Cooper Schraml

What does public health mean to you?

Public health means protecting people before emergencies happen. It’s about prevention, structure, and making sure communities stay safe and supported. To me, it’s the bridge between individual care and the systems that keep entire populations healthy.

Why did you choose to study public health at WVU?

I chose WVU because it values service, community, and hands‑on learning. It felt like the right place to connect my emergency medical technician experience with a bigger understanding of how health systems work. WVU makes public health feel real and applicable, not just something you learn in a classroom. There is also the fact that everyone around me is very nice and welcoming, which would be both students and the faculty alike.

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

Professor Steve Davis had a big impact on me. His PUBH 233 (Structures of the U.S. Healthcare System) class took material that could’ve been dry and made it genuinely interesting. He teaches in a way that’s clear, structured, and actually fun, and that pushed me to think more seriously about the systems behind the U.S. healthcare system.

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

I volunteer as an EMT with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. I respond to real emergencies, communicate with patients, and work within a chain of command and a lot of different and constantly changing protocols. It taught me how to stay calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and understand how public health and emergency response connect in real time.

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

WVU School of Public Health is a place where you actually learn by doing. The classes are clear, the faculty really care about everyone, and you get great experience that prepares you for the field. If you want a program that’s supportive and hands‑on, this is a great fit for you.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

I would tell my past self to stop worrying so much. You’re going to be fine. Trust yourself and take things one step at a time.

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

It gave me a stronger understanding of how health systems function and how different parts of public health connect, which is a very difficult subject to teach and understand. It sharpened my communication, my attention to detail, and my ability to think about health on a community level, which are all things I already use as an EMT.

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

I plan to work in emergency preparedness, ideally in a federal or state role where I can combine public health with emergency response and help strengthen systems that protect communities.