Sarah Sisson

What does public health mean to you?

Public health, to me, is bettering our communities through prevention, intervention and education while combining the five disciplines to improve quality of life.

Why did you choose to study Public Health at WVU?

I felt that public health was the best way for me to combine my love for both the clinical and management aspects without actually being a practicing clinician. As for WVU, that was easy - I've always wanted to be a Mountaineer!

Have any particular faculty members made an impact on you while at WVU?

Two professors that come to mind are Dr. Duval and Dr. Woodrum. Dr. Duval offered me a student worker position which has pushed me out of my comfort zone, but has also allowed me to learn and grow. Dr. Woodrum is everything I would like to embody as a leader in the healthcare industry and I look forward to continuing to learn from her.

What would you tell future students about WVU and the School of Public Health?

The School of Public Health has so many staff and faculty members that are available and ready to help you succeed. I have learned so much from each of my professors and have been great guidance on my future endeavors. There is so much offered to students whether it be research opportunities or student groups like the Student Association of Public Health. Public Health also offers small class sizes to optimize learning, but you still get all the benefits of attending a large institution. Overall, WVU and the School of Public Health aim to help you succeed!

What do you plan to do after completion of your degree?

Upon completion of my degree, I hope to obtain a fellowship or a job and would love to end up on the coast of South Carolina.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

I would tell my freshman self to get out of my comfort zone, get as involved as you can, ask for help when you need it, and don't be afraid to have fun, it is college after all!

What are some other activities you’ve been involved in?

I am currently a member of the Student Association of Public Health (SAPH), a member of WVU's Public Health Chapter of Global Brigades and a student worker for the West Virginia Integrated Eligibility Services Independent Verification and Validation project.