Jessica Christian (SPH’17).

Job Title

Program Officer, Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University

What did you enjoy most about your experience at SPH?

Grad school was such an intense, passionate, and concentrated experience. It was filled with people who had genuine passions for making changes in health all in one tight space under this (usually) 2-year timeline. My fondest memories are staying up late into the nights having conversations about how public health related to every aspect of life–policy, government, art, science, media, transportation, gender studies–everything. I believe I was the freest version of myself while at BUSPH.

Did you have a favorite professor or class at SPH?

This is such a hard question! I hope you don’t mind if I share a few.

Mike Siegel– can hold the attention of the classroom like none other

Candace Belanoff– she’s an activist inside and outside of the classroom. You could always find her supporting us at our rallies, shows, student events, town halls.

Dean Cozier– always listened intently to us and lent us compassion.

Vicky Parker (now Associate Dean for Graduate Education & Faculty Admin. at UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics) taught practical and essential skills for dealing with difficult situations in organizations and how to make meaningful change within them

And the STAFF!! The world of BUSPH is as loving and thoughtful it is because of the work of incredible staff members. A few examples include:

Julia Lanham, Justine de Marrais, Anneke Demmink, Kerry Dunnell — these are just a few of the many people who impacted my time at BUSPH.

How did your practicum or education experience at BUSPH shape your career goals?

During my second year at BUSPH, I started my Practicum work at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Criminal Justice Diversion program. I was able to combine what I was learning there with a fellowship I was doing at the time.

I was completing the LEND Fellowship (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Fellowship) and studying the negative impacts of the criminal justice system on people living with disabilities. combining the two gave me the ability to dive even deeper into the subject.

Although I do not actively use a criminal justice diversion lens in my current work, I am still a firm advocate for reforming the criminal justice system and now actively advocate for people with disabilities in all aspects of my work and personal life. In the end, the combination of these two experiences helped me to be a more inclusive public health practitioner and advocate.

What advice can you lend to students as they prepare for the workforce?

Take your mental health seriously and be kind to yourself. The period after graduation can be daunting. You can go from the high of graduation to the loneliness of friends moving away, moving back home, etc. Some of your classmates may find their dream job right away, it might take longer for you– that is ok. It can be easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others- you are on your own path and your individual experiences and thoughts are necessary because they impact the way we will shape policies and programs in our field.

Use your networks and do not be afraid to ask for help. The BUSPH alumni groups are starting to grow-tap into these. After a recent NYC regional event, I saw a new graduate get recruited and start a job within just a month of making their new connection at the event. It is possible. Ask for help.

Julia Lanham taught me so much during my time at BUSPH, but one thing career-related that still sticks– apply, apply, apply. Always try. Yes, it will be totally tedious at times but do not give up hope. That one yes (or many), makes it worth it.

In one sentence, what does public health mean to you?

Another hard question…

Public health is a restoration of health and therefore, justice, through innovative, excellent, interdisciplinary, and ethical approaches to change.