Abigail Lukens '20

Major: Public Health
Minors: Educational Studies and Health Care Administration

Why this major?

I’ve always had a passion for helping others and was interested in the field of healthcare as well. Public health is the perfect fit for me because there is so much you can do with it. Public health gives me the opportunity to help others, but also the flexibility to work in a variety of settings, which I love!

What is your career objective?

My career objective would be program development or corporate wellness. Ideally, I’d either be working for a local health department or a hospital corporation. I want to be able to develop programs and interventions that are going to change the lives of others while also improving health outcomes.

How has what you’ve learned prepared you for your future?

The public health curriculum has prepared me to work in a variety of settings. The course work so far has provided me with the tools and experience needed to be a professional. Additionally, the course work provides you with many opportunities to interact with professionals who work in a variety of public health settings. The program also provides hands-on experience through both the field-experience program and internship. These two opportunities prepare you for what it is like to be a public health professional.

Have you had opportunities to work closely with Carroll faculty?

The small class sizes and personal attention from faculty have opened a number of doors for me here at Carroll. The faculty is always eager to help and provide you with a number of resources. I have had the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member as a faculty assistant. I was able to do it student-focused, meaning I got to choose the projects I was most interested in and passionate about. This opportunity impacted my education because it allowed me to network with various individuals in the community, establish connections and help build my resume for future employment.

What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your education at Carroll?

My most memorable experience has been participating in Caroll Universities Public Health Field Experience program. This opportunity has made numerous impacts on my professional development and validated my love for public health. During this, I had the opportunity to experience patient contact, worked with a team of health professionals, learned how to use the healthcare software Epic and grew overall as a professional. It is from this opportunity that I had the chance of being a poster presenter at the Wisconsin Public Health Association annual conference. I cannot speak enough about how impactful this experience was for me, as well as how many doors it has opened.

How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person?

Carroll has enriched my growth by allowing me to explore other avenues of my own interest. I have been able to complete two minors in healthcare administration and education studies while still taking electives that interest me. Additionally, I am also currently in the Public Health Club at Carroll, where we explore a variety of volunteer opportunities and advocate for popular public health issues that are of our own personal interest.

What would you say to someone considering public health?

Public health is the perfect major for anyone who is unsure whether they want to pursue a medical career that has direct patient contact, but still wants to work in a healthcare or clinical setting. It allows you to pursue a variety of jobs in a multitude of settings. Additionally, this major makes an impact on communities and the lives of individuals. Preventative medicine is the future of healthcare, which is why I would recommend this major to prospective students.

What’s your favorite place to study on campus?

My favorite place to study on campus is in the Learning Commons. It is the perfect collaborative environment to interact with others from your major, while also being able to study and complete assignments. I frequently see students from my classes, which is nice since I always have questions and am looking for feedback on assignments. Additionally, I love being able to check-out computer chargers and laptops that are right there since I am constantly forgetting to bring my own.

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