Previous Spotlights
Diane Kim-Meason, Master of Public Health in Community Health Promotion
Year:
First Year
School/Program:
School of Public Health
Master of Public Health in Community Health Promotion
Why did you choose the U and your program?
I chose Minnesota because it was one of the top Schools of Public Health in the country. I wanted a Master in Public Health because when I was growing up, I met immigrants and others with whom I did not share a similar upbringing. I learned about people providing healthcare to immigrants in culturally relevant ways, and it resonated with me because I believe in health as a human right. I want to further this work and provide healthcare and other services to communities in need.
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
I wish I knew how more credits were required for my program than for other similar programs within the MPH track.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
My cohort has been amazing! I really appreciate that about the Community Health Promotion program. We've become pretty close in our time together so far.
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
Stay tuned!
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
The Pioneer Room during seed starting for the Interprofessional Garden! All the seedlings are green and cute.
Carolina Rocha, CHIP Staff, Neuroscience major, with minors in Public Health and Anthropology
What drew you to CHIP/How did you hear about CHIP/Why did you want to become engaged with CHIP?
I was always really interested in healthcare and knew that knowledge about that field would be very helpful to the research I want to conduct, hence my Public Health minor. When I started job searching, CHIP caught my attention right away. I thought it was really interesting how CHIP promoted interprofessionalism and collaboration between health professionals because that was exactly what I aimed to achieve with my Major/Minor choice! I wanted to be a part of CHIP because I knew it would be an extremely constructive experience where I would learn more about health professions and how they interact with each other to further research and healthcare advancements.
Kaueh Boyer-Holanda, Master of Arts in Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching
School/Program:
Master of Arts in Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching program with the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing
What activities at CHIP/BeWELL do you support?
I am currently enjoying my experience interning with BeWell as a Health Coach for health professional students. It provides perspective on what my journey could look like as an aspiring health coach who wants to work with students. However, I also enjoy participating in the PAWS program whenever I am on campus.
Why did you choose the U and your program?
I chose the U of M over other universities because I wanted to be a part of an institution that was known for the communities they build as well as being close to my parents. Choosing my program took some time and self-exploration into my joys in life given my broad degree in psychology. It took about 2 years before I landed on a program that sparked some interest. I found this program by meeting with one of its contributors/founders who highly recommended me being a part of it given my passion for holistic health. It fed my need to help others in their health and wellness journeys.
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
I wish I had a list of well-known health coaches to review their material and even sessions to have an idea of what to aspire to. Also meeting with more alumni from this program would have helped in understanding the journey to becoming a health coach.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
A service that has helped me in my journey to academic success is the library and their librarians given their understanding of how to effectively conduct research. I also want to highlight my professor's willingness to make time for students outside of class to provide help and/or guidance.
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
My career goals are to find a place that works with college students to better my practice working with students. From there build connections to create new opportunities to bring this profession to Latino communities given the lack of variation in holistic care.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is either the Recwell Center given how much time I spent there during my undergrad with friends or the Washington Ave bridge given how much time I spent biking across it during the winter and spring.
Hawking Yam, School of Public Health
Year:
4th Year PhD Candidate
School/Program:
School of Public Health, Health Service Research, Policy & Administration
Why did you choose the U and your program?
I’ve always been passionate about dementia research, and a big part of that comes from my grandma’s dementia progression. The U and our program have a strong research background on dementia and long-term care, which really drew me in. Plus, I love the flexibility of my program that allows me to explore different areas of emphasis and collaborate with faculty from diverse backgrounds, which has been invaluable in shaping my research.
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
First of all, I really wish I had known just how cold Minnesota winters can get! But aside from that, I wish I had realized earlier how important it is to manage your own mental health as a PhD student. This journey is long and challenging, and life can be tough, but taking care of your mental well-being is absolutely essential—not just for personal balance but for academic success too!
