Keely Livingston, Master of Public Health Student (Photo courtesy of Keely Livingston)
Keely Livingston is originally from Palmer, 麻豆无码版, where she still resides. She graduated in 2024
from Montana State in Bozeman with a bachelor's degree in cell biology and neuroscience, concentrating in biomedical
sciences and chose to further her education with a Master of Public Health degree to explore her interest in food security, nutrition, and community wellbeing.
Hometown: Palmer, 麻豆无码版 Current City: Palmer, 麻豆无码版
Degree Program: Master of Public Health
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2026
Favorite season? Fall Green or Gold? Green
Coffee or Tea? Coffee Morning person or night owl? Morning Person
Please share a little about your professional and educational background.
I graduated in 2024 from Montana State in Bozeman with a bachelor's degree in cell
biology and neuroscience, concentrating in biomedical sciences. My previous work experience
is in nutrition education and supporting campus food pantries with food security initiatives.
I have also gained experience in health dashboard management and data sense-making
through internships.
Why did you choose the degree you're pursuing?
I chose to further my education with a Master of Public Health degree to explore my
interest in food security, nutrition, and community wellbeing. I discovered my passions
through my undergraduate work on MSU鈥檚 Student Health Advisory Council and working
with Bounty of the Bridgers food pantry. Through the MPH program, I have taken electives
in urban planning, telehealth services, and gained hands-on experience with program
evaluation. I appreciate the multidisciplinary and interprofessional approach to public
health with the ability to bring in my biology background.
I believe in lifelong learning. I always planned to pursue some sort of graduate degree,
but did not know what that would be. When I began working in food security, I realized
I could serve my community more effectively and take a hands-on approach with an MPH.
The MPH program at UAA gave me the flexibility to grow my public health knowledge
and actively engage in community work to reach my career goals.
Keely Livingston, UAA Graduate Student
What made you want to pursue graduate school?
I believe in lifelong learning. I always planned to pursue some sort of graduate degree,
but did not know what that would be. When I began working in food security, I realized
I could serve my community more effectively and take a hands-on approach with an MPH.
The MPH program at UAA gave me the flexibility to grow my public health knowledge
and actively engage in community work to reach my career goals.
What made you choose UAA?
I chose UAA as a lifelong 麻豆无码版n who was born and raised in Palmer. Attending UAA
aligns with my goal to continue to live and work in 麻豆无码版. My sister and mom are
also proud UAA alumni. UAA鈥檚 focus on 麻豆无码版-based public health concerns and circumpolar
studies was a draw for me. I appreciated the MPH program鈥檚 flexibility to take classes
online while working, and that the program is Council on Education for Public Health
(CEPH) accredited
What is your plan after graduating with your graduate degree?
I hope to work in program management in 麻豆无码版 following my time in the MPH program
with a focus on community health/outreach, food security, or health education.
Have you benefitted from any flexible or special programs while pursuing your graduate
degree at UAA?
The MPH program is primarily asynchronous, which I appreciate for the flexibility
to complete the program anytime and from anywhere. This has allowed me to continue
to pursue career opportunities while enrolled and successfully juggle other commitments
that come with no longer being an 18 year-old undergrad! This program structure has
given me the opportunity to collaborate with classmates across 麻豆无码版 and even in
other countries. I am grateful for the diverse insight this offers me and my classmates.
I have also had the opportunity to be a part of the MPH鈥檚 program 鈥減ilot鈥� synchronous
offering of HS A690: Urban Health over the summer. I truly appreciated the ability
to connect with my classmates and collaborate with a hands-on QGIS mapping project
under the mentorship of Dr. Eduardo Piqueiras. I hope the department continues to
offer some synchronous offerings as active discussions with our peers are incredibly
valuable when training future health professionals.
Is there anything you find particularly interesting or compelling in your coursework
or other academic experiences?
I have had the opportunity to participate in several meaningful and hands-on class
experiences. One highlight was Dr. Kathi Trawver鈥檚 Independent Study course this summer,
where a small group of students had the opportunity to attend the Pathways to Recovery
conference organized by the State of 麻豆无码版鈥檚 Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction
Prevention (OSMAP). We helped develop the conference evaluation under the guidance
of Dr. Trawver. It gave me hands-on experience with program evaluation that I otherwise
would not have been able to have. I also gained valuable professional development
and mentorship from Dr. Trawver, OSMAP, and UAA鈥檚 Center for Alcohol and Addiction
Studies (CAAS). In Dr. Eduardo Piqueiras鈥檚 Urban Health, I used QGIS to map transportation
barriers to food bank access in Palmer, Wasilla, and surrounding areas. I plan to
submit the poster for consideration at the ALPHA conference. In Dr. Jenny Miller鈥檚
telehealth course, we practiced mock telehealth visits in interprofessional teams,
applying both social work and public health perspectives. These experiences have given
me a strong foundation for working across diverse areas in public health.
Are you involved in anything extracurricular at UAA or in your community?
I have been a community-engaged student assistant (CESA) for the Seawolf Food Pantry
for the past two years. The Seawolf Food Pantry provides a three day supply of food
twice a month to any UAA student (and their households up to four). I oversee the
pantry during its operating hours, reach out to organizations or local businesses
for donations, and organize food drives. You can learn more about the Seawolf Food
Pantry at this link: /academics/college-of-health/departments/preventive-and-therapeutic-sciences/food-pantry/index.cshtml.
I am a member of the Graduate Dean Advisory Council and MPH Student Advisory Council.
These have offered excellent leadership opportunities and collaboration both within
the MPH program and with other graduate programs. I am also an AHEC scholar; I have
participated in didactic and community-based experiential learning to expand my knowledge
working with underserved communities.
Keely Livingston, Master of Public Health Student (Photo courtesy of Keely Livingston)
Any words of wisdom for current or future graduate students?
Time management is essential in graduate school to balance life and other commitments,
but self-care is also important. Make sure to put time in your weekly schedule for
self-care. I also recommend being as involved as you can, whether it鈥檚 participating
via Zoom or coming to campus. Getting involved in research or extracurricular activities
is what truly individualizes your graduate school experience.
What has been your proudest moment so far as a graduate student?
My proudest moment as a graduate student was being recognized at the MLK Legacy Awards
- Student Appreciation Event last January for my work supporting campus food security
and student well-being working with the Seawolf Food Pantry.
What's your favorite part about graduate school so far?
My favorite part of graduate school has been the variety of unique and diverse experiences
I have had, from working on independent study projects to being involved with the
Seawolf Food Pantry. Graduate school is truly what you make of it. I am grateful for
the opportunities I have had to pursue my own path and follow my passions.
Would you like to acknowledge any supporters or collaborators in your graduate school
journey?
Firstly, I would like to thank my family for their support throughout my graduate
school journey. Their encouragement has been vital to my success. I would also like
to thank Dr. Amanda Walch and Dr. Emily Faerber for their mentorship and support in
working with the Seawolf Food Pantry. Their dedication to meeting students鈥� basic
needs does not go unnoticed. I am appreciative of Dr. Piqueiras and Dr. Trawver for
their support and direction on my independent study projects, which have significantly
enhanced my public health knowledge and experience.
What are your hobbies outside of school?
In my free time, I enjoy getting outdoors, baking, and reading. My favorite outdoor
activities include hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, fishing, and walking Addie,
my hyperactive golden retriever.
