Why did you choose the Yale School of Public Health?
I was most drawn by the combination of rigorous training on public health through YSPH core courses and the strong emphasis on research of the CDE program. The opportunity of taking classes from other graduate schools is also something that many other schools do not offer. Moreover, I felt a strong sense of community when I received kind greetings from the admissions office, faculty members, and student ambassadors. Having the opportunity of connecting with student ambassadors, I learned more about the program experience from a student’s perspective, which made me confident that YSPH would be a perfect fit for me.
What were you doing before enrolling at YSPH?
Before joining the Yale community, I was an undergraduate student at UCLA, with a major in Psychobiology and a minor in Food Studies. I worked as a research assistant at the Diet, Stress, and Health lab to investigate the interaction between diet and mental health.
What are your favorite aspects of the YSPH academic program?
Being able to meet lots of wonderful people! I am really grateful to be surrounded by so many talented and supportive peers. The interdisciplinary nature of public health studies also continuously excites me. I enjoy exploring how different subject areas can collectively contribute to better population health.
What was your most impactful experience outside of class?
One aspect of the Yale community that I value a lot is the diversity here. I am currently the president of the Global Alliance for Public Health (GAPH) at Yale School of Public Health. The mission of GAPH is to support international students adjusting to life in the U.S. to create a space for their academic and professional development, and to bring diverse and global voices to the Yale community. Our Buddy Program pairs first-year international students with senior mentors who are willing to offer advice, guidance, and knowledge regarding life at Yale and the U.S. This year-long program has received a lot of positive feedback, as students saw it as a supportive and diverse community where they can find support for different aspects of their studies at Yale and interact with peers coming from other cultures.
Do you have a favorite Yale place or New Haven food?
I love the Rose Garden, behind Sterling Hall of Medicine! It is a great place to hang out with friends or enjoy your lunch on a sunny day.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I have always been passionate about making a direct impact on improving the lives of people. For now, I am planning to work in the biopharma industry after graduation. More specifically, I plan to focus on developing strategies for commercializing and bringing new drugs to the market to address unmet medical needs and better serve patients.