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).

Why are you passionate about public health?

After my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer my junior year of high school, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to a health-related field. Unfortunately, my mom passed away from stage 4 breast cancer several months ago, so I’m continuing my journey for her.

Why health informatics and health information management (HIHIM)?

I wanted to pursue a career in a hospital setting but knew that direct patient care wasn't for me. After talking to a counselor about my options, she recommended the HIHIM major. What attracted me to this program was learning about the data analytics aspect of health care.

What do you find most interesting about the field?

All the opportunities available. This field is rapidly expanding as the push for technology in health care advances. There are so many different directions that I can take my career, which excites me.

What experiences at the UW have been most influential?

Participating in a first-year interest group (FIG). I enrolled in a public health FIG my first quarter at the UW and would highly recommend it to all first-year students. The incredibly large UW campus was made so much smaller, and I truly felt like I had found a place among my peers in the program.

Why the UW?

My decision to attend the UW was an easy one. The UW made sense based on my love for learning and my eagerness to pursue a degree in public health.

What are your professional goals?

To work at a hospital near my home in Everett, WA. I hope to pursue a career in data analytics or revenue management. However, I’ve come to learn that no career path is linear. I’m open to the array of opportunities that may be at my disposal.

Tell us about your extracurricular activities.

I’m a mother of two, a 7-month old daughter and a 5-year old stepson. I’m a stay-at-home mom and actively volunteer in my stepson’s preschool classroom. In my free time, which is slim to none, I enjoy hiking and cooking.