Previous Spotlights
Annie Lemieux, Public Health Administration and Policy
Year:
Second Year
School/Program:
MPH Public Health Administration and Policy
Why did you choose the U and your program?
I grew up in Minnesota before attending college out of state. I knew that I wanted to return home for my MPH and learn how to make a difference in the communities that shaped me into who I am today. I was incredibly lucky that the U has such a wonderful MPH program and feel fortunate to benefit from learning about public health from my professors and peers.
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
All of the leadership and interprofessional opportunities that exist on campus. I have enjoyed being a part of CLARION, the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic, the Youth Health and Housing Lab, and the School of Public Health Student Senate. These experiences have allowed me to collaborate with students outside of my program and gain new perspectives on healthcare.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
My amazing cohort! I am fortunate to have peers that care about my success alongside their own. Learning from them has been the highlight of my academic experience thus far and they encourage and support me in all of my public health and leadership endeavors.
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
I chose to enter the public health field to learn how to make actionable changes to the healthcare system at the state and local level reflecting my core belief that healthcare is a human right. I hope to continue working in the public health policy field at the county or state level advocating for and supporting policies that reflect this core belief.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
I love reserving a study room in HSEC with a window overlooking the courtyard! It’s the best spot to study and watch the campus turkeys roam.
Josh Aune, Master of Healthcare Administration
Year:
Class of 2024 (2nd year)
School/Program:
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
Why did you choose the U and your program?
I chose the U for the high-quality education and access to an incredible alumni network. Meeting leaders across the country leading a variety of healthcare organizations has been an invaluable experience to learn and apply the lessons from the classroom to work that is occurring in the real world.
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
One thing I wished I knew before starting the program was how tremendous the faculty are within the School of Public Health. I realized that we would be learning from professors at the top of their field, yet faculty have gone above and beyond in a multitude of ways. From taking the time to meet 1:1 to go over lessons, answering questions related to current events, and even sharing their networks with us and helping us develop our professional skills, I am very grateful for the opportunity to learn from such incredible people.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
The faculty members and alumni network. Both are more than willing to lend a hand with course content or professional development when reaching out. I would also shout out the fantastic recreational opportunities on and around campus. Having the opportunity to hit the reset button and clear the mind has been essential to starting each day fresh and finding success both in and outside of the classroom.
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
After finishing the MHA program, I would like to pursue work in a rural healthcare setting, with the goal of leading a rural hospital someday. Coming from a rural area myself, I would love to serve a rural community and work to increase access to healthcare services and provide better health for all.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
HSEC! There are so many niche areas to study or do homework, and we have many classes in that space.
Kitty Lu, Physical Therapy
Year:
Class of 2025 (2nd year)
School/Program:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Why did you choose the U and your program?
I used to think that I would always stay in Los Angeles with my family, but a spring break trip to Ireland with my rugby team changed my mind. As much as I love my family, I knew there were places that I hadn’t explored. When my girlfriend was accepted to the UMN law program, we decided to make the move out here. I worked here in Minneapolis during my gap year and just fell in love with all the seasons (yes even winter). I've known I wanted to be a physical therapist since high school. Specifically with the UMN DPT program, I found a program that gave me a wide variety of career opportunities. Being a big research institution, I knew that I would be able to explore my varying interests and discover new ones.
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
There’s nothing really serious that I wish I had known before I started, except maybe just reminding myself that everything will work out. I still work on telling myself not to get so worked up about little things that I don’t even remember now, like what to wear on my first day. I do wish I knew more coffee shops or study places. I am slowly visiting them, but I would love more recommendations.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
Our embedded counselor has been crucial to my academic success. I made the not-so-wise decision to not see her during this past spring semester, and I would safely call that my most emotionally drained semester. One thing I think most students can agree on is that when we’re in the thick of it, we know we’re stressed, but we don’t always have the best tools to handle our stress. Then when the exam or stress is over, we realize how much stress we were holding. Having someone to share that with, even if they might not be able to fix everything, could just take a little piece of the stress off you.
