Katelyn Eaves

What does public health mean to you?

Public health means caring for others even when no one else does. It means helping people stay healthy and live a better quality of life just because they are human. Everyone deserves to have access to resources to improve their health, and public health works to provide that opportunity to all.

Why did you choose to study public health at WVU?

I chose to study public health, because I knew I wanted to help people have a better quality of life and stay healthy but not in the healthcare field. I specifically chose WVU because of my mom. She is my biggest role model and is also a WVU graduate – she studied safety management. She works within the public health field as well and inspired me to use my voice and my brain to help others.

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

All of the faculty and staff I have met have left a positive impact on my academic experience. Their passion for helping people is infectious and has inspired me to really care about public health. All of my professors have encouraged an active and engaging learning environment, and they have always pushed me to be the best version of myself both academically and personally.

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

For my field placement experience, I was an industrial hygiene intern with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Safety Operations. The internship allowed me to help employees stay safe and happy on the job. I provided guidance and training to approximately 800 different stations nationwide on industrial hygiene topics. I also collected exposure samples of different chemical, physical and biological hazards, like formaldehyde, noise, metal fumes, etc. My field experience allowed me to really hone my professional skills and be able to communicate well with others on topics related to public health.

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

WVU holds a special place in my heart. The School of Public Health is a very personable and enriching environment. The professors and administrative staff have never made me feel like just another number. They make it very clear in how they teach and interact that the School of Public Health truly cares about their students.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

Just say yes! Join the club, do that community service, hang out with those classmates and new friends, take any opportunities offered to you. I am a firm believer that in the end we only regret the chances we didn't take.

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

My experiences have helped me view life through a public health lens. I go out into my community and can see how public health impacts every part of our lives. My experiences have helped me learn to trust myself, value my thoughts and use them to help others. The school fosters a professional environment that has led me to thrive in a working environment. I feel prepared to face the world and help in the public health setting.

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

I plan on working as an industrial hygienist and helping our working class stay safe and healthy on the job. Once I have some more experience in a real-world setting, I plan on going back to school for a master's degree in industrial hygiene.