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SPHIS Student Ambassador Tristan Ferguson Reflects on her time at SPHIS
By: Tristan Ferguson
Reflecting back on my undergrad years, I remember countless conversations with friends from various majors—chemistry, biology, and undecided students—who often felt lost. They were unsure whether their chosen field was the right fit for them, unsure where they belonged. As their friend, I always shared one piece of advice: Have you considered public health?
Public health has a way of touching every part of society, and the more I explored it, the more I realized how much potential it holds for everyone. Whether or not you end up as a public health worker, researcher, or in a traditional public health role, the knowledge you gain can shape any career. Understanding the social determinants of health and the foundational concepts of public health can be applied to just about any job, helping you make a difference in your community, your workplace, and beyond.
My journey into public health, however, wasn’t a straight line. When I first arrived at the University of Louisville (UofL), I had no idea what public health even was. Before UofL, I transferred from the University of Tennessee (UTK), where I had initially set my sights on becoming a veterinarian. While at UTK, I took a course called One Health, and it was that class that sparked my interest in Epidemiology. That’s when everything clicked. Public health, I realized, was my true calling.
Coming to UofL opened a world of opportunities. I remember the first time I stepped onto campus, feeling both excited and a little unsure of where my journey would take me. I could never have predicted how much I would grow both personally and professionally. The faculty, my peers, and the endless opportunities in the School of Public Health and Information Sciences (SPHIS) have helped me every step of the way. Every semester, I was presented with new challenges and experiences that have shaped both my academic and career paths.
One of my most memorable experiences was working with the Green Heart Project and the Community Project at the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute. As a part of this team, I learned to use GIS software like ArcGIS to geocode data, helping map out public health initiatives that made a real difference in our community. That project ignited my passion for data analytics and how it can support public health.
Additionally, working with the Louisville Dept. of Public Health and Wellness, I had the incredible opportunity to assist Dr. Leslie Wolf in the Public Health Lab, where I helped with tick drags in parks across Louisville. We tested ticks for dangerous bacteria like Rickettsia and Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease). This hands-on experience taught me the value of field research and reinforced my commitment to public health.
Another pivotal moment in my journey was joining the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s analytics team. There, I contributed to the development of a dashboard and an annual survey using RedCAP, which was sent out to local health departments across the state. Our goal was to ensure that their Community Health Assessments were complete and in compliance with the Public Health Transformation Statute. This project was not just about building technical skills but also about understanding the intricacies of public health policy and how data can drive change at the state level.
As I reflect on these experiences, I realize how much I’ve learned and how far I’ve come. In May 2025, I’ll graduate with my B.S. in Public Health, and just a few weeks ago, I graduated with my MPH. It’s incredible to think that I’ve already secured a full-time position as a Junior Data Analyst at the Office of Resilience and Community Services, where I’ll continue to apply the skills, I’ve gained to help shape my community.
But perhaps one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey has been serving as a SPHIS Ambassador. As an ambassador, I have had the privilege of sharing my story with others, especially younger students who might be feeling lost or uncertain about their futures, just as I once did. Speaking at events like the Black Achievers panel, where we spoke to high school students about the potential of a public health career, has been a reminder of how important it is to support and guide others in finding their own path. Being able to mentor freshman students at SPHIS has felt like a full-circle moment for me. I went from a student who wasn’t sure where I fit into the world of public health to someone who’s now inspiring others to find their place in it.
My journey has been one of discovery, growth, and transformation, and it’s an honor to be able to inspire others to pursue this rewarding field. Public health is not just a career; it’s a way to make a meaningful impact, no matter where you end up. As a SPHIS Student Ambassador, I’ve learned that sharing these experiences isn’t just about talking—it's about listening, guiding, and showing others that they, too, have a place in the future of public health.
