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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
You get to take classes in so many fields which connect to the tenants of public health.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Take advantage of the courses being offered this year! CGHL is made up of many different topics and courses taught in a wide range of departments. There are also many experiential opportunities (like paid internships) which can be great introductions to the field. I encourage interested people to seek out opportunities throughout their time at K and utilize resources available across departments.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
The most valuable thing I learned at K is how to build my community and engage in my interests in both academic and experiential ways. K challenges its students, and it also has so many resources to support us (including peers and profs). I’ve learned the importance of engaging with this campus as a whole person, for me this means building relationships in many areas of my life.

What has been your favorite class at K?
My favorite class at K was Epidemiology taught by professor Sokhna Ndao-Brumblay. We worked through case studies and real world examples of a variety of public health topics, with every student bringing their own knowledge and real world experience to the table. A close 2nd is Ryan Fong’s Water Stories course exploring the significance of water and learning about indigenous communities in Polynesia and the Midwest.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I have enjoyed taking classes in almost every department here at K. I have a wide range of interests and aim to develop skills across disciplines, K has given me the flexibility to take social science and humanities courses as a Biology major.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I am a LandSea and Outdoor Programs trip leader planning opportunities for students to get outside year-round. I was a Civic Engagement Scholar at the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE), leading the program Students for Reproductive Freedom. I was also a part of the Just Food Collective and a founding member of the Green Coalition.

What is your SIP?
I completed a biology research SIP studying the behavior and diet ecology of invasive and native squirrel species in the San Juan Islands in Washington State.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
After graduation I plan to work as an EMT and outdoor educator (in the US and abroad), before completing a masters in public health.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I am raising 4 chickens with my roommates: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme________________________________________