Community involvement inspires student leader
From leading the revival of the student organization Buckeyes for Public Health to volunteering at a student-run food pantry to working on cancer disparities research, Lindsey Long, a senior specializing in environmental public health, has been busy.
Long shares what she’s enjoyed most about her time at Ohio State and advice for incoming undergraduate students.
What inspired you to pursue a public health education?
From an early age, I recognized public health as an integral part of my environment and that my community was continually affected by various public health initiatives, advancements and challenges. Pursuing public health at Ohio State gave me opportunities to learn about and tackle these challenges.
What public health topics are you most passionate about?
My passion for public health has been shaped by my experience in food systems and nutritional education in nonprofits, where I have explored how rural and urban communities navigate food insecurity. Through public health and environmental studies, I have become particularly interested in the connections between food security, water management and access, and epidemiology. I am also deeply committed to natural disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability and understanding how climate change impacts human health.
I am also passionate about cancer prevention and addressing health disparities, particularly among marginalized populations. I aim to advance initiatives that protect ecosystems, improve community well-being and promote equitable health care access.
You are the outgoing president of Buckeyes for Public Health. What have you enjoyed most about being involved with this student organization?
I’ve loved building a community that empowers students by connecting them with local organizations, hands-on experiences and real-world advocacy. Working with faculty and advisors to develop a strong support network…has been incredibly rewarding. In just a year and a half, we’ve had students volunteer with organizations like The Black Impact Event, Versiti Blood Center of Ohio, Encompass, OSUPeriod, Pack Shack, Clean-up Columbus, The Colorectal Cancer Race for Hope and more.
It’s inspiring to see the impact we’ve made, creating a space where future public health professionals can grow, collaborate and give back. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I look forward to seeing the organization thrive in the years to come.
You work with Ohio State’s student-run food pantry as a member of the Extension Public Health AmeriCorps Program. What have you learned from being involved in that program?
Since last October, I have served over 300 hours at the Buckeye Food Alliance where dedicated volunteers work toward reducing stigmas associated with food insecurity. As we prepare for the pantry’s expansion into the Monda Student Resource Center, I’m excited to see the impact of integrating essential resources like food, mental health support and career counseling into one centralized space. My role with Buckeye Food Alliance has shown me the incredible impact of students coming together to support their peers and create meaningful change.
What are your plans for the future?
After graduation, I am excited to pursue a Master of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the concentration of climate, environment and health. I look forward to further exploring climate change and disaster preparedness through their certificate program as well. Before beginning my graduate studies, I will complete my term with AmeriCorps and work with Life Sports at Ohio State’s youth summer camp. I’m also eager to spend time with my parents in Kentucky, whose unwavering support has been vital to my accomplishments.
What advice would you give to students looking to make the most of their undergraduate experience?
Take the time to build a strong network and seek out experiences that challenge you, but also bring you joy. Get involved in organizations, try new things and surround yourself with people who will guide and support you. Take advantage of opportunities to work on real-world projects, as they’ll not only deepen your learning, but also help you see things from different perspectives.
Believe in yourself and be kind to those around you — there will be times when you’ll need to trust your own abilities, and times when the support of others will make all the difference.
