Grace Christensen, a recent graduate from BYU’s Public Health Department, is heading toward big things as she continues working to make meaningful changes to countless lives.
When Christensen first arrived at Brigham Young University, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to pursue. Since BYU doesn’t require students to declare a major before enrolling, she saw it as an ideal place to explore her interests.
After trying several fields, she discovered public health through a friend. A conversation with Beth Liechty, the academic advisor for the Public Health department, led to a recommendation: take the introductory courses.
Christensen enrolled in Health 210 and 315 and quickly fell in love with the major. When she went back to update Liechty, Christensen quickly declared her major as public health and never looked back.
Her time in the program was full of meaningful opportunities and experiences.
Christensen’s research portfolio is extensive. She worked with Dr. Chantel Sloan on a study about brain cancer and its geographic distribution. She also collaborated with Dr. Evan Thacker on research examining the probability of surviving a heart attack, as well as a separate project with the Ballard Center focused on economics and health.
These articles are still in the process of being published, but they have furthered the public health research community through countless insights.
Beyond research, Christensen secured internships with the Holy Cross Hospital and Mormon Women for Ethical Government.
At the Holy Cross, she worked as a community health intern, analyzing data and identifying trends, and informing strategic decision-making within the hospital. As an advocacy intern for Mormon Women for Ethical Government, she facilitated public engagement and analyzed advocacy reports to promote political activism among members.
“All of those experiences definitely helped influence my perspective on public health,” she said.
Building on those experiences, Christensen will begin a Master of Public Health program this fall at George Washington University, focusing on global health epidemiology and infectious disease control.
“I think my time in public health has helped me see what’s out there, and I think BYU does a great job of getting you in touch with so many different aspects of public health,” Christensen said.
She added that she feels prepared and ready to take on the public health world.
“I feel confident in the skills that I have and in my ability to be successful,” she said. “I started talking to professors at George Washington, and they’re in awe of the things I have already been able to do.”
Throughout her time at BYU, Christensen credits Dr. Sloan as her biggest mentor and supporter. After beginning research with Sloan in her sophomore year, she was able to immerse herself more deeply in the field.
“She was the first professor who really saw my potential and encouraged me to think more broadly about my education,” Christensen said.
Christensen encourages other students to reach out to professors and do the same. By interviewing public health professionals once a month, she was able to build up a network that helped shape her goals.
“My biggest piece of advice is to talk to people,” she said. “Reach out to people in career paths you want to go into, and use those networks.”
As Christensen moves forward, she’ll carry her experiences from BYU with her. The Public Health Department was lucky to have her as a student, and she’s set to create lasting impact in the communities she serves.
