Extraordinary Students

Sarah Helgeson
Graduation Year: Spring 2010
University of Washington

I’m from Camano Island, Washington. I love and enjoy the outdoors and outdoor activities. I have a Yellow Labrador named Maggie Mae. I enjoy driving my Jeep and listening to The Beatles.

1. Why did you choose an environmental health career?

I chose environmental health after taking an introductory EH course my freshmen year; it was about everything I was interested in. I knew, after that course, I wanted to major in EH and spend the rest of my life pursuing a career in it.

2. What do you like most about the EH program you are in?

The best part about the University of Washington’s EH program is that you get to really know your faculty and classmates. I love that! It feels like you have a support network of EH people backing you no matter what you decide to do with your degree. It’s great that the faculty is willing to help you pursue your areas of interest. The faculty really cares and gives students the opportunity to actively participate in research of their choosing. Additionally, all students have the opportunity to intern with EH specialists locally, nationally, or internationally. Research and interning teach students so much about the practical, real-life aspects of environmental health.

3. What do you see yourself doing after graduation?

I was recently accepted to the University of Washington School of Public Health’s Environmental Health Master’s Program! I’m super excited to continue my education and focus my knowledge of EH into one specific area of interest.

I’d like to use my degrees to help educate people in impoverished countries about simple ways to prevent disease and live healthier lives.

4. What would you like to say to potential students to recruit them into an environmental health degree program?

Environmental health is an ever growing and ever changing field of public health. It involves preventing disease rather than just treating it. EH puts an emphasis on hygienic practices, clean water and air, safe food, and all around healthy living environments. EH is a great subject to study because it has several aspects and will allow you to work for government, private industry, doing research, or for charitable organizations.