Gabrielle Henry-Bevan

Briefly describe your current role as a public health practitioner.

At the start of my appointment in the Research Participation Program, I supported NIOSH's response to the COVID-19 pandemic by triaging the team's emails, assisting with weekly situation reports, coordinating all clearance and cross-clearance of documents, and creating internal NIOSH COVID-19 reports that highlighted the team's achievements and areas that needed improvement during the COVID-19 response.

Currently, I help integrate occupational safety and health into emergency preparedness plans and responses to protect workers' health and safety. I support research and projects related to new public health emergencies requiring NIOSH assistance. Furthermore, I assist with preparedness and planning projects, developing guidance, training materials, communication products and development of response tools.

Why did you choose WVU for your public health education?

I chose WVU because there were opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. As a student, I was able to apply what I learned in the classroom to real-world events. I was able to attend conferences and workshops, complete an in-person practicum and be a member of the school's student association.

How did WVU and your experiences in the School of Public Health prepare you to be a public health professional?

Making connections and taking advantages of opportunities outside of the classroom was beneficial for my career in public health. I was able to experience public health in action.

Tell us about your field placement experience or other hands-on experiences.

My field placement took place at the Center for Threat Preparedness in Charleston, West Virginia. During my placement I aided in analyzing and interpreting public health preparedness and response data, aided in Zika planning and response, and aided in the development and maintenance of all Department of Health and Human Resources emergency response plans, appendices and annexes. This was my first introduction to the emergency and response field, and it was the experience I needed for my current fellowship appointment.

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

Take advantage of the opportunities! Even if it's something you might not be interested in initially. One opportunity could lead to the next open door.

What does public health mean to you?

To me, public health means protecting the health of a population. Whether the population is at a local, state or federal level, health is a priority.