Ashley Meadows (she/her/hers)
Graduate Research Assistant, MPH – Epidemiology, second-year
I grew up in Maineville, Ohio and I lived about 5 minutes from Kings Island. I love thrill hobbies, I’ve gone to several theme parks to ride roller coasters, gone sky diving, and been human catapulted backwards into a lake. One of my bucket list items is to go to every theme park in the US.
What drew you to a public health education?
I was drawn to public health because I want to help educate the public about ways they can help keep themselves and their loved ones safe. I am a big believer in education instead of forcing someone to make healthy decisions. Without breaking down why something could be an important change in lifestyle, it’s impossible to get individuals on board with your ideas.
What makes you passionate about addressing health disparities in your research?
I am passionate about health equity and leveling the playing field for all people. So discovering why some minority marginalized groups are experiencing greater health disparities than others is a big drive in my research.
How do you spend your time outside of academia?
While I am in school, I spend a lot of my free time going on walks, hikes, and roller skating. Outside of being in school I like to travel to other states and try local foods!
What advice would you give to students pursuing public health?
Public health is a huge diverse major. The beauty of public health is that we are needed in an enormous amount of various places. Don’t be afraid to branch out and talk to a wide range of people who are looking into public health, because there are so many paths to explore you can find something here that you are truly passionate about. Don’t put yourself in a small box, be open to the large array of possibilities public health has to offer.