Working as a teaching assistant and mentoring students in research has been an incredibly rewarding experience. During my four years as a teaching assistant, each semester brought its own unique challenges, but I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from the students in each class. Mentoring student researchers through research design, data analysis, and professional development not only strengthened their skills but also enhanced my own understanding and reinforced my ability to communicate complex concepts effectively. Witnessing their growth and contributions has been deeply fulfilling, and it has given me a profound appreciation for the impact of mentorship in fostering collaborative and meaningful learning environments.

Several memorable moments stand out, all tied to community health outreach events. Since 2022, I have had the privilege of participating in events across Storm Lake, Waterloo, and Marion, where we provided vital health services such as blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, and vision screenings, along with health education to diverse populations. These experiences were incredibly impactful, allowing me to connect with communities, address critical health needs, and witness firsthand the difference public health initiatives can make in people’s lives.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of several projects that have positively impacted individual and community health. One accomplishment I am most proud of is developing an epidemic response framework designed for practical application in the field. This framework was created in collaboration with a team of extraordinary individuals who brought a wealth of expertise to the process. It’s particularly meaningful to me because it addresses critical gaps in equitable and effective epidemic responses, ensuring that public health interventions are both actionable and inclusive.

Finding balance through consistent small breaks and self-care can make a big difference in staying productive and focused. Make time for friends or activities that can recharge you.

Organize the study group?
Bassim Albishri

Solve a problem before it happens?
Megan Riley

Turn a lecture into a life lesson?
Nichole Nidey

Change the world?
Sarah Nash

Be a keynote speaker?
Anjali Deshpande

My biggest source of support during my time as a student has been my neighbors, my family, and my friends. Their encouragement, kindness, and understanding have kept me motivated and grounded throughout this journey.

A memorable moment for me has been experiencing the welcoming atmosphere across every area of the university—from the lively student commons to the friendly faculty and supportive environment at the College of Public Health. It’s a place where smiles and encouragement are always present

Challenging, Transformative, Rewarding

Break tasks into small steps and use a planner to stay organized. For destressing, I spend time with my kids, whose energy and laughter always recharge me. I also enjoy taking short walks or having quiet moments to reflect and reset

Organize the study group?
Emily Acers

Solve a problem before it happens?
Amanda Sursely

Turn a lecture into a life lesson?
Dr. Betsy Chrischilles

Change the world?
Victor Soupene

Be a keynote speaker?
Madi Wahlen

Rewarding, intense, and meaningful.
These 3.5 years have been lots of work but I have gained so many skills and knowledge which I will carry throughout my career. It has been meaningful to me because I have been able to do research I am passionate about.

To-do lists & hobbies!

Organize the study group?
Roba

Solve a problem before it happens?
Megan and Anjali

Turn a lecture into a life lesson?
Michael O’Rorke

Change the world?
Bassim Albishri

Be a keynote speaker?
Sarah Nash and Emily Jester

My biggest sources of support are my husband, Haitham, and my friend, Roba. I can’t thank them enough.

The moment I read the greeting email from Megan, she informed me that I had been admitted.

Challenging, challenging, and challenging—because balancing academics, personal growth, family, and the responsibilities of raising kids has been no easy task.

Organize the study group?
Erin Wissler Gerdes

Solve a problem before it happens?
Amanda Sursely

Turn a lecture into a life lesson?
Erin Wissler Gerdes

Change the world?
Everyone 🙂

Be a keynote speaker?
Everyone 🙂

One of my greatest sources of support during my PhD has been my fellow students, who have become close friends. They provided a safe space to discuss challenges, brainstorm solutions, and share experiences. I’ll always value our “debrief” sessions, where we could openly talk through problems and support each other. These friendships have been a cornerstone of my PhD journey, and I’m deeply grateful for them.

One effective time management practice I adopted was blocking off time on my Outlook calendar for specific tasks. This approach helped me prioritize my responsibilities, focus on one task at a time, and work more efficiently. By dedicating set periods for each activity, I was able to minimize distractions and ensure steady progress toward my goals.

Organize the study group?
Sauda Abdullahi

Solve a problem before it happens?
Emily Jester

Turn a lecture into a life lesson?
Dr. Sarah Nash

Change the world?
Myself

Be a keynote speaker?
Lexie Just

My family has been my biggest support during this time. I also can’t forget how kind and understanding my supervisor, Suzanne Eagan, has been, helping reduce my stress with a flexible schedule. I really appreciate it

Challenging, Empowering, Transformative
Balancing the roles of a full-time student, mom, and employee has pushed my limits. Overcoming these challenges has boosted my confidence and sense of achievement. Overall, this experience has shaped my perspective and prepared me for future growth.

Organize the study group?
Erin Wissler-Gerdes

Solve a problem before it happens?
Lucas Barrett

Turn a lecture into a life lesson?
Dr. Chrischilles

Change the world?
Victor Soupene

Be a keynote speaker?
Grace Gertds

My mentor and advisor, Dr. Charlton, has been such a support for me from the moment I joined the department. She has provided me with numerous opportunities to write/publish and present my work at national meetings, she has trusted me to work as a GRA on her own research, she has of course helped me with my own dissertation research, and most importantly, she has always placed emphasis on the fact that I am not only a student/researcher, but a full person and has encouraged me to take care of myself and my family time and again throughout my time in the program.

I think it’s the ability to do independent learning and troubleshooting. Even after finishing the PhD, there are so many (like, so so many) new skills/methods out there that I haven’t learned or practiced yet, and this program has set me up extremely well and given me the confidence that I can learn all of those new skills outside of a formal curriculum. I know it will serve me very well in my career.

Community – I have made so many great friends in this department and watching the student body, and particularly other PhD students, grow/develop in community both inside and outside of the department was one of my favorite parts of my time here
Flexible – Starting this program during Covid necessitated flexibility in ways I’m sure no one was totally prepared for, but even in a “post-Covid” world, I think grad school has helped me be much more open to flexibility and making adjustments
Challenging – I have been challenged a lot throughout my time in this program, especially during my dissertation, but I think those challenges have been necessary and important for facing the next ones!

Protect and prioritize your free time!

Organize the study group?
Rachel Gavin

Solve a problem before it happens?
Megan Riley solves everything

Turn a lecture into a life lesson?
Probably myself (Jacob)

Change the world?
Justin Krogh

Be a keynote speaker?
Dr. Nash

My wife, hands down. She is my inspiration and biggest supporter. I definitely would not have been able to get this degree without her.

I didn’t know what a DAG was before I started, but now I love them. Well, love is a strong word, but I appreciate them.

I had a blast at both APHA conferences I went to.

Well, it depends

I’m most proud of how much networking I did as a student. Growing up, I was always very shy and hated talking with strangers. But now I don’t have that problem.

Don’t stress about grades or individual assignments. Its more important that you are learning and developing skills that will be useful to you later.