As a second-year student in the MPH-Health Behavior and Health Promotion program, Jackie Kasner is focused on becoming a public health leader in autism and developmental disabilities and strengthening her advocacy skills.
Kasner shares what drives her passion for public health and why she encourages future MPH students to step out of their comfort zone and take risks.
Question:
As an undergrad you studied sport and wellness. What inspired you to pursue a master’s degree in public health?
I took two key courses focused on health communication and communicating health disparities at the University of Dayton that inspired me to pursue my studies at Ohio State. I was inspired to seek out a career to help those who do not have access to the same health care and opportunities that I do. I published an op-ed highlighting homeless women and the resources they have in Dayton, Ohio, based on my final paper in my communicating health disparities course. Coming to Ohio State has enabled me to leverage my skills and experiences while collaborating and being a part of different opportunities and organizations that are bigger than myself.
Question:
What public health topics are you most passionate about?
I have always been interested in how physical activity affects different populations, as well as disability studies, mental health and women’s health. I have become more interested in maternal and child health, as well as violence, since coming to Ohio State. I have loved being able to dive deeper into these public health topics, as well as many others, through my classes and to connect with others across the field. I am also interested in cancer prevention from a public health perspective.
Question:
You are a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) trainee at the Nisonger Center. Why did you want to pursue that opportunity?
As an undergraduate, I volunteered at a recreation center in Dayton for individuals with exceptionalities. Based upon that experience, I was interested in studying neurodevelopmental disabilities and how this population can face diverse health disparities compared to neurotypical individuals. When I was introduced to the LEND program in my Essentials of Population Health class (PUBHLTH 6004), I realized that participating in the program would help me explore those interests and continue to strengthen my advocacy skills.
Question:
What do you enjoy most about being a CPH student?
I love the many different opportunities Ohio State has to offer and how CPH is a small community inside of a much larger university. CPH is very welcoming and empowers every student to be successful, feel connected and supported to be at their best, in and outside of the classroom.
Question:
What are your goals for the future?
I hope to pursue an internship regarding population health or maternal and child health this summer, preferably somewhere in Ohio. Ultimately, I hope to gain some experience working in population health and/or wellness for a few years, then I am considering pursuing a PhD.
Question:
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing an MPH?
Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take risks. Connect with people here at Ohio State, whether it’s your classmates, friends you meet on campus or faculty. Continue to find people that encourage you to be successful no matter what you do and stay connected to them. Everyone brings certain causes and ideas that they are passionate about to public health, and they are all important.
