MPH Alumni Cassandra Herdrick: Where Is She Now?

The Master of Public Health program’s series titled “Where Are They Now?” dives into each individual’s time as a student and how those experiences shaped their current professions. If you are interested in taking part in the series, please contact mph@ewu.edu. Catch up with Cassandra Herdrick here!

Name: Cassandra Herdrick

Graduation Year: May 2016

Job Title: Contract Manager/Public Health Educator

Organization: Grant County Health District

Describe your career path. Why public health?

When starting my undergraduate degree at Eastern Washington University, I was set on going into psychology, but had always possessed a lifelong interest in health and nutrition. I then set my focus on exercise science, and shortly after discovered the community health program. My passion for helping improve health in people and communities was met in the community health program. I graduated in 2013, but I always knew I eventually wanted to back to school for a master’s degree. Once I saw that Eastern Washington University was offering an MPH program, I knew it was the right time to take my education to the next level. Earning my MPH was one of the best decisions I have made for my professional goals and personal career development.

What are you responsible for in your current position?

Working for a rural local health jurisdiction, I hold many different roles. I am currently the contract manager and educator for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) grant as well as the North Central Washington Youth Tobacco and Vapor Prevention grant. I also work in the communications division, maintaining the district’s website and social media sites as well as assisting in writing healthcare provider alerts and media releases. On any given day I can be pulled into our nursing or environmental health division to assist with an event that is taking place or an outbreak investigation, for example. Every single day’s work is different.

What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part about my job is that it is different every day! One day I will be doing food demonstrations at the local farmers market and the next day I will be in the field collecting data on local vape and marijuana retailers. With all the different roles that come with the job, I really enjoy that I am able to become highly knowledgeable in a vast range of topics.

How did the MPH program prepare you for your current position?

In my job, I am consistently working with stakeholders and different pockets of communities in planning, implementing and evaluating policy; systems; and environmental change approaches and programs. The MPH program focused heavily on getting out in the field and working with diverse communities and populations while using the skills and knowledge we were currently developing in that specific course. Being able to put the skill set to use in an active community project was extremely beneficial.

Also, group projects prepared me for my current position. Most of the MPH program was working in groups and that is how public health is in the working world. My work in Grant County and North Central Washington would not be accomplished without a team effort.

What was most memorable to you about your experiences in the MPH program?

I really enjoyed the capstone research project at the end of the MPH program. I was able to put all the knowledge I had acquired into action, and showcasing the hard work that went into the project was a notable and gratifying experience.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering pursuing an MPH?

Go for it! The knowledge and skills you learn throughout the program fit into just about any career path you may choose.