Kathleen F. Carlson, MS, PhD
What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the OIPRTP program?
My undergraduate education was in Biology, and I did lab research for several years in Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, and Animal Science. While I loved being a research scientist, I wanted to do work that could have a greater impact on population health. A subsequent experience working in community health in Mexico City confirmed what my lab mentors had been telling me: Public Health was my ticket.
What made you interested in the field of occupational injury prevention?
Living and working in Mexico made me acutely aware of the dangers faced every day by workers, particularly among members of marginalized populations such as new immigrants. Though the issues are vastly different in the US, some populations – migrant and seasonal farm laborers, for example – still bear the brunt of occupational health hazards. I was fascinated by the ways in which culture, history, politics, and economics intertwine to generate this unfair social stratification, and I wanted in some way to contribute to safer workplaces for all. This idea of equal access to healthy environments, occupational and otherwise, is a core pillar of the Occupational Injury Prevention Research Training Program and, more generally, the Division of Environmental Health Sciences.
What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
I interviewed at several leading schools of public health before making my decision. The University of Minnesota School of Public Health is renowned for its excellent faculty, rigorous curriculum, and cutting-edge research. A major factor for me, though, was that Minnesota was also a very friendly and supportive place to be. Those that I met truly believed they could contribute to the betterment of society, and I felt a strong sense of collaboration rather than competition. Once enrolled, I found that these were indeed strong principles not only in our program, but throughout the Division of Environmental Health Sciences and the School of Public Health. There is no comparison to the camaraderie I felt with my fellow students and with faculty during (and since) my training. Through all the challenges of completing coursework, research, and a dissertation, this network of friends and mentors, and the positive, supportive environment we were in, were absolutely my mainstay.
What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program? [If you have already commenced a position, you can elaborate upon that.]
I thrive in the academic environment, and would love to continue conducting research in injury epidemiology, prevention, and control, while also teaching and mentoring students. Upon graduating in August, 2006, I made a difficult choice between an NIH NRSA postdoctoral fellowship studying social determinants of injury, and a VA Health Service Research and Development fellowship examining polytrauma and blast-related injuries in new veterans. The opportunity to work with veterans, conduct more applied work, and extend my learning in health services and rehabilitation research, ultimately led me to the VA position.
What would you say to a student considering the program?
First, let’s address the weather! As a native of the Pacific Northwest, the Midwestern climate and the infamous winters were top on my mind when choosing where to relocate. I was told at the time, though – and can now attest to this fact – that Minnesotans do whatever they can to embrace their climate and find ways to enjoy every season. It’s been an adventure, to say the least. Minneapolis and St. Paul are fantastic cities, with enormous parks and lakes, deep-rooted culture, intellectual pursuits, and a nightlife to boot!
I would also say to choose a program and faculty that is conducting, or will support your conducting, research that truly interests you – you’ll be doing a lot of it! Find an academic environment in which you fit – one that motivates you, stimulates your interests, pushes you to the limits intellectually. Get rolling right away with building a network of friends, mentors, and colleagues. Graduate school can be extremely challenging and has a way of making you question your intentions, your passions, who you are and who you want to be. There is no alternative to a great network for keeping you focused, fulfilled, and on track. Have fun!
Denise Feda, MS, PhD Candidate
What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the OIPRTP program?
I received my bachelor’s degree from Saint Olaf College in Biology and Computer science and my master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Environmental Health Sciences, with a focus on infectious disease epidemiology. Prior to enrolling in the program I worked at the Minnesota Department of Health, and at the University of Minnesota in the Division of Epidemiology.
What made you interested in the field of occupational injury prevention?
As part of the first year Environmental Health Sciences curriculum, I took a class that covered a broad range of topics and was introduced to the field. I found it interesting and continued on to take the introduction to occupational health class. After that, I knew that the field was of interest to me and I asked about the program.
What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
I am from Minnesota and I love it here. The School of Public Health is an excellent place to study and there are numerous opportunities to connect with professionals in the field, especially with the Minnesota Department of Health.
What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program?
I’d like to either become a professor or return to a government position either at the Minnesota Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the World Health Organization.
What would you say to a student considering the program?
Come to visit and ask lots of questions.
Muree Larson-Bright, PhD, MPH
What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the OIPRTP program?