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
I was fortunate to learn about BeWELL during my first year in the program and even had the opportunity to serve as the student co-chair. Through BeWELL I’ve connected with students from different programs and built a broader network. What makes BeWELL unique is that it's the first and only organization on campus led by students, staff, and faculty from across the health sciences and specifically designed to support the well-being of health sciences students. Recently, our division even added BeWELL programming to our resource list to further promote well-being among grad students, which I’m really excited about!
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
Right after graduating from my PhD program, I’ll be joining McKinsey & Company as an associate. In the next five to ten years, I hope to leverage my industry knowledge and research background to make a meaningful impact in the senior care policy field.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
The tunnels! Honestly, these connected tunnels have been a lifesaver and probably saved me from “hypothermia.”
Mary O'Rourke, Medical School
Year:
MS1
School/Program:
Medical School
Why did you choose the U and your program?
Besides its outstanding reputation, UMN offers so many opportunities and resources to its students and I have the privilege to receive my medical training in an exceptional network of hospitals and clinics from physicians who are committed to advancing medicine and improving patient care. Our faculty make themselves available for questions and are very willing to mentor as my colleagues and I explore our interests and begin to narrow our career goals in terms of specialty practice. I have met such wonderful people at UMN and feel honored to know that the friends I have made will be my colleagues for life!
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
I knew medical school would be hard. But I didn't know the mental and emotional toll it would take. It can feel isolating at times, and I certainly have had moments of doubt. I wish I had known how important it is to lean on my people right from the get-go. The academic rigor can make it feel hard to balance everything, but connecting with my support system keeps my energy high and my focus strong.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
It has been an honor to serve as a student co-chair for BeWELL since the start of the academic year. BeWELL offers such great resources for students to detach from academics, connect with one another, and engage in fun activities that inspire creativity and curiosity. It is important to put the flashcards down and engage with these things to help prevent burnout and also make new connections!
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
After earning my degree I'll (hopefully) match into residency. It is important to me that I bring my passion and tenacity into my career as a physician. I intend to contribute toward advancing my chosen field (which is still tbd!) through investigation and quality improvement initiatives. Before coming to medicine I was a professional dancer, and I am curious to explore the intersection of arts and medicine as my career unfolds. I can't define exactly what that looks like, but I'll figure it out as I go!
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
RecWell! Moving my body fulfills me like nothing else does :)
Isabella Michal, Veterinary Medicine
Year:
3rd
School/Program:
College of Veterinary Medicine
Why did you choose the U and your program?
I took an unconventional route to veterinary medicine. From middle school to junior year of my undergraduate degree, I planned to be a human medical doctor. I was inspired by my mother, Kelly, an incredible nurse; and my sister, Genevieve, who has been unbelievably resilient in the face of chronic illness. Hearing their personal experiences with healthcare, I was impassioned about revolutionizing the field of medicine. At New College of Florida, I started completing medical school requirements while pursuing a Biology degree. I am eternally grateful that I decided to take Dr. Peter Cook's introductory psychology class. Dr. Cook told me about the non-traditional veterinarians he'd worked with on marine and neuroscience research. This was a critical point, though it would be multiple years until I formally switched to pursuing veterinary medicine. In the meantime, I fervently pursued human-related health experiences. I worked on a public health exhibition with the National Library of Medicine, became vice president of the pre-med club, and completed a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course. Despite making progress toward my goal, I felt a deep nag within. I soothed this nag by taking some courses based solely on my interests in marine biology and neuroscience. New College of Florida empowered me to forge an individual path by offering independent study projects and personalized tutorials. Through these experiences, I was able to get advanced training so that I could assist with Dr. Cook's neuroscience research. My older brother and best friend, Emerson, recognized my enthusiasm for animals and regularly suggested that I make it my career. He was wise beyond his years, but my eyes would not be uncovered until I suffered significant loss. Emerson passed away from cancer in the spring of my sophomore year. I decided to honor him by living authentically and dedicating myself to the service of others. I had an epiphany on how I could do that during my junior year. While studying for the MCAT, a practice question on scrapie in sheep particularly resonated with me. It was at that moment that I realized I wanted to be a non-traditional veterinarian.
