Ryan Titus

What does public health mean to you?

Public health is about invigorating the programs, behaviors and policies that allow us all to live our lives in a fruitful, healthy and happy way.

Why did you choose to study public health at WVU?

I saw public health as a field where I could positively impact the world even though I still didn't know exactly what I wanted to do. I really liked how WVU had its own freestanding School of Public Health. I visited campus my senior year of high school and quickly fell in love with the campus and people.

Tell us about your field placement experience.

For my graduate field placement experience, I worked in southern Louisiana as an industrial hygiene intern at one of the largest oil refineries in the U.S. I worked with and learned a lot about toxic and explosive vapors, high noise environments, emergency response and general industrial safety. It was remarkable to meet the people of Louisiana and learn about the Cajun culture.

How have your experiences in the School of Public Health helped prepare you for your future?

The events the school has financially supported me to attend have allowed me to make a multitude of connections that led to me having multiple job offers before I graduated. The staff within the School of Public Health prepared me to enter job interviews confidently and composed.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

I have accepted a job as an industrial hygienist with Windjammer Environmental, an environmental health and safety firm in Maryland. 

Have any members of the faculty or staff influenced you in a unique way? 

Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Scot McIntosh has been my "coach" when it comes to all things professional and career related. Steve Davis has always taught me to be confident in myself and to shoot for the stars. Sergio Caporali-Filho has always pushed me to try my hardest and to conduct my work with ethics and professionalism.

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

Public health is a very broad field--there's a lot you can do with a degree in it! WVU is a great place to get a public health degree, because we have our own freestanding School of Public Health and (unfortunately) have a great need for this kind of work within the state.

Any additional involvement in activities or comments about the program?

I served as the secretary and vice president of the Student Association of Public Health for one year in each role. Try to be involved in a student organization or two--it's how you meet new people and make connections!