Matthew Myers

What does public health mean to you?

Public health, to me, represents myriad opportunities. I had little insight into public health prior to joining the biostatistics program; instead I was focused more on developing a particular skill set. However, I have since found myself in a hallway full of open doors. I've had opportunities to work and network with people from diverse personal and professional backgrounds, opportunities to gain practical experience in team-based settings, and most importantly, I had the opportunity to do work that directly impacted the health and well-being of individuals who weren't just abstract statistics, but were living, breathing, people local to my community. Public health is an opportunity--to better myself, and to better the world around me.

Why did you choose to study public health at WVU?

I chose to study public health at West Virginia University because I wanted to expand my skill set into biostatistics and I knew from experience that the programs at WVU were top-quality. The educators I've worked with at WVU, both past and present, have shown real sincerity and investment into helping me to learn and grow as both a person and a professional, so it was an easy decision of where to attend.

Have you had any particular professors or faculty members who have made an impact on you while at WVU? If so, how?

It's difficult to find professors and faculty at WVU who have not made significant impacts on my life. As educators, my mentor, Dr. Stephen Alway, and Dr. Randy Bryner, were not only foundational in my educational and professional development, but were vital in overcoming what felt like endlessly arising crises in the laboratory.

In the biostatistics program, Dr. Carrie Groth and Dr. Sijin Wen have given both infinite support and encouragement, especially when I thought failure was inevitable. Those who I've engaged with more professionally―my collaborators at NIOSH and team members at the Office of Health Affairs (OHA)―have also gone above and beyond in establishing productive, supportive and respectful work environments while accommodating the odd hours of a student. I also need to thank Dr. Ranjita Misra, and give a shout-out to Dr. Brianna Sheppard, who is not only a co-PI for our team at the OHA, but also works endlessly to support all of the students through the facilitation of the OHA student meetings.

Tell us about your field placement experience.

As part of my practical experience in the Master of Science in Biostatistics program, I am currently working on an analysis of COVID-19 vaccination data in collaboration with team members from the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). This project is part of the US COVID-19 Trends and Impacts Survey (CTIS),a collaboration with Facebook and the Delphi group at Carnegie Mellon University.

I also work part-time with the Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care (PCTIC) team at the WVU Office of Health Affairs. The PCTIC is currently developing person-centered and trauma-informed training for direct service professionals working in West Virginia.

From the former project, I have been able to deepen my understanding of biostatistical methods and gain better insight into, and practical experience with, the processes of statistical consulting, data analysis and interpersonal communication. From my work with the OHA, I have gained an understanding of how public health organizations are structured and how they function. I have also come to find that teamwork in public health is much more dynamic and adaptive than the type of work I have previously done, which has been an interesting change of pace.

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

Aside from having a great program and curriculum, the School of Public Health is extremely supportive of its students. Not one faculty member has failed to show me kindness, respect or empathy. I really can't understate how impactful the faculty has been on my education. When a school goes out of its way to foster such a positive environment for learning, success is inevitable.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

Go back and do the program sooner.

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

I think the most important aspect of an education is learning how to apply it. I've had multiple opportunities to get hands-on experiential learning, which has been invaluable to my future preparations.

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

I currently intend to work in biostatistical consulting.

What is your favorite book?

"Necronomicon."

What is your favorite movie?

"The Thing (1982)."

What is your favorite music genre?

Blues and rock.

What is your favorite place to visit?

Cyprus.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Ogawa.

What is your favorite thing to do when you're not doing schoolwork?

Sleep!