College of Health students explore society’s most pressing health challenges alongside renowned faculty. Learning extends beyond the classroom, as experiential learning is embedded into the curriculum. Internships, study abroad and research opportunities further enhance learning by experience. Even as undergraduates, students are empowered to engage in high-impact research that advances public health and drives meaningful change. Bethlehem native Helen Keetley ’25, a population health major with a minor in applied mathematics, transferred to the COH to chase her interests in biostatistics and epidemiology. For her Honors Capstone, completed under the guidance of John Hughes, associate professor and chair, department of biostatistics and health data science, she created a tutorial on implementing Bayesian spatial filtering, a method to better account for data that has spatial clustering. Keetley is now pursuing a Master of Science in Biostatistics at Harvard University, funded by a full tuition grant. As a graduate research assistant with Rochelle Frounfelker, MPH student Katie Blomkvist G’25 worked on qualitative research projects in WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) and mental health, as well as substance use among youth and young adults in the Harrisburg Bhutanese immigrant community. She served as the COH’s first graduate United Nations Youth Representative for Caring & Living As Neighbours, an Australian NGO. In recognition of her achievements, Blomkvist received the COH’s Outstanding MPH Student Award. She landed a job with Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical company. Luis Cáceres ’24, G’26 received his undergraduate degree at Lehigh, and first encountered the COH as a junior when he studied abroad in the Dominican Republic. The program focuses on the social determinants of health in a global context. As he pursues his MPH degree, he appreciates how the COH allows him to advocate for the right to essential healthcare for all. After graduation, Cáceres plans to work in public health, with the goal of increasing quality and access to care for Spanish-speaking patients. He plans to undertake a doctoral degree as a clinician or public health specialist. EMPOWERING STUDENTS THROUGH HANDS-ON LEARNING AND RESEARCH “The COH has amplified my view of what it means to improve community health outcomes and the many dimensions of healthcare.” -Luis Cáceres ’24, G’26 CLICK HERE TO READ EXTENDED STORY
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