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Meet Our Students

Karla Sofia Aguayo

Major in Public Health and minor in Spanish

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I choose public health because it was the major and career that I believe would help me reach the potential that I much seek for myself. One that involves being there for the process of others respecting and seeking the ultimate health possible for themselves but also as I am on my own journey of health equity, with the public health community on my side I feel as I can make change as a health educator.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I decided to attend U of A because of not only the amazing foundation created by all professors and faculty as well as peers but also because of the academics and programs provided here at the U, much of which are limitless!

Annette Chavez Save

Major: Public Health and Pre-Nursing/ Minors: Business Administration and French

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose public health because it allows me to positively impact the world's health through many different implementation methods. Public health is so broad and meets many different fields. You get to see health from different perspectives and learn of a wide range of issues in variety settings that the world faces.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose UA because I felt so welcomed and supported by the faculty. The UA has many available resources for students, big school spirit, and extracurriculars and involvements for all students. There are amazing opportunities for personal and professional development.

Cristina Castellanos

Major: Public Health / Minor: Nutritional Science

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I love the versatility of public health and how it allows for you to choose what path you want to take in health. I was passionate about wanting to go into health care and clinical practice, but I was worried that I would end up not liking the major I wanted or not being able to get the major I wanted. With public health, I was able to explore the many ways I can become involved in health and learn how multidisciplinary it was in case I wanted to focus on a different perspective of health.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I was born and raised in Tucson, and I have come to known the U of A as my home so I always thought of myself as a wildcat from the start. Once I started to apply for colleges, I felt as if the U of A was the best option as they always provide a sense of community among students and faculty where I have gotten to know new people and have connections to the people I knew before.

Patrick Thomas Halvorsen

Major: Public Health - Health Systems Theory and Practice

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose public health because of the vast areas that are incorporated in the world of public health. Through working in the hospital systems during the covid pandemic, I saw the significance of public health and the areas that were not emphasized enough and was blown away by the number of people that didn't really understand what public health is and how important it is. I hope to bring more insight into public health and provide more education and resources for prevention of conditions.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I always visited the UA when I was younger and loved the experience I had here. I chose to come to school here because of the academics and student life that was provided here. I have enjoyed the friends and connections that I have made and look forward to continued relationships.

Morgan Houlihan

Major: Public Health

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose Public Health I've always known I wanted to go into a STEM field and knew that as a part of my career goals, I wanted the ability to help people. Luckily, MEZCOPH has given me the opportunity to find a field that I truly enjoy with a wide variety of options for students within the program.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

Being from the midwest, I knew I wanted to get out of the cold weather. When I was first looking into UA 3 years ago, I was immediately in love and knew that it was going to be the place for me. The University of Arizona is truly a great school and I'm grateful for everything it has to offer.

Katy Hurst

Public Health major with Quantitative Methods emphasis Minors in Molecular Cellular Biology and Chemistry

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose Public Health because I knew I wanted a career in the medical field that focuses on health disparities. Public Health takes a step further in healthcare delivery, especially to populations that need it the most. Public Health allows us to bridge the gap between science and healing and focuses on applying knowledge from research to healthcare. The paths Public Health creates for you are endless!

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

The community at U of A is like no other. There is so much support from faculty and staff and there are so many opportunities to grow as a student and a professional. My mom was born and raised in Tucson, so it's always felt a little like home.

Vivian Huynh

Public Health Major, Vietnamese Minor

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I've always had a strong desire to make change within our world. That desire paired with my affinity for the sciences and mathematics made public health an easy choice! Being such a broad major, there are so many incredible aspects within public health. There really is something for everyone here. Even though I had doubts in the beginning, my time spent in the MEZCOPH has solidified that public health was the right choice for me!

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

The University of Arizona is a place that I truly consider home! The weather, the people, the opportunities, and all of the knowledge that is offered here make me feel like I can succeed at anything! Nothing is better than being a wildcat! Bear Down!!

Jacqueline Larson

Public Health Major and Minor in Studio Art

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

There were many empowering women leaders in my hometown who were in charge of programs that included talking about the effects of bullying and mental health, building communication between teens and parents, and so many other things. All of them had studied public health and then returned to start their own programs and work within the community. I loved participating in community events and socializing with others as well as knowing that we were changing behaviors or improving the health or wellbeing of someone through each event. I loved the feeling and the connectedness I felt among my community and so I wanted to pursue public health to see what other things needed to be done in this world and how I can become a better culturally respectful public health professional. I also enjoy how public health is preventing people from getting sick in the first place and targeting causes rather than just bandaging or fixing the damage.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose the UA because I knew I wanted to study public health and they had a great program here. I also knew many people who were alumni’s at the UA and they always had so much wildcat spirit which I loved and I know I will leave carrying that same spirit I saw in others.

Sage Liu

Double Major: Public Health; Global Health emphasis Physiology & Medical Sciences

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I first started with only a minor, but after taking one Public Health course I fell in love with the field and its potential to improve the health and well-being at a population scale. Something I really appreciate about Public Health is the emphasis on interdisciplinary connections, integrating every aspect of a person's life to create a more holistic understanding of health.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

The University of Arizona has become a place that I truly consider home. There are so many beautiful spots on campus to study, relax, and hang out with friends. With an abundance of clubs, volunteer opportunities, and campus events, the UA offers something exciting for every student.

Saranya Madhira

Public health, Quantitative Methods emphasis ISTA

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

Public Health specialization with a Quantitative Methods emphasis reflects a passion for using data-driven approaches to tackle public health challenges. This choice equips me with analytical skills to conduct rigorous research, evaluate interventions, and make informed decisions.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

For its diverse academic programs, innovative research, and strong community engagement, the university offers a wide range of degrees spanning various fields. With a commitment to excellence in education, research, and service, it has established itself as a hub for learning, discovery, and collaboration.

Nadine Negrette

Nadine Negrete

Major: Public Health / Minor: Psychology

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose public health because there is a such a wide variety of paths to go down, whether that be related to health advocacy, medicine, nursing, environment, etc. I feel that if you are looking to get a community perspective on healthcare and our current system, then public health is the perfect choice. Understanding health from this outlook truly gives such an edge in the professional world, as many healthcare workers focus solely on direct patient care.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

UA was not my first choice, but I ultimately chose it because it was close enough to family but still far away. Originally my plan was to study out of the country, but I realized UA could offer me the same option to study abroad and additionally get a great education on top of that. I loved our public health program as well as the multiple options for clubs there was .

Yulianna Noriega

Majoring in Public Health & Spanish

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

Public Health has so many opportunities in the Healthcare sector. Coming into this college it was one of my best decisions and sticking with my major, I thought I wanted to do nursing but after taking one Public Health class I knew this is where I wanted to stay. What I found most interesting was how much we do to prevent issues from arising.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

The UA is an amazing community that anyone can fit into. Aside from having great academics it's a place where you will make lifelong friends and connections. Encouraging and engaging with students helps everyone come together to thrive and be successful through their experience at the UA. This goes for Undergrad and Grad students.

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