Kylie Mattes

Briefly describe your current role as a public health practitioner.

In my current role as a graduate intern in the Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, New York, I work to address the social determinants of health impacting underserved cancer patients through resource navigation and expanded telehealth access. As part of the Integrated Cancer Care Access Network (ICCAN) Equity Platform, I collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and culturally responsive care teams to reduce systemic barriers to care.

My work focuses on improving health equity by ensuring that patients from historically marginalized communities receive comprehensive support and individualized care throughout their cancer treatment journey. This includes connecting them to educational resources, supportive services, and cutting-edge therapies such as precision medicine. Through this role, I contribute to reducing cancer-related health disparities and improving outcomes for diverse populations, aligning directly with core public health goals of equity, access, and population health improvement.

Why did you choose WVU for your public health education?

I chose WVU for my undergraduate public health education because it offered a meaningful blend of academic preparation and community-based experience. Through my involvement with West Virginia-based organizations like the Shack Neighborhood House, WVU Multidisciplinary Unsheltered Homeless Relief Outreach of Morgantown (also known as Project MUSHROOM), and the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities, I gained firsthand exposure to the complex social factors that shape health outcomes.

These experiences also reinforced the vital role of human connection in public health, whether through mentoring children, supporting individuals facing housing insecurity, or helping young adults navigate critical life transitions. The University’s emphasis on applied learning and community engagement gave me the tools to understand public health not just as research or policy, but as a people-centered practice rooted in trust, empathy, and advocacy.

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

My time at WVU and in the School of Public Health has been instrumental in shaping me into a dedicated public health professional. My experiences have equipped me to be a public health professional by integrating academic knowledge and practical experience tailored to the unique needs of communities. Through in-depth coursework and mentorship from experts, such as Danielle Davidov, Ph.D., and Dr. Steve Davis, Ph.D., I developed a strong understanding of social determinants of health and effective harm reduction strategies.

The skills and perspectives I gained working with rural Appalachian communities have been invaluable in my public health work in New York City, allowing me to approach diverse populations with cultural sensitivity and adapt strategies to meet different community needs.

Together, the University’s academic environment and commitment to community engagement have prepared me to effectively tackle urgent public health issues and to create innovative, compassionate solutions that drive real change.

Tell us about your field placement experience or other hands-on experiences while you were at WVU School of Public Health.

I was given the opportunity to intern for WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities, specifically for the Regional Transition Navigator Services department. This organization works with individuals aged 14-25 who are at-risk, due to the adversities which they are facing, such as aging out of foster care. The focus is on providing guidance to anyone struggling with the transition from adolescence into early adulthood. I was able to establish a foundation with and follow up with clients in regard to their cases. I met with clients and their case workers, both in person and virtually.

My role as an RTNS intern was to seek out statewide and federal assistance programs that could directly benefit our clients. My time at WVU RTNS made me realize how much West Virginia is lacking resources, specifically for at-risk young adults. Adverse childhood experiences are far too common among individuals in West Virginia. This is why the work carried out by WVU RTNS is absolutely crucial to the well-being and future of West Virginia.

I was also able to volunteer with Project MUSHROOM, where I gained practical experience working with unhoused individuals through helping connect them with resources, such as temporary housing and
rehabilitative services. At Project MUSHROOM, we provided food, water, hygiene products, and clothing to those lacking basics of care within the Morgantown community. Additionally, we distributed fentanyl test strips and Narcan, as well as provide basic on-site training on how to safely administer Narcan. Project MUSHROOM is led by Michael McCawley, Ph.D., a New York University alumnus and former WVU professor who inspired me to join Project MUSHROOM and encouraged me to apply to NYU.

What advice would you give today’s public health students?

As a community health science and practice graduate student at New York University School of Global Public Health, my advice to undergraduate students is to embrace both the scientific and human sides of the field. It is so important to build strong skills in data analysis, epidemiology, and evidence-based practices, while also developing empathy, cultural humility, and effective communication. Public health challenges are complex and deeply connected to people’s lived experiences, so being adaptable and open to listening and learning from communities is essential.

In addition, I would suggest to actively seek out ways to gain hands-on experiences early in your academic journey, whether through internships, volunteer work, or research. These opportunities significantly help in the development of the practical skills necessary to create meaningful change in public health.

Lastly, take the time to build strong relationships with your professors, mentors, peers, and community stakeholders. As a future public health professional, it is essential to foster these connections, as collaboration and mutual support play a vital role in achieving meaningful and lasting change in public health.

What does public health mean to you?

Public health is the bridge between individual stories of hardship and the systemic changes needed to improve entire communities. It is the commitment to addressing the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health, especially in underserved and rural areas like West Virginia. Public health means working tirelessly to provide access to resources, support, and education that empower people to overcome challenges such as substance use disorder, homelessness, and adverse childhood experiences.

To me, public health is deeply personal. It’s driven by the desire to prevent tragedies like the loss of a loved one to the opioid epidemic. It involves listening to communities, listening to individuals, implementing evidence-based programs, and advocating for harm reduction strategies that have proven to save lives. Ultimately, public health represents hope, resilience, and the collective effort to create a healthier future for all, especially those who have been overlooked.