Gabi Bevan

Why did you choose WVU?

I chose WVU because the Public Health program felt like the perfect fit for me. I always knew I wanted to help people and WVU gave me the resources to do so, through my program classes and applied experiences. Looking back, I am grateful I chose WVU because I would not have had access to certain opportunities anywhere else.

How did WVU prepare you to be a Public Health professional?

WVU presented me with a lot of opportunities I took advantage of and because of that I ended up in the position I'm in now. I wanted to gain as much experience as I could so if there was ever a chance to volunteer or participate in something that was outside of coursework, I took advantage of it. WVU also introduced me to a lot of public health professionals that I leaned on when I had to make decisions. When I had a decision to make concerning my career or future, I asked professionals around me. Reaching out to other peers, professors and career professionals helped me gain the knowledge to continue my career in public health after graduate school. It's been three years since I've graduated but I still keep in contact with a few contacts at the WVU School of Public Health.

Briefly describe your current role as a public health practitioner.

Currently, I am a research fellow through ORISE. I am working on the COVID-19 response at CDC/NIOSH in Morgantown, West Virginia, in the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPRO) division. On the response I am labeled as EPRO support for the Worker Safety and Health task force. I offer any support our task force may need as well as create the weekly situational reports and weekly teams update document, and take notes on team calls for the task force.

I am learning so much in this position. I have always been interested in threat preparedness/emergency response and this fellowship is allowing me to gain experience and knowledge I would normally never be able to get. It is preparing me for the next step in my career.

What's the best thing about the Public Health program at WVU?

The opportunities outside the classroom. I made so many lasting connections through conferences and events the School invited students to attend.

What do you remember about your time at WVU?

I will always remember the people I met who positively impacted my education.

What advice would you give today’s Public Health students?

Take advantage of opportunities even if it means going out of your comfort zone! Don't turn down an opportunity just because you think you won't like it. My path looks completely different than it did when I first started at WVU because I took a chance and went out of my comfort zone.

What does public health mean to you?

To me, public health means helping others. I am a people pleaser so I love that my career allows me to do this every day. It rarely happens overnight but small changes lead to bigger results and I am proud to be a part of those changes. I am proud to be a public health professional.