Environmental Health Sciences (EHS)
Why did you choose the Yale School of Public Health?
The main reasons are the openness during the application process and the setup of the EHS curriculum. During my application process, the admissions office and student ambassadors were extremely communicative and clear when addressing all of my questions and concerns. The handwritten message on my admission letter truly made me feel the inclusiveness. As for the curriculum, other programs I got into had more of a technical focus on EHS, whereas I wanted a program with better balance and connection between departmental focuses and broader public health topics. The curriculum and the atmosphere here at YSPH simply clicked with me.
What were you doing before enrolling at YSPH?
I was an undergraduate student in biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University, where I had done prostate cancer chemotherapeutic drug research for two years. I was also a music minor and had been in the drumline of the university’s marching band for all four years.
What are your favorite aspects of the YSPH academic program?
The aspects that I enjoy the most are the balance between requirements and electives in the MPH curriculum, especially in the EHS department. I love all of the topics in the required EHS core classes, where professors have provided me with a broad exposure to various environmental health topics with opportunities to dive deeper should I choose to. The many electives in the EHS curriculum allow me to take a wide range of classes on top of my modeling concentration requirements. With all of these, I am able to work with professors across departments to build my thesis upon my summer internship experience.
What was your most impactful experience outside of class?
I work as a Health Program Assistant for the Yale-China Association. The association works with a family foundation to provide fellowships to female health care workers from rural China so they can be trained in Xiangya Hospitals, a major Chinese hospital system established by the Yale-China Association in 1906. The association also funds female health care workers from Xiangya who receive training here at Yale. I have been constantly amazed by the fellows’ research and the work they do for their communities. I am gratified that I am able to use my public health knowledge to support them along the way. It is such an amazing opportunity and one that allows me, as an MPH student, to already being making contributions to communities in both YSPH and my home country.
Do you have a favorite Yale place or New Haven food?
My favorite Yale place is the reading room in the medical library. I also love getting lunch with friends from the food carts on Cedar Street and eating it in the nearby rose garden. As for New Haven food, I have several favorites: Maison Mathis, Zoi’s, Menya Gumi, and the Whale Tea.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I plan to work in health care or scientific consulting. I would love to be a bridge between scientific research and the general population. Combining my background in biomedical science and my public health education, I hope to help my future clients make better and more precise impacts for their target population.