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
To be honest, I don’t know for sure. I’m pretty certain that I want to work in a hospital once I graduate, but I am still discovering if there's a PT specialty for me. I am a recreational rugby player, and I’d love to work with recreational athletes and help them continue to have fun with their sports.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the bridge over the Mississippi that connects West Bank and East Bank. I bike over it every day for class and it always reminds me to just take a few deep breaths before the craziness of classes.
Kent Boyd, School of Nursing
Year:
Third Year
School/Program:
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Health Innovation and Leadership
Why did you choose the U and your program?
I was born in Minnesota, and as such, have always known about the University of Minnesota's extraordinary accomplishments. Fortunately, I attended the University of Minnesota for my Master of Nursing degree. While in this program, I had two mentors, both in U of M DNP programs. One introduced me to the role nurses play in environmental justice and educating about the effects of climate change. The other introduced me to the field of planetary health. The University of Minnesota School of Nursing, is leading the way in planetary health thanks to its commitments and the work of Dr. Teddie Potter. I knew that this was where I needed to earn my doctorate if I wanted to make a difference in the health of the planet.
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
Before I started the program, I wish I had known the number of opportunities possible at the U. I figured there would be many, given the high-profile faculty. However, there was so much more than I imagined. This mindset led me to often take those that first came when I could have waited and explored options. That's not to say all of my experiences have not been fantastic; they have. I am excited to see what other opportunities arise having a degree from a prestigious school like the U.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
Alicia George and the rest of the School of Nursing staff have been incredibly helpful throughout the program. I have asked many questions about degree progress, minors, masters, etc., and they always answer thoroughly. They promise I am not the only one asking these questions, but I feel strongly that I have made them feel like they've earned their pay.
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
Oh, the big question. Upon completing my degree, I am torn on whether I would like to return to the U in a faculty position or venture out with a nonprofit. Dr. Potter assures me I can do both; we will see. I am certain that I want to be in a position where I can apply systems thinking to the equitable health and well-being of all earthly beings and advance the field of planetary health.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My two favorite places on campus are the Diehl Hall (now Health Sciences) Library and the Scholars Walk. The Scholars Walk is a place to refresh your mind during long hours of studying. There is inspiration to be found with every name. The library has many works of literature, especially those related to health and medicine. It's not the fanciest building (although the new Health Sciences building is), but it is an excellent spot for learning.
Sajel Dutt, Medical School
Year:
MS2, Class of 2026
School/Program:
University of Minnesota Medical School Twin Cities
Why did you choose the U and your program?
I immediately fell in love with the community at UMN. Everyone I met was so encouraging, welcoming, and kind to me that I knew I wanted to surround myself with people like this for the next four years.
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
I wish I had known how okay it is to not have everything figured out all the time. I am realizing that part of being a medical student means just giving yourself grace and taking things one step at a time.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
I have really leaned on the Center for Bridging Counseling at UMN for both academic and personal support. Everyone there helped me so much at the beginning of the school year in adjusting to our curriculum and making space for my overall wellbeing.
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
While I have a super open mind to all medical specialties, I hope to match into a residency program that has a supportive community and practice medicine in a diverse, urban setting. I am becoming more interested in medical education as well and want to be involved with teaching and training students along with having a clinical practice.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
I love the Washington Bridge that connects the East and West Bank. It is my favorite place to go to watch the sunset and decompress after long days.
Hyojung Hong, School of Dentistry
Why did you choose the U and your program?
My initial encounter with the UMN School of Dentistry occurred during my freshman year of college when I participated in the Discover Dental School program. Throughout my time there, I developed a deep appreciation for the inclusive and supportive environment cultivated by the faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, I was particularly drawn to the abundance of leadership and research prospects available to me. Furthermore, given my inclination towards maintaining close proximity to my family, it has been immensely gratifying to establish a sense of community within the school while remaining in close proximity to my home.
What is something you wished you knew before you started your program?