Why UMN?
I was born in Minnesota but have lived in Florida for most of my life. That being said, the years I spent on our familial free-range beef cattle farm in Roseau, MN were especially formative for me. Additionally, I still have family ties to MN since I have aunts, uncles, and a grandparent which reside here. I applied to both the University of Florida and the University of Minnesota so I could be near family. When I came to the College of Veterinary Medicine on Admitted Students Day, I fell in love with the campus climate: it was warm, nurturing, and accepting. Coming to the University of Minnesota for me was like coming home.
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
I wish I had known how to prioritize self-care with a never-emptying agenda. It felt like there was not enough time since there was always another deadline. "School comes first." I learned that you need to prioritize your well-being first and foremost. By taking care of your physical and mental health through exercise, regular sleep, and a balanced diet you actually have more to give rather than less!
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
New College of Florida's Career Engagement and Opportunities has helped me with writing successful applications for fellowships and veterinary externships. I am grateful for the connections I made at my alma mater.
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
I consider service to be one of my main core values. I am commissioned with the US Army Veterinary Corps and am honored that I will be serving my country upon graduation.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
This might sound odd but my favorite place is the Gortner Avenue Parking Ramp. I have so many memories of chatting with classmates in the stairwell. As a Floridian, I also appreciate the short walk to the classroom during the height of winter.
Ellia Dalzell, Master of Healthcare Administration
Year:
2nd
School/Program:
School of Public Health – Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
Why did you choose the U and your program?
I am originally from the Midwest, so I was excited to explore Minnesota's unique healthcare landscape through the UMN MHA program. I was drawn to the MHA program's commitment to supporting students throughout their educational journey and beyond, especially through its impressive MHA alumni network. Additionally, the University of Minnesota has one of the nation’s top-ranking MHA programs!
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
Before starting my program, I wish I knew how much support I would be provided within the School of Public Health. Going into my program I was nervous about a variety of things, from simple school tasks to seeking out career coaching. The School of Public Health, CHIP, and the MHA program have provided me so much support that has even extended beyond my life on campus!
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
The Center for Health Interprofessional Programs (CHIP) has been an essential resource to my academic success. CHIP has provided me numerous opportunities for interprofessional learning, student leadership, and community engagement. From being involved in CLARION to attending Interprofessional Student Garden events, CHIP has been valuable in supporting my personal wellbeing and professional growth!
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
Following my graduation in May 2025, I will be joining Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN as an Administrative Fellow. My long-term career goal is to be a leader within an organization, such as Mayo Clinic, that has deeply rooted, patient-centric values and a strong commitment to organizational culture.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the Weisman Art Museum. I love the architecture and view of Minneapolis from the building. I also enjoy seeing the art inside!
Edie Newman, Master of Healthcare Administration
Year:
2nd
School/Program:
School of Public Health – Master of Healthcare Administration
Why did you choose the U and your program?
I chose the University of Minnesota’s MHA program because of its innovative approach to solving healthcare challenges and the extensive professional network it offers. The program’s focus on collaboration and real-world applications has significantly improved my personal and career development.
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
I wish I had known how important it is to get involved in extracurricular activities from the start. In the beginning, the workload felt overwhelming, and I was hesitant to pursue other interests, but I quickly realized that with good time management, it's absolutely possible to engage in experiences outside of class. Joining organizations and taking on leadership roles have been some of the most rewarding parts of the program.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
The Center for Health Interprofessional Programs has been critical to my success. Through their interprofessional opportunities, especially my involvement with the CLARION board, I’ve learned the importance of diverse perspectives in healthcare. These experiences have improved my ability to work in collaborative environments, which is essential in healthcare administration.
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
After completing my program, I plan to pursue an administrative fellowship to further develop the skills I’ve gained. I believe a fellowship will be key to achieving my long-term goal of driving meaningful improvements in patient care at whichever organization I have the opportunity to join.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
Mayo D325. It's not the fanciest classroom, but we had all our first-year classes there, so it feels like home.
