Sam Haase is a second-year public health student drawn to the community-based work involved with emergency preparedness, risk assessment, and crisis management. She recently answered a few questions about her passion for this work and how the broad scope of public health allows her to make a difference in people’s lives.

Where is your hometown?

Lakeville, Minnesota

What is your degree/program of study?

I am working to obtain my Bachelor of Arts degree in public health.

Why did you choose to study public health? What about it interests you?

I chose to study public health because it allows me to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of a community without being in clinical medicine. Public health provides an opportunity to improve health outcomes on a broader scale by focusing on prevention, education, and policy change. My passion lies in helping my community and being a voice for those who may not have one, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and support they need.

I am particularly drawn to emergency preparedness because it allows me to help communities become more resilient in the face of disasters and crises. Additionally, community and behavioral health fascinates me because of the focus on populations to promote healthier lifestyles and address social determinants of health. The broad scope of public health ensures that I can continuously learn, grow, and contribute to making a difference in people’s lives.

What has been your favorite public health-related class so far and why?

My favorite public health health-related course so far has been CPH:3900 Fundamentals in Public Health Emergency Preparedness & Response. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the foundations of public health emergency preparedness, aligning with the traditional phases of emergency management, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. I gained valuable insights into disaster response strategies, risk assessment, and crisis coordination. Most importantly, this course introduced me to emergency management and ignited my passion for it, directing me to pursue a career in emergency preparedness and response.

Are you doing any community-based work outside of the classroom?

Outside of the classroom, I serve as a member of AmeriCorps Disaster PrepWise program, housed within the Department of Community and Behavioral Health. Our program focuses on assisting older adults in disaster preparedness through a personalized, all hazards approach intervention tool that is always free of charge. I guide participants through the intervention process, ensuring they successfully complete the program. Additionally, I engage with the community by delivering presentations, raising awareness about the program’s significance, and encouraging involvement, helping to expand its reach and impact. Another aspect of our program is members can serve within a local public health/senior service or with our College of Public Health team. I took the opportunity to serve at Linn County Emergency Management Agency.

At Linn County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), I have had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects including the development of the Linn County Emergency Management YouTube Channel and the creation of Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) promotional materials. In 2024, Linn County EMA sought to expand its outreach by providing accessible emergency preparedness resources to its community members. As part of this initiative, I played a key role in creating monthly preparedness videos, each focused on a specific topic. For example, February is National Food Storage Month, and our video highlights the importance of assembling and updating preparedness kit supplies. My responsibilities have included script writing, filming, and video editing, ensuring that the content is clear, engaging, and easy for all community members to understand.

Additionally, I have worked with Linn County EMA to design promotional materials for the Linn County LEPC, including a brochure and welcome letter, to strengthen community partner engagement. The LEPC serves as a community focal point for information and discussion on hazardous substances emergency planning, health, and environmental risks, while also reviewing, approving, and supporting plans developed by local Emergency Management agencies to prevent and respond to hazardous material releases, emergencies, and natural disasters. I specifically developed materials focused on Tier II reporting, providing essential information on hazardous material storage and transportation. These resources help new community partners understand their reporting responsibilities, ensuring that emergency responders and the public have access to critical safety information.

Why do you think it is important for students to gain these types of experiences?

It is important for students to gain experience outside of the classroom to gain firsthand experience allowing for them to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, bridging gaps between theory and practice. Engaging in public health experiences offers valuable insight into how policies, programs, and interventions directly impact individuals and communities. Seeing firsthand how public health affects real people reinforces the importance of work and enhances a student’s sense of purpose and commitment to the field. These experiences can be deeply rewarding, as students witness the positive outcomes of their efforts, knowing that their contributions are making an impactful difference.

What are your career plans?

Upon earning my BA in public health, I aspire to build a career in emergency management.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at the College of Public Health?

As a second-year student, I have quickly fallen in love with the College of Public Health and all it has to offer. From the moment I first visited, it has felt like home, a place where I am a part of a family that genuinely wants me to succeed and supports my journey. The opportunities available have allowed me to grow academically, personally, and professionally, encouraging me to explore every aspect of public health. What makes this community so special is its commitment to fostering experiences that prepare students for real-world impacts. Every individual, from faculty and staff to peers, wants you to succeed, creating an environment where I feel valued, motivated, and inspired to make a difference.