Graduate Spotlight: Hunter Ladd
Hunter Ladd is a second-year graduate student in the Biostatistics MPH Program with the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. Throughout his time at SPH, Hunter has found inspiration and support through a diverse community of mentors, peers, and professionals who are deeply invested in public health. These connections have provided him with valuable insights into the field’s challenges and opportunities, further fueling his commitment to making a tangible impact. Hunter is especially passionate about advocating for equitable access to healthcare and housing.
How have interdisciplinary courses influenced your approach to public health challenges?
The holistic education at OHSU-PSU SPH has significantly shaped my approach to public health by broadening my perspective beyond “the numbers”. While my focus is in biostatistics, a field that often emphasizes quantitative metrics of health, the interdisciplinary courses have taught me to look for the stories, injustices, and people behind the data. This approach has helped me realize that data are not just values, but represent real people and communities. As a result, I’m more committed to advocating for measurable change, especially when inequities or negative trends are identified, ensuring that data is used not just to track health outcomes, but to create meaningful solutions for those in need.
In what ways have mentorship opportunities shaped your professional aspirations and prepared you for a career in public health?
The mentorship opportunities at OHSU-PSU SPH have been instrumental in shaping my professional aspirations and preparing me for a successful career in public health. Through monthly conversations with my academic advisor, I’ve gained valuable guidance on course selection and career planning. Additionally, the internship opportunities shared through the SPH network have provided students with hands-on experience in the field, including my internship – working with a nonprofit focusing on the needs of people experiencing homelessness. These mentors have not only helped me refine my applications and interview skills, but also offered critical insights into real-world challenges and solutions in public health, further solidifying my passion for advocacy and change.
How do you see yourself utilizing the knowledge and skills gained to advocate for and implement change in underserved communities?
The training I’ve received has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for those most impacted by systemic inequities. Through courses focused on identifying at-risk groups and developing targeted interventions, I’ve learned how to create effective models for change. Additionally, the program has taught me how to write op-eds, craft policy memos, and engage in advocacy work that calls for tangible change. I believe that all public health work should be rooted in the experiences and needs of the oppressed, marginalized, and underserved communities. With this perspective, I am committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that address disparities and create lasting, meaningful improvements in these communities.
Can you discuss a collaborative project or research initiative you’ve been involved in that highlights the importance of teamwork in addressing public health issues?
I am currently interning with Sisters of the Road (SoTR) on a systemic change project aimed at addressing the needs and desires of the unhoused population in Portland. The goal of this project is to better understand what these communities need and want, and to use that information to shape policy, improve shelters, and enhance support services. While the project is led by SoTR, it is a collaborative effort that relies on funding from government entities, federal grants, and community donations. This work demonstrates that meaningful change doesn’t come solely from the data or narratives gathered through focus groups; but is driven by the collective action of the public, the engagement of elected officials, and the implementation of competent, well-supported policies. Teamwork and collaboration across sectors are essential in turning insights from data into real, sustainable change.
What role do you believe public health professionals play in shaping policy and public perception around pressing health concerns, and how has OHSU-PSU SPH prepared you to contribute in this arena?
Public health professionals play a crucial role in shaping both policy and public perception around pressing health concerns. Public health professionals have a responsibility to advocate for effective policies, especially as governments change and funding fluctuates. Public health experts must remain steadfast in driving meaningful discussions and action on public health issues, ensuring that they are not overlooked or sidelined.
At OHSU-PSU SPH, I’ve gained the skills to collect and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data, and I’ve learned how to use these insights to create compelling narratives. By combining data with the stories of those affected, public health professionals can influence policy and public perception, ultimately fostering change that addresses the root causes of health disparities.