Looking back on my first year, I wish I had known not to be so afraid of asking professors questions. In my undergraduate classes, we had small groups of fewer than 25 students, so when I entered larger lecture halls with over 100 people, it felt really intimidating. I became more shy and less likely to raise my hand. But what I've come to realize is that most professors are genuinely there to help us and want us to succeed. There's absolutely nothing wrong with reaching out to them for clarification or extra support. It's something I've learned and embraced along the way.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic success?
Being someone who has ADHD and high testing anxiety, the Disability Resources Center (DRC) has played a pivotal role in facilitating my academic achievements. There is often an unfortunate stigma associated with seeking additional assistance, yet the DRC has consistently treated me with equal respect and support, just like any other peer. The provision of private testing centers has significantly alleviated the anxiety I typically feel when surrounded by a large number of individuals in a lecture hall. Furthermore, I have found that the majority of faculty and staff are genuinely supportive of students utilizing these resources.
What are your career goals after finishing your degree?
My strong desire to serve the younger population in underserved communities has fueled my aspiration to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry. I hold a profound passion for promoting preventive dental care, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the oral health of individuals from a young age resonates deeply with me. As a reflection of this commitment, I am currently engaged in two research projects focused on public health and pediatric dentistry. Additionally, I actively participate in leadership roles within the Care Corner and BIPOC Health Professional Student Collective, aiming to provide students with equitable opportunities to thrive academically in their respective career paths. Through these endeavors, I hope to continue to contribute in a positive way after graduation, making a lasting impact on the oral health and overall well-being of all patients.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
One of my favorite places on campus has to be either the Caribou or Starbucks right next to Moos Towers. I love studying in spaces where I can smell coffee, so any coffee shops motivate me to study harder or cheer me up after a long day at school!
Cannie Cui, School of Dentistry | IP Student Program Assistant
What drew you to the University of Minnesota?
As an international freshman, I was initially apprehensive about adjusting to college life facing language and culture barriers. The warm and welcoming community at the University of Minnesota played a crucial role in my personal development. The encouragement and guidance I received from my professors and classmates enabled me to adapt to the new culture and thrive academically. Through their support, I was able to grow both intellectually and personally. The relationships I formed with my professors, classmates, and the community have been invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunities and support that I received during my time there.
What school/program are you in at the UMN? And how many years have you been in that school/program?
I’m currently a first-year student at the School of Dentistry.
What’s your title/position at CHIP?
I’m an IP Student Program Assistant (DEI focused).
Why did you want to become engaged with CHIP?
I am excited about the opportunity to engage with CHIP and contribute to its mission of promoting equality, diversity, and respect within the healthcare profession. The values that CHIP represents align closely with my personal beliefs, and I am eager to help further this cause. Specifically, I am interested in contributing to CHIP by assisting with program planning for events that promote fun, education, and well-being. I believe that engaging in such events can help foster a sense of community and collaboration within the healthcare profession, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
What is something you are looking forward to within your role at CHIP?
As a member of CHIP, I am currently working with other members to finalize our DEI statement. Additionally, there is a student organization in the works that will be dedicated to promoting the career development of international healthcare students. As someone who is passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), I am excited about the opportunity to help bring more underrepresented healthcare students to these extracurricular activities. I believe that creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students is essential for promoting academic success and personal growth.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic and professional success?
CHIP is an invaluable resource for healthcare students, providing a wide range of support and opportunities to help students succeed academically and professionally. One of the unique strengths of CHIP is its commitment to listening to and incorporating the voices of students, making efforts to ensure that their wishes are heard and their needs are met.
In addition to the resources provided by school resource centers, I encourage students to actively participate in student organizations both within and outside of their colleges. These organizations offer a wealth of opportunities to build connections with senior students, interprofessional students, faculty members, and alumni, all of whom can provide valuable guidance and support.
What is something you enjoy doing to maintain your wellbeing?
