MPH Alumni Zach Evans: Where Is He 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 Zach Evans here!

Name: Zach Evans

Graduation Year: May 2018

Job Title: Environmental Health Specialist

Organization: Spokane Regional Health District

Describe your career path. Why public health?

I have a BS in Health Science with an emphasis in Public Health. I was a phlebotomist for 4 years as I worked throughout school and quickly became interested in diseases and the prevention of bloodborne pathogens. This led me to want a career in Public Health to help and prevent the public from contracting diseases.

What are you responsible for in your current position?

I work in the Food Safety Program and I am responsible for inspecting over 300 different food establishments in Spokane Valley. I help open new restaurants, mobile units, caterings, food trucks, etc. I also handle illness complaints and investigate how people may have gotten sick from a foodborne illness.

What is your favorite part about your job?

Every day is different. I have a huge list of establishments to inspect and I get to choose what I want to do that day. I show up in the morning to work to check emails and do office work, then head out to the field to inspect. I love that I can educate the public on how to keep food safe and prevent the public from any foodborne illnesses.

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

The MPH program prepared me in many ways. My job allows me to work directly with the community, and the MPH program is heavily concentrated on working with the community of different populations.  The MPH program is very involved in working in groups for different projects and that is how public health is outside of school. Different divisions within the Health District work together to focus on the idea of keeping the public safe.

I also enforce procedures and correct anything that is unsafe. Taking courses involving epidemiology, health policy and health law have helped me in my current position. There are certain regulations and food safety codes that are written specifically to ensure the food is safe. Being able to understand the background of why and how laws are written is very helpful to ensure compliance is met in the establishments that I see.

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

My most memorable experience was defending my research. It was very gratifying to share what I have learned and researched and to know that I have made an impact on my community was rewarding.

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

Starting out in the program everyone asks, “What would you like to do with your MPH?” My advice is to not focus on one specific job or title. Public Health is so broad and as you complete your MPH, you may end up doing something completely different that you may have not thought about doing before.

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