Global Ambassador: Jenny Woo

Jenny Woo graduated from Purdue with a master's degree in Public Health with a concentration in family and community health. Jenny is from California. 

Read more about Jenny's experience in graduate school below. Please note: Jenny provided these answers while she was still a graduate student at Purdue. 

Ambassador Q & A (Questions and Answers)

Jenny Woo

Why did you choose Purdue?

I originally applied because I had mutual friends who went to Purdue, not thinking too much about the college itself, but throughout my years here as an undergraduate and graduate student, I have made valuable friends and built a community of professional peers that strive to accomplish similar goals as mine. I have had incredible opportunities and experiences to grow as an individual and as a professional in my field during my time at Purdue.

Please briefly describe your research.

I am currently studying homeless individuals and the impact that the recent COVID-19 pandemic has had on homeless families with Dr. Yumary Ruiz from the Department of Public Health.

How did you decide what to study?

I have been interested in health sciences from the beginning, but fell in love with public health during my junior year of undergrad. I love how this major is broad and flexible, as public health is relatable and necessary in every field.

What was your process for selecting a graduate school?

I was interested in working with professors that could provide practical guidance and knowledge working in the field of public health. One of the reasons I applied to Purdue’s MPH 4+1 program was that I was already exposed to the community of peers in the Department of Public Health from my undergrad and knew of the astonishing work they do. One of the things I really appreciate about my graduate program is how much they prepare public health practitioners in providing the necessary, practical skills and knowledge to work in the field.

Where do you spend most of your time on campus?

I love working and studying in coffee shops like Vienna or Fuel coffee. Both places have amazing food and to-die-for coffee.

How did you decide where to live?

I ended up rooming with random students from a Facebook post, and it was the best decision I made. Ending up meeting some of my best friends because of that decision.

What’s one thing prospective students from your home state should know about Purdue?

Invest in a pair of rain boots. Trust me on this one, leave the Vans and invest in a pair of rain boots. You’ll thank me later.

How do you de-stress in your free time?

Go out with friends for a meal, grabbing at drink at the Pint, coffee dates, snuggling at home with my roomies and throwing on a movie.

How do you keep yourself organized?

I cannot leave my house without my planner. I write everything down in there.

What are you hoping to do after you graduate from Purdue?

My current professional goal is to become a fundraiser/corporate social responsibility specialist within corporate organizations.

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