Brennan Lawless

What does public health mean to you?

Public health is all around us and, to the general public, is not well known. I think that with more knowledge and recognition, people will start to know and care more about our field of study.

Why did you choose to study public health at WVU?

I originally started as a pharmacy student at WVU, but I wanted something that dealt more with the public sphere rather than the individual level. I chose to stay at WVU for my public health schooling due to my strong ties to and love for the state of West Virginia. 

Tell us about your field placement experience. 

For my field placement, I worked with WVU Health Affairs Institute on their MOTOR project, where I looked at the dispensing practices of medications for opioid use disorder inside of West Virginia and access by both patients and pharmacies to these types of medications. 

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

My experiences at WVU have helped me in more ways than I could have ever imagined! I didn’t think that I would ever be able to look deeply into something I am so passionate about (opioid use disorder) and be able to help make a difference. I have learned so much from my professors, both on a personal and academic level, that I cannot begin to thank them enough. 

What do you plan to do upon completion of your degree? 

I plan to pursue a master’s degree in industrial hygiene in hopes of working in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. 

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

All of the staff at School of Public Health have helped me graduate and shape me into the person I am today. Director of Undergraduate Studies Audra Hamrick was the one who introduced me to public health and got me excited to start the program. Dr. Elizabeth Claydon helped me with application and through tough times during the semester. Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Scot McIntosh was there to keep me motivated along the way with his passion for the students. 

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

We’ve all heard the cliché that WVU is one big family, but I truly believe that! I have met my lifelong friends here in Morgantown. School of Public Health shapes you in many ways to go out into the real world and be successful. Always remember that no matter where you go, people know the flying WV and you should wear it with pride!

Any additional involvement in activities or comments about the program? 

Even though I did not get involved with any programs or activities in the School of Public Health, I worked full time as the lead pharmacy technician at Kroger Pharmacy while in school. I was also a resident assistant on campus.