Lydia Ferrell

How have your experiences in the School of Public Health helped prepare you for your future?  

My courses and hands-on experiences in the School of Public Health have prepared me for the future by teaching me what to expect beyond the program. The knowledge and skills I gained both in and out of the classroom will serve me in the future.

Tell us about your field placement experience or other hands-on experiences.  

I had the pleasure of being an intern at Mon Health Medical Center in the Quality Department in Morgantown, W.Va. I assisted with various projects during my time there, focusing primarily on patient safety and working on fall prevention and infection prevention projects.

I networked with tons of departments and healthcare professionals within the Medical Center to learn how various roles contribute to the healthcare system. Through this hands-on experience, I was able to gain a better understanding of the process and the measures taken to improve healthcare quality, patient outcomes, and safety.  

Is there anyone in the WVU School of Public Health or beyond you'd like to thank?  

I would like to thank Audra Hamrick. As a professor, advisor and director of undergraduate studies, she is always going above and beyond to make sure every student in the School of Public Health is successful. Her support and encouragement made it possible for me to have the opportunities I did.

What would you tell prospective students about WVU and the School of Public Health?

I would tell prospective students how welcoming and kind the faculty and staff at WVU and the School of Public Health are. They are so supportive and want to help their students in any way they can.  

Share your favorite memory at WVU.  

One of my favorite memories at WVU is the time I was eating lunch in the Health Sciences Center Pylons lobby with a group of my friends, and this guy started singing and playing piano. We cheered for him after each song, so he started taking requests from us. It was a really fun time.  

What advice would you give to your freshman self?  

I would tell my freshman self to stop being afraid and to try new things. Talk to professors and classmates, join student organizations and clubs, and take advantage of every opportunity and experience. It’s better to start early!  

What do you plan to do upon completion of your degree?  

I plan to continue my education at WVU and pursue a Master of Healthcare Administration degree. I hope to gain more work experience as well.