Doctoral Student
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia

What is your background?

I grew up in in Camas, Washington, a quaint town across the river from Portland, Oregon, where the rain never stops falling. I later moved to Minnesota, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in community health from Minnesota State Moorhead. After graduation and a short stint at the local blood bank, I pursued my MPH at NDSU. During my college days I also played soccer for both universities.

What did you specialize in at NDSU?

When deciding to pursue my MPH degree at NDSU, one of the deciding factors was the specialization of infectious disease management. My fascination of microbes could finally be useful in my career goal of improving the health of populations.

How did the NDSU MPH program prepare you for the workforce?

The NDSU MPH degree not only offers courses that properly prepare students for the workforce, but also the faculty and staff ensure constant professional and personal growth. The combination of class work and personal relationships students can develop puts the NDSU MPH degree above most.

What is your current position or academic pursuit?

I am currently pursuing a doctorate in epidemiology at Virginia Commonwealth University, with my research focusing on maternal and child health. My current research is vaginal birth after Cesarean section and the effect on breastfeeding duration.