Why did you decide to major in public health? After graduating high school, I spent a year in Ecuador where I lived alongside an indigenous community. The immersive experience exposed me to many facets of their culture and it also allowed me to witness the social inequities that gave rise to major health disparities.

Why are you passionate about public health? As a Mexican-American, I’ve seen firsthand the health concerns of an immigrant community. Studying public health will give me the skills I need to help those most vulnerable.

Kassie Olin studied public health, then went on to pursue an MS, Applied Occupational Hygiene from the Department of Environment and Occupational Health Sciences. As an Industrial Hygienist, Kassie is passionate about ensuring the health and safety of workers within Washington State. Everyone deserves to return home safely to their families at the end of work each day.

Why did you decide to major in public health? I was originally on a journey towards the clinical field. I took the general chemistry and almost all of the biology series before I realized I was just going through the motions of checking off boxes. I wasn’t taking what I was learning to heart. I eventually met with a public health adviser and took a global health seminar, and I instantly felt connected to the topics.

How did you find your way to the UW? When I first moved to the United States, I enrolled at Green River College in Auburn, WA. It was my dream to eventually study public health and the UW has one of the best public health programs for undergraduate studies.

Why did you decide to major in public health? I’ve always wanted to help people with their health, but I wanted to do it in a way that wouldn't put limits on who or how I helped. Doctors and nurses, though very important jobs, work to make a difference in the health of people who are already sick or injured. Public health workers are focused on preventing poor health among large populations of people.

Why are you passionate about public health? I want to see change and I want to be part of that change, to help find solutions to improve people’s lives and health.

Taylor Lichneckert is a 2020 graduate of the UW Bachelor's of Science in Health Informatics and Health Information Management. Clinical Consultant at Microsoft + Nuance. Credentialed as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

Kim Anh Tran studied public health, then worked as an academic advisor at the UW. Serves as the Executive Director of Hey Mentor

Bringing equity to the forefront in NYC and beyond

Disentangling complex human diseases & aging

Fighter for the Somali community

Uncovering COVID-19 in Seattle

Increasing cancer screening among underserved populations

Promoting peace through public health