Reece Lyerly

What inspired you to study public health?

I was inspired to study public health after a summer internship program at the CDC, where I discovered that public health integrates my passions for social justice, environmental sustainability, and health.

What has been the single most rewarding experience of your career/studies so far?

I am especially proud of the time I spent prior to graduate school when I developed a network and resource center for community gardens in Greenville, SC.

What is the one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were starting out in public health?

Public health is a broad degree, so identify the areas you enjoy most and develop a specialty early on in your career.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that the public health field should be focusing on?

I believe that public health practitioners have an important role to play currently in advocacy towards a health care system that values and supports the health and well-being of all persons.