In our Alumni Career Spotlight series, you will meet some of our alumni and learn about the important work they are doing to create a healthier nation and world.
Emily Bossung Hall
Employer: Indiana University Health
Current position: Community Outreach Associate
Location: Lafayette, IN
Degree(s): BSPH, IU Fairbanks School of Public Health, 2018; MPH, Purdue University, 2022
Why did you choose your major/program?
I was admitted to IUPUI with interest in the imaging program. I quickly learned that it was not for me after my first semester. After numerous meetings with my advisor, Martha, she mentioned meeting with Leah at the School of Public Health. After taking Intro to Public Health with Professor Duszynski, it all started to make sense. The public health field is where I was meant to make an impact in and the rest is history!
Do you have any research interests?
All my life has been spent in the West Central Region of Indiana, which is a very rural area. During my graduate work, a lot of my work was done in rural health and social determinants of health with a rural health focus. I now use this every day in my work with IU Health in the West Central Region.
Briefly describe your career path.
During my last year of undergrad, I was an intern at Healthy Communities of Clinton County (HCCC). My second week, I was offered a full-time position in October of 2018 as the Tobacco Prevention Coordinator/Baby & Me Tobacco Free Facilitator. I graduated in December 2018. HCCC is a grassroots, nonprofit doing AMAZING work in Clinton County.
I took a slight break in 2020 and was a mental health case manager. HCCC and I reconnected from 2021-2022 where I was the SEL coordinator for the Clinton County Schools. During my time with HCCC, I was able to learn from my mentors, Lorra and Kathy, about grant management, grant writing, and nonprofit leadership.
After the SEL grant ended, I transitioned to my role at IU Health in March of 2022 as the community outreach associate for the West Central Region. I oversee community benefit for IU Health Frankfort and IU Health White Memorial. As well as I manage the IU Health Serves program for the West Central Region.
Describe what an average day for you might be like.
Every day is different, which is why I love public health. I can be attending events with our community partners, building ramps or various volunteering projects with IU Health Serves, presenting to leaders for our organization, and so much more! I never have the same day.
What advice would you give your college self about pursuing your current career path or industry?
Don’t be afraid to network and stay connected with your professors and colleagues. Your connections will continue to help lead the way throughout your career.
What is a lesson learned at FSPH that you have been able to apply to your career?
Community Health Needs Assessments. Program planning. Grant writing. Importance of teamwork. Being comfortable presenting. Literally, everything! I value and cherish my time at FSPH. I have used my education daily in my career and was a super strong foundation for grad school.
What is the most significant thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
2022 was a big year in general. National Park road trip, MPH, career with IU Health started, married in September, and bought a home with my husband.
What’s next for you?
I said I was done with schooling after my MPH, but I have been approached about consideration around pursuing my PhD in Public Health with Purdue, so we shall see! In the meantime, I look forward to continuing to grow in public health with IU Health.
What is your favorite IUPUI/FSPH memory?
I have so many! I always share I wouldn’t be where I am today without IUPUI and FSPH.
1. InSOPHE Case Study winners with one of my best friends, Lexi.
2. First Meredith Addison Scholarship recipient.
3. IUPUI’s Top 100.
4. Creating a diabetes prevention plan during my global health course. We were the only group without a graduate student, and I loved our final product!
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