Meet Our Ph.D. Students

I am a dietitian by trade and training, practicing in community health related to rare genetic metabolic conditions. I am interested in many aspects of public and population health therefore I am looking forward to working through this program. I am passionate about SDOH related to individuals and families who are impacted by rare conditions (genetic and societal such as surviving violence).

Kenzie is a program coordinator with Communities for Youth, a youth mental health and well-being initiative in Idaho. She received a master of public health degree with an emphasis in prevention and intervention programming from Boise State University in 2023. Kenzie is an adjunct instructor for the School of Public and Population Health and is passionate about course design, inclusive pedagogy, and active engagement techniques to maximize learning. She hopes to gain a professorship after her PhD to continue teaching and conduct research in her interest areas of youth well-being, sexual health, and community as a protective factor. Outside of work and school, Kenzie enjoys mountain biking the endless trails her hometown has to offer and being active with her energetic border collie, Luna.

KT is a Field Application Scientist at Genomenon for the germline variant curation team and is on the part time track for this wonderful PhD program. She is a genetic counselor with clinical experience here in Idaho at the St. Luke’s Genetics and Metabolic Clinic in Boise. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Oregon University, a master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of Minnesota, and a graduate certificate from the University of British Columbia for Variant Interpretation and Genomic Counselling. She enjoys genomic education for interdisciplinary teams and the public. She specializes in rare disease and more common chronic conditions such as cardiac and kidney disease. Her aim is to develop expertise to aid in bridging the gap between her interests in the emerging field of public health genomics.

Yutong is a Solutions Architect at St. Luke’s Health System, where she focuses on the development and responsible use of AI in healthcare. She is a part-time student in PPHL program. Her research interests include AI, healthcare systems, and population health, with a focus on how emerging technologies can improve health outcomes and create broader impact. Outside of work and school, she enjoys tennis, anime and hiking!

Sarah is the Deputy Division Administrator over programs in the Public Health Division at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Previously, she was the Director of the Malheur County Health Department, a Certified Prevention Specialist, and End of Life Doula. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Idaho and a master’s degree and graduate certificate from Boise State University’s Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning program. She is an advocate for small communities, volunteerism, inclusive discourse, and transformational leadership. In both her academic and professional work, Sarah is focused on the freedom to live a healthy life for all people in Idaho.

I am a PhD student in the program with an interest in maternal and child health and environmental epidemiology. I did my undergraduate work at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and received my MS degree from the University at Albany. Before starting this program, I worked as a research coordinator in the Center for Excellence in Environmental Health and Safety at Boise State. My spare time is spent raising my two kids, hiking every chance I get, visiting local breweries, and honing my snowboarding skills.

Heather is a student in the PhD program with a focus on maternal and child health and the intersection of law enforcement and public health. She received her MPH from Boise State, with an emphasis in health leadership and management as well as data-driven decision-making. She works as a research assistant for Communities for Youth, a local youth mental health initiative. Additionally, she works at the Garden City Police Department as a records technician and assistant victim-witness coordinator. Heather loves to travel, exercise, and spend time with her friends and family.

Marjorie realized her love of public health while serving in the Peace Corps in the West African county of Benin. She completed a dual master’s degree program in Social Work and Public Health at the University of Washington where she fell in love with the field of harm reduction. In 2019, she co-founded Idaho Harm Reduction Project, a drug user health program that serves the state with substance use and overdose prevention services. She began her PhD in Public Health Leadership in 2023. Currently, she is a veterinary social worker at WestVet Animal Hospital in Boise.

Robin was drawn to the PPHL program after working in the fitness and medical weight-loss industry for over twenty-five years. Having published several books on the subject of body image, disordered eating, and eating disorders, Robin recognized a need to further her education and to expand her knowledge in the area of public health. Robin is a Boise State University alumni, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree (2000) and a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology (2024). She is currently teaching a health and wellness course (KINES 141) at Boise State University and is passionate about college student mental health.