Student Profiles
![Haley Cothern](/media/6634/haleycothren.jpeg?crop=0.146630859375,0,0.18686523437500005,0&cropmode=percentage&width=200&height=200&rnd=133595542940000000)
Haley Cothern
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Public health to me is primary prevention as its the science and practice of improving the health of all communities. This field focuses on populations rather than at an individual level.
![Lydia Ferrell](/media/6877/slide1.jpg?crop=0.33193210659898459,0.092005076142131936,0.31115164974619325,0.27347715736040645&cropmode=percentage&width=200&height=200&rnd=133277621100000000)
Lydia Ferrell
B.S. in Public Health, Health Services Administration
Stop being afraid and to try new things. Talk to professors and classmates, join student organizations and clubs, and take advantage of every opportunity and experience.
![Trey Harvey](/media/6420/edit-4.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133277658770000000)
Trey Harvey
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Public health is about early detection and prevention to prevent illness and diseases and promoting healthier practices in the community to achieve better health outcomes.
![Anna Sellaro](/media/6599/anna-sellaro.jpeg?crop=0.12737624240084913,0.21456675566363123,0.100646530927338,0.24901635517729068&cropmode=percentage&width=200&height=200&rnd=133595542590000000)
Anna Sellaro
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
This degree has challenged me in many different ways. It's taught me to look at health from a bigger perspective than just one person.
![Brittany Smith](/media/5877/smith-dc-0014-xx-1200x800.jpg?crop=0.19590643274853806,0.10087719298245615,0.21929824561403496,0.021929824561403386&cropmode=percentage&width=200&height=200&rnd=133526825360000000)
Brittany Smith
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health Sciences - Social and Behavioral Sciences
Public health is the art and science of preventing suffering.
![Aaron Hunt](/media/6879/screenshot-2023-05-04-at-13131-pm.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133277624930000000)
Aaron Hunt
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
My experience with the School of Public Health has been invaluable in shaping my career goals. Engaging in extracurricular activities has allowed me to explore various areas within public health.
![Shaelee Nelson](/media/6722/shaelee.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133526830990000000)
Shaelee Nelson
B.S. in Public Health, Health Services Administration
Public health means maintaining and protecting the health of those within the community.
![Stephanie Prescott](/media/6816/stephanie-prescott.png?crop=0.2821346175776559,0.008114248620577743,0.26280954761967334,0.18046088932164794&cropmode=percentage&width=200&height=200&rnd=133277624930000000)
Stephanie Prescott
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
The Master of Health Administration program at West Virginia University has allowed me to build a new career path based on my personal passions — service to the community and helping others.
![Megan Townsend](/media/7101/megantownsend_cropped.jpeg?crop=0.384722649265686,0.15986337362788583,0.35689811202290306,0.5969695221015332&cropmode=percentage&width=200&height=200&rnd=133657933470000000)
Megan Townsend
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
I chose to study at the WVU School of Public Health, because it is the place I felt like I could make the biggest impact.
![Miranda Kilwein](/media/6965/miranda-kilwein-feature.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133468380480000000)
Miranda Kilwein
B.S. in Public Health, Public Health Sciences
Public health to me is the future of improving lives through preventative health measures and making healthcare resources accessible to all.
![Joshua Matheny](/media/6969/josh-matheny-feature.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133470231950000000)
Joshua Matheny
B.S. in Public Health, Health Services Administration
The School of Public Health has shown me the importance of public health for communities and how it can contribute to improving lives.
![Mackenzie Kaminski](/media/6972/mackenzie-kaminski-feature.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133473246640000000)
Mackenzie Kaminski
B.S. in Public Health, Public Health Sciences
WVU and the School of Public Health offer an amazing academic environment and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.
![Paige Stewart](/media/6988/paige_stewart_professional_headshot.jpeg?crop=0,0.074313276929723365,0.0000000000000008526512829121,0.16056575532834175&cropmode=percentage&width=200&height=200&rnd=133594884670000000)
Paige Stewart
B.S. in Public Health, Health Services Administration
Public health is a huge part of prevention, patient care, research, access to health needs, along with promoting healthy lifestyles and living.
![Eva Cicci](/media/7073/eva-cicci1-2.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133590496020000000)
Eva Cicci
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
After some academic and personal challenges, I expressed interest in psychology, social work and public health. I felt a strong calling to public health and have never wanted to turn back.
![Colton Sanders](/media/7074/colton2-2.jpg?center=0.47908745247148288,0.75213675213675213&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133590495860000000)
Colton Sanders
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Make the most of all that WVU offers you. Many options exist for student involvement, it would nearly be impossible not to discover something that brings someone enjoyment and a sense of belonging.
![John Twist](/media/7075/johntwist2-2.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133586146940000000)
John Twist
Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics
I knew I wanted to study public health as a biostatistician as I saw there was a benefit in what I could do using my knowledge of statistics.
![Ryan Kirk](/media/7076/img_4957.jpg?center=0.49704142011834318,0.33&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133586148830000000)
Ryan Kirk
Master of Public Health (MPH)
I knew public health was the right fit when I got my internship through the WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital and immediately realized it was the type of work I always envisioned doing.
![Diana Davidson](/media/7077/img_1046.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133590495350000000)
Diana Davidson
Master of Public Health (MPH)
I learned that through public health I can use my passion for making a positive impact on communities by enhancing opportunities for them to make affordable and healthier lifestyle choices.
![Adeline Hill](/media/7078/hill-addie.jpg?center=0.48514851485148514,0.54317548746518107&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133586144870000000)
Adeline Hill
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
If you’re not sure what exactly public health is or what you want to study, be sure to check it out. There are so many different career avenues this major can take you to!
![Yvonne Shaw](/media/7093/yvonne-shaw.jpeg?center=0.41643835616438357,0.47736625514403291&mode=crop&width=200&height=200&rnd=133637237910000000)
Yvonne Shaw
Master of Science (MS) in Population Health
When I came across the online MS in population health program at WVU, I was excited to find something that was possible to complete while working full-time with two children in elementary school.