MPH Alumni Laura Gant: 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 Laura Gant here!

Name: Laura Gant

Graduation Year: May 2018

Job Title: Health Education Coordinator

Organization: Eastern Washington University

Describe your career path. Why public health?

As an undergraduate student, I set out on a path of nursing or exercise science, but I couldn’t get past the math and chemistry courses. I inquired about community health and fell in love with the breadth and depth of health across all populations. I have spent the last 8 years as a health educator in a variety of settings and love the impact public health has on everyone. It was only natural I pursue a Master of Public Health degree. It is a common denominator in all cultures, communities, and people. Health affects everyone!

What are you responsible for in your current position?

I am currently responsible for education, outreach, and awareness on health topics that keep Eastern Washington University students healthy and well. Topics can range from stress management, healthy eating, sexual health, consent, alcohol and drugs, and suicide prevention. I am also a certified health and wellness coach and meet one-on-one with students to work on wellness goals and behavior change.

What is your favorite part about your job?

The students! My previous job worked with a much older population that had set health behaviors, and changing those was a challenge. While change is a challenge for anyone regardless of age, college students bring such a refreshing breath to my job; they are moldable, curious, and full of so much energy and ideas. I know that while our education may not change behavior now, I love that I’m planting seeds of knowledge that may be useful for them now or in the future.

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

The MPH program helped in many facets. Social determinants of health have always been a passion of mine, and being able to dive into that in so much more depth was helpful to be able to really understand how built environments as well as social, societal, and individual factors can impact someone’s health. When working with college students from all over the country, it helped shape my lens in understanding where they are in regards to their health behaviors.

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

Does graduation count? Working with community partners, learning about various programs, and working alongside them to achieve a common goal was really memorable.

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

Go for it! The possibilities are endless with a public health path and there is a place for pubic health in nearly everything.