Lauren Christian, School of Nursing
Year:
Senior
School/Program:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a Minor in Sociology
Why did you choose the U and your program?
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities stood out to me for its location in a bustling metropolis; I thoroughly appreciate all the opportunities the Twin Cities has to offer. I chose to attend the U's BSN program so that I could enjoy both the benefits of a Big Ten school and a small, selective major. Overall, the combination of my major and minor areas of study satisfy my dedication to being a lifelong student of humanity, both physiologically and sociologically.
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
Before beginning the BSN program, I wish I better understood how to prioritize my most crucial academic tasks. I've learned throughout these past years that, within the health sciences, there will always be more studying to be done. Knowing when to stop and save unfinished work for the next day is an invaluable skill that has helped me maintain healthy study habits.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
One learning tool which has been extremely advantageous to me during my time in nursing school is Quizlet. Quizlet has provided me with entertaining and easily digestible ways to study course content. Making Quizlets throughout the semester pays off tremendously when exams come around and their electronic permanency allows for easy self-review sessions.
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
After completing my BSN, I aim to work within various sectors of the nursing profession so that I may acquire a multi-faceted, well-rounded healthcare knowledge base. A few nursing specialties that most interest me include perioperative nursing, public health nursing, and emergency nursing. Following a few years as an RN, I aim to attend graduate school pursuing either a DNP or a PhD in Sociology, whichever path feels right to me at the time. In all of my future professions, I will bring social justice to the center of my work, My sociological and nursing educations have better prepared me to understand how interlocking oppressive systems impact human health and well-being, and it is my mission to treat all people with respect and dignity, in both small and more ambitious ways, in spite of those systems.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the mid-street walkway near the East Bank light rail station. Although it is located in the heart of the campus, the trees lining the path give the illusion of a natural enclosure. While waiting for the train or killing time between classes, I love sitting on the benches, enjoying the fresh air, and soaking up some UV rays.
Natalie Platt, CHIP Student Engagement Coordinator
Title/Position:
Student Engagement Coordinator at CHIP
What activities at CHIP do you support?
I support all things CHIP! I spend a lot of my time, and really enjoy, supporting our student groups in an advising capacity. I also love the process of planning and facilitating staple CHIP events like the Health Professional Student Leadership Conference and CLARION Case Competitions.
What drew you to the University of Minnesota?
I was initially drawn to the University of Minnesota as a health professional student myself. I received my Master of Social Work degree in May 2021, and I chose the University of Minnesota because the social work program has a Community Practice concentration. I knew that I wanted to practice macro social work, so having a Community Practice concentration was important to me. While I was a student, I interned at CHIP and the UMN Women's Center, and I learned that I really like working in higher education.
What is something you wish you knew before starting your career?
How to set boundaries to maintain a good work-life balance. It's definitely a skill that I've had to develop!
What drew you to CHIP/How did you hear about CHIP/Why did you want to become engaged with CHIP?
As I mentioned, I was lucky to intern at CHIP when I was an MSW student. As the MSW Intern, I worked entirely with the Interprofessional Student-Parent Community, so I didn't have much contact with all the other co-curricular programming that CHIP supports. After graduation, I worked in long term care; I was on the regional social work team and supported the social services department at various skilled nursing facilities throughout the Twin Cities metro area. My time in long-term care gave me a deep appreciation for interprofessional collaboration. Every day, I worked closely with nurses, dieticians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, and doctors. Having the opportunity to learn so much about all those other healthcare disciplines made me a much better social worker, so I was extremely happy when I got the opportunity to come back to CHIP and provide interprofessional education opportunities to students before they enter the field as clinicians.
What is something you are looking forward to this upcoming year?
Work wise - I'm excited to write the CLARION case! I've been on the case writing team for the past couple of years and it's a really fun, unique, collaborative, and interprofessional process. In my personal life, I've signed up for a sprint triathlon, so I'm looking forward to my race!