Julia Rhuman began her first year at Boise State University in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn’t the easiest of starts, but seeing world of a health through a different lens pushed Rhuman to study public health as an undergraduate student and join the Master of Public Health program.
Since then, Rhuman has aimed to support the community she grew up in — Boise, Idaho — through public health work.
Rhuman graduates with her Master of Public Health degree this spring. Read on to learn more about Rhuman’s community engagement efforts and experience at Boise State.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about your studies?
A: I have enjoyed learning more about the impact you can make with community engagement and getting to work with vulnerable and specialized populations. I loved getting to create a program proposal for Hodia, Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs, and I had the opportunity to volunteer at camp with them in the summer of June 2025.
Q: What extracurricular activities made an impact on your graduate experience?
A: I have loved my internship with Special Olympics Idaho and getting to form relationships with these athletes. I have helped with inclusive health training and I have put on health trainings to help assist athletes in becoming fitness leaders and health advocates in their communities.
Q: How has your time in the MPH program broadened your outlook on public health?
A: My time in the MPH program has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding on the importance of having patience, building genuine and strong relationships with the community and allowing myself to have an open mind when it comes to my work in the Public Health field. It takes time to see a meaningful impact or change, so allowing yourself to build resilience and have patience for your hard work is really important in this field.
Q: What are you most looking forward to post-graduation (a job, travel, etc)?
A: I am really excited to continue my work by sharing my passion for health equity and inclusive health in the Boise community!