Personally, I find that spending time with my cat is a great way to unwind and reduce stress. His presence always brightens my day and helps me to relax. I also enjoy baking, dancing, and playing games with friends, which allow me to socialize and indulge in a creative activity outside of school. In addition to engaging in hobbies and activities, I believe that prioritizing our overall wellbeing is essential for managing stress. This means eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking care of our physical and mental health. By finding ways to manage stress and prioritize our wellbeing, we can better navigate the demands of our coursework and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What is something that you’ve learned (or are learning) that’s made a difference to you?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is the value of living in the present moment. As healthcare students, we are constantly facing challenges and striving to achieve our long-term goals. However, it is important to remember that life is a journey, and we do not need to rush to reach our destination. Instead of solely focusing on our long-term goals, we should take time to appreciate the everyday moments and experiences that make life meaningful and joyful. Of course, achieving our long-term goals requires persistent effort and dedication. By living in the present moment, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and fulfillment that helps us stay motivated and resilient in the face of challenges.
Interprofessional Student Garden
Tell us about your group!
The Health Sciences Interprofessional (IP) Student Garden is a student-led garden located on the east bank campus. The garden is managed by the students on the IP Student Garden Advisory Board, who are in charge of creating and designing the garden, planting, and hosting garden events. The garden aims to provide an outlet for health professional students, promoting wellness and organic relationships across disciplines.
The IP Student Garden was established by the health interprofessional well- being initiative, BeWELL, in conjunction with CHIP, after gardening was identified by students as a top preference for well-being programming.
Why did you join/what motivated you to get involved with the IP Student Garden?
Many of the students on the advisory board joined the IP Student Garden because they love gardening and wanted to connect with students from other schools and programs. Some of us joined after attending IP Student Garden events and seeing how fun it is to manage a garden and create a community space on campus. All of us are motivated to make positive impacts on our campus community!
What’s your favorite event or activity in this group?
Of course, we love planting! The planting season is coming quickly, meaning we’ll start our weekly Plant & Chat events where we plant, weed, water, garden, and socialize! Our 2nd Annual Spring Garden Party is coming up on Thursday, April 27, from 12-1:30 pm. We will have lunch and fun garden- related activities. RSVP here to join us in celebrating the reopening of the garden!
How do students get involved in your group?
Students can fill out this interest form to get on our email list! Anyone can come to our events. If you want to join our advisory board, keep your eye out for open leadership positions this fall.
What’s one interesting thing that most people don’t know about your
group?
The raised garden beds were all built by hand by the students on the advisory board last year! With the help of our community partners, we created the design for the beds, bought the materials, built the beds, filled them with soil, and planted herbs and veggies. We’re looking forward to our second growing season this summer!
Abigail Speller, MA in Speech-Language Pathology | Graduate Program Assistant
What drew you to the University of Minnesota?
I was drawn to the University of Minnesota because I wanted to go to a big university that was diverse, reputable, and affordable.
Why did you want to become engaged with CHIP?
The mission of CHIP really spoke to me! I’ve personally experienced the benefits of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare. I was excited to be able to help students build those skills alongside other students before we enter the workforce. Another thing that drew me to CHIP was my interest in community and student engagement. I’ve loved bringing students together and meeting new people that I wouldn’t have otherwise met.
What resource or service has been essential to your academic and professional success?
I would say the entire HSEC building and CHIP community. Some days are really tough and I don’t want to keep studying. Having a welcoming, bright space with friendly people really keeps me going.
What is something you enjoy doing to maintain your wellbeing?
I like doing HIIT workouts. Whether it’s in the gym or my living room, I try to move my body 3 times a week.
What is something that you’ve learned (or are learning) that’s made a difference to you?
I’ve learned that I don’t need to be a perfectionist anymore. The journey to grad school in the health sciences is all about checking the boxes and doing everything perfectly. Thankfully the program I’m in now values critical thinking, life experiences, and culturally responsive care. As long as I’m putting my best foot forward and I’m open to feedback, I’m going to be okay!