As an undergrad I worked in physiology research and I completed several years of clinical work in emergency medicine as an EMT. I wanted to do more with my life and discovered public health when I was researching graduate programs. I quickly found epidemiology to be the perfect blend of my interests, as well as having the potential for a significant impact on humanity, and the gateway to a rewarding career.

After graduation, I would love to conduct clinical trials for new cancer treatments. I’m fascinated by pharmaceuticals and medical devices and would enjoy designing research for a revolutionary new drug or medical device. I would love the challenge of working for a multi-national company and designing clinical trials around the world.

I came to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) because the school’s values truly resonate with me. “Upstream action saves lives” accurately described my mentality while working as an EMT, and SPH was the first program that helped me understand I could affect change at the population level. I am a lifelong learner and the school gave me the freedom to design my own education and graduate experience. 

I’m currently the SPH Student Senate President, and a member of the Student Ambassadors, Public Health Review, and the Council for Health Interprofessional Programs (CHIP). I would encourage everyone to find ways to get involved.”