I have a B.A. in International Relations (University of Minnesota) and a M.P.H. (University of New Mexico). I have had over fifteen years experience in social work, public health research, and state government.
What made you interested in the field of occupational injury prevention?
I love the challenge and opportunity offered by an inter-disciplinary field that draws on environmental, epidemiological, organizational, and social justice methods/issues.
What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
The School of Public Health was one of the top programs in the nation and one of the few that had an injury-related research track.
What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program? [If you have already commenced a position, you can elaborate upon that.
Since graduation in July 2006, I have been working as a data analyst with the State of Minnesota’s Department of Human Services and plan to continue a career in state government.
What would you say to a student considering the program?
Being a student at the University of Minnesota is an incredible opportunity. I had excellent mentoring, supportive fellow students, and interesting coursework. My family has found Minnesota a great place to “be a family” – there are many parks, kid-oriented programs, and great schools. Career-wise, most valuable has been the opportunity to join an existing five-state agricultural injury project for my dissertation work.
Leslie Nordgren, MPH, PhD Candidate
What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the OIPRTP program?
Prior to entering the OIPRTP program, I earned a bachelor’s degree in dental public health and a master of public health degree in epidemiology at the University of Minnesota. At the time I entered the program, I was working for Allina Hospitals and Clinics, where I was the patient safety project manager for 42 medical clinics and 10 hospitals. Through this work, I was introduced to the study of human factors, as it relates to designing work processes that preclude injuries and errors. I became very interested in methods of averting injuries in both patients and medical staff, and I wanted to learn more about the study of injury prevention and control.
What made you interested in the field of occupational injury prevention?
In my work at the hospital and clinic setting, I became aware of the hazards surrounding the work environment, especially in the clinical setting. Many of the injuries suffered by the staff were extremely severe, with long lasting adverse effects on their careers and quality of life. I also became aware that the financial costs to the organization were extremely high. Occupational injuries to healthcare personnel are also one of many factors that contribute to increasing health-care costs.
What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
I knew that the University of Minnesota was very strong in the area of research. I was also very excited to find that there was a Ph.D. program that specialized in occupational injury prevention research with courses available in human factors design and evaluation.
What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program?
I would like to continue the work that I am doing in the area of prevention of injuries to workers in a clinical setting, with the implementation of research-based injury prevention interventions. This entails using principles of human factors and contextual work design to create work processes that prevent injuries, with evaluation of injury rates both before and after applying new interventions. My goals in this work are to streamline and design injury events out of the work process and to conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of the work process changes.
What would you say to a student considering the program?
You'll receive a tremendous amount of support from both faculty and fellow students in this program, as well as a valuable hands-on education in cutting-edge research methodology. The interdisciplinary approach within this program provides insight into the many possibilities that may be considered when interacting with public health professionals who have a wide range of expertise.
Starr Sage, MPH, PhD Candidate
What was your educational and relevant work experience prior toenrolling in the OIPRTP program?
Prior to starting the Ph.D. program in Injury Prevention, I completed a Masters degree in epidemiology. I also have a Bachelors degree in biology. Early in my graduate school career, I worked at the Minnesota Department of Health for several years. Since enrolling in the injury prevention program I have been actively involved as a research assistant on a large study that examines risk factors for work-related injury and violence against Minnesota's licensed educators.
What made you interested in the field of occupational injury prevention?
My interest in injury prevention was piqued during an undergraduate study abroad experience in Ghana, West Africa. During my months in West Africa it became quite clear to me how significantly one's immediate environment can negatively impact their health. Across the country I saw how those working and living in excessively hazardous environments more frequently experienced serious injuries and even death. In several instances I saw how workers were forced to use extremely outdated and hazardous machines and tools, that had been used and then imported from developed countries that had no further use for them. The negative impact of the hazardous working conditions was further compounded by a lack of access to sufficient post-injury medical care. After my experience in Africa, I decided that I wanted to be involved in work to reduce injury hazards by modifying the environments, both in the U.S. and abroad, in which we all work and live.
What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
The School of Public Health (SPH) at the University of Minnesota (U of M), is well-known for its world-class faculty, extensive curriculum, and research opportunities. Upon the completion of my masters studies at the U of M, I explored several other Ph.D. programs before deciding to stay here. In exploring these programs, it became quite evident that the U of M's SPH was able to offer me above and beyond what I'd get at other institutions, in terms of research opportunities and the close personal relationships I'd develop with faculty members who are truly nterested in my success.
