Field Epidemiologist
North Dakota Department of Health
Division of Disease Control
Fargo, North Dakota

What is your background?

I am from the West Coast and I attended the University of Oregon for my undergraduate degree. I majored in biological anthropology and earned secondary degrees in business administration, geological sciences, planning, public policy and management. After school, I served in the Peace Corps as a community-based resource manager in Malawi for two years. I moved to Fargo with my husband and we love it here.

What did you specialize in at NDSU?
I chose infectious disease management, which has a bioterrorism prevention component that appealed to me. 

How did the NDSU MPH prepare you for the workforce?

The MPH program at NDSU prepared me in several ways. Everything from the courses to the external opportunities really challenged my abilities and I appreciated how I grew from them. 

I participated in several local public health projects. An example was my internship with the Tribal Chairman’s Health Board. I had little past experience with the American Indian population, and I now work with members from tribes from all over the nation. My teaching assistant positions with the School of Pharmacy also aided my growth. For my job, it is crucial that I know antibiotic classifications and can understand treatment protocols for patients. This is something I would never have known otherwise. The MPH program guided me to an abundance of learning opportunities. 

What is your current position or academic pursuit?

I work for the North Dakota Department of Health as a field epidemiologist. I love my job.

How are you impacting the health of North Dakotans?

I conduct disease investigations to help prevent others from contracting diseases, and ensure that patients are treated appropriately. In addition, I provide education on disease prevention to all age groups. 

My role also encompasses emergency preparedness and response. I am a liaison with local public health units and hospital systems for a coordinated response if there was ever a potential case of Ebola or some other select agent in our region.