%%[If Not Empty(@FirstName) Then]%% Dear %%=Propercase(@FirstName)=%%,
%%[Else]%%
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%%[IF @Option == @epi THEN]%% My name is Jenny Raynsford, and I’m seeking a master's degree in public health (MPH) focusing on epidemiology.
When I was an incoming graduate student, I reached out to current students to ask questions and seek advice. This communication has been invaluable, and my decision to attend Oregon State was cemented after speaking with current students.
Having worked a decade in diverse health care roles, I wanted a career that blended data analysis, health investigations and my passion for teaching: A perfect fit in the epidemiology field.
I was looking for a program with supportive faculty who have wide-reaching networks and diverse backgrounds. I am a driven student, so I wanted a program that gave me the foundation to be successful in my field through real-world applications while offering the flexibility to pursue other interests during my education. After attending the Admitted Graduate Students Visit Day, I recognized that Oregon State public health faculty and the program embodied these requirements.
In addition, my total cost of attendance has been offset with free food and textbook lending from the OSU Food Bank (
Human Services Resource Center), on-campus dining discounts provided by the Hardship Fund, and free public transportation.
My program was the first to be part of a research study for
COVID-19, and principal investigators encourage public health students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to the study.
Overall, I am happy and content knowing that Oregon State has been the right choice for me and my future success.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at
raynsfoj@oregonstate.edu.
Sincerely,
Jenny Raynsford
MPH Ambassador
College of Public Health and Human Sciences
Oregon State University
%%[ElseIf @Option == @hphb THEN]%% My name is Conor Foley, and I’m seeking a master's degree in public health (MPH) focusing on health promotion and health behavior. I’m also an MPH ambassador.
MPH ambassadors are public health students who are excited to share their experiences in the program and help guide others through the process of selecting an MPH option and adapting to life as a graduate student.
When I was looking at public health programs in the Northwest, Oregon State stood out because of the friendliness and excitement expressed by the faculty and staff I met when I visited campus. Now that I have completed one year of my studies, I can say those impressions have translated into meaningful support in my coursework and life in general.
I was attracted to the health promotion and health behavior (HPHB) option because I wanted to develop my skills in program planning and I was interested in exploring a broad range of public health topics. I was a little concerned about not focusing my interests enough, but HPHB has been a good home and there are lots of opportunities to specialize and pursue what excites me.
I encourage anyone considering Oregon State to reach out to an ambassador and ask all the questions you have about graduate school or just listen to them talk about their experience. When I was a prospective student, I was often hesitant to ask questions for fear of feeling like I didn’t belong, but as soon as I did ask, I felt welcomed and encouraged!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at
foleyco@oregonstate.edu.
Sincerely,
Conor Foley (he/him/his)
MPH Ambassador
College of Public Health and Human Sciences
Oregon State University
%%[Else]%% My name is Drew Docter, and I’m seeking a master's degree in public health (MPH) focusing on epidemiology. I’m also an MPH ambassador.
MPH ambassadors are your peers in the Oregon State MPH program who have convened because we know what it is like to be an incoming MPH student! Not so long ago, we were searching for graduate programs, contemplating whether or not graduate school was the right decision for us, and discovering our love for public health.
We are here to field your questions, share about our experiences in the program thus far, while also working to ensure you find community within the MPH program.
I chose OSU for various reasons, none of which were more important than the fact that the MPH program here is a relatively small, growing program that gives ample opportunities to interact with and learn from not only our peers, but also our professors and faculty members.
For the first time in my college experience, I feel as though I have instructors who are truly accessible and willing to aid in my development as a public health professional and individual.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at doctera@oregonstate.edu. I am very eager to get the opportunity to talk with anyone who is interested in joining the OSU MPH program!
Sincerely,
Drew Docter (he/him/his)
MPH Ambassador
College of Public Health and Human Sciences
Oregon State University
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