What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program?
Upon completion, I'd like to assume a faculty position. In this capacity I hope to be involved with both teaching and research. I've always thought that education is power, and I'd love to teach students, the next generation of public health professionals, and get them excited about the many opportunities in public health. In addition to teaching, I also have an interest in conducting research with the goal of reducing injuries in the communities most affected (i.e., low-income populations and communities of color).
What would you say to a student considering the program?
The SPH has many great research opportunities for you to pursue, so make sure you fully explore all of the potential opportunities and carefully select a faculty mentor to work closely with. Having a good relationship with your advisor is critical to your success! In addition to the numerous academic opportunities, the U of M is located in an exciting metropolitan community and should you decide to come here, there will be no shortage of social, cultural, and art events for you to explore while you're not studying!
Katie Schofield, MEHS, PhD Candidate
What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the OIPRTP program?
Prior to starting the OIPRTP program, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety (MEHS), both from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Immediately after graduating with my master’s degree, I worked as a graduate research assistant for the University of Minnesota – Duluth (UMD) and helped the Environmental Health and Safety Department develop formal indoor air quality standards and protocols. Then, I started my current job at The Builders Group of Minnesota, a self-insured workers’ compensation fund, where I work as a loss control consultant for over 200 construction companies.
What made you interested in the field of occupational injury prevention?
When I was an undergraduate, a student from the UMD MEHS program came to talk to my class. She explained what the whole “safety and injury prevention” idea was about, and how it applied out in the real world. I was immediately interested and applied for that program the next year. Once I graduated from the program and started working at my current job, I soon realized how important safety is in industry (especially construction), and how devastating, expensive, and all too common occupational injuries are. This has motivated me to continue my education to better understand and prevent occupational injury.
What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
While looking for potential PhD programs, I found the exact one that complemented my past educational experience, current work, and future goals, and it was right in my backyard! Based on my positive experience at UMD, I knew I couldn’t go wrong staying in the University of Minnesota system, especially with its excellent reputation for academics, faculty, and research. When I met the current faculty and students on a visit I was completely sold.
What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program? [If you have already commenced a position, please elaborate upon that.]
I really enjoy working in the construction safety field and directly with contractors and their employees. I think it gives you an immediate chance to make an impact on a personal level. I definitely want to continue this type of work, and eventually use this knowledge in a teaching or academic position.
What would you say to a student considering the program?
From Day 1 of the application process, I felt that everyone in this program, division, and school was on my side. The faculty is approachable and generous with their time, the fellow students are great, the classes are challenging, and programs can be tailored for individual interests. The U of M has so many academic, professional, and social opportunities to offer, and the Twin Cities is an excellent place in which to live and work.
Quintin Williams, BS, PhD Candidate
What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the OIPRTP program?
Work, Work, Work was my experience prior to enrolling in the OIPRTP program. I spent many years working in industry. My final industrial position was with a company that specialized in the development of commercial and Navy submarine batteries. While working I also earned a BS in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois.
What made you interested in the field of occupational injury prevention?
While working in battery manufacturing, I was severely burned by the molten lead and sulfuric acid. After this injury, surgery, and a huge dispute with management to protect my health and keep my job, I decided to become an engineer and learn how to design out these types of hazards; but it wasn’t until I found public health that I have learned how to deal with these situations on a population level.
What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
This was one of my easiest decisions to make. I traveled across the country in search of a program that would allow me to maintain my engineering skills while applying them to public health and the only school that offered that combination with a strong mentoring component was the University of Minnesota. So when I received the offer, I gladly accepted.
What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program? [If you have already commenced a position, you can elaborate upon that.]
Upon completion of the program I would be very interested in working with an agency like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control where I can be involved in intervention research, focused on sustaining and improving worker health and safety.
What would you say to a student considering the program?
If you are interested in being involved in research that has a potential to impact the community in a truly beneficial way, then this is the program for you. With a mix of coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, safety engineering, and psychology coupled with public health research, one is given the right foundation to become a competent and successful researcher.
Link to Quintin's My Life video
Return
to: SPH Home | AHC Home | U of M Home
