Teace Markwalter

In one sentence, what is public health to you?

To me, Public Health is protecting the health and wellbeing of humans, animals, and the environment.

What inspired you to study public health?

I wanted a career that combined my passions for service, health, environment, animals, and education, so public health was perfect for me. My decision to purse a masters of public health was solidified during my internship with a local health department during undergrad. I continue to love public health more and more every time I learn and experience something new.

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

Using my education and experience to help with the covid response in my local community by supporting testing, outreach, and research efforts.

Advice:

I wish someone had told me to pace myself and not take on more than I can handle. There is plenty of time to experience opportunities and explore interests, so do not feel like you need to take them on all at once.

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

I think the biggest challenge that public health should be focusing on is accessibility and equity in the US health care system. Even though health is a basic human right, our society does not treat it as such.