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Portrait of Blessing Oluwatola

Honor Society® member

Blessing Oluwatola

Lead Graduate Assistant at Department of Health Sciences and Social Work, Western Illinois University, Macomb IL 61455

  • Western Illinois University
  • Master of Public Health
  • Class of 2023
  • Macomb, Illinois

Member since March 2022

About

I am a committed public health professional devoted to enhancing public health and addressing healthcare disparities. My academic focus centers on epidemiology, excelling in pertinent coursework such as Public Health Epidemiology, Statistical Analysis Software (SAS), Statistics for Health Sciences, and Research Designs in Health Sciences. These courses have furnished me with a solid understanding of epidemiological principles and data analysis, enabling me to approach public health challenges with a data-centric perspective.

Moreover, I have practically applied my academic expertise in diverse professional roles. As a Lead Graduate Assistant, I supervised the training and performance of graduate assistants. During my tenure as a Community Health Worker Intern at the Cass County Health Department, I implemented health programs, tailored health education for varied audiences, and conducted screenings for Social Determinants of Health Issues. My proficiency in epidemiology, coupled with adeptness in statistical analysis software and a fervor for public health, positions me well to address intricate health problems and advocate for health equity. I am enthusiastic about networking with like-minded professionals and seeking collaborative opportunities in the fields of epidemiology and public health.

Education

  • Western Illinois University

    Master of Public Health

    2021 – 2023

  • Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

    Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry

    2015 – 2019

Goals and interests

Career goal

Epidemiology

Graduate school interests

As a graduate student in the Department of Public Health, I am on the cusp of completing my Master of Public Health Degree with a specialized focus in Epidemiology, set to graduate December, 2023. Throughout my academic journey, I have actively engaged in leadership roles, notably serving as the Lead Graduate Assistant for the Department of Health Sciences and Social Work, Western Illinois University (WIU) and the Public Relations Officer of the Health Sciences Graduate Students Association, WIU. Additionally, I undertook the responsibility of General Secretary for the Redeemed Students Fellowship, WIU.
These leadership roles have profoundly shaped my graduate school interests, instilling a deep passion for advancing public health initiatives, particularly in the realm of Epidemiology. I am ardently committed to leveraging my academic insights and leadership experiences to make impactful contributions in the field of Public Health, focusing on Epidemiological research and interventions to address health disparities and promote community well-being.

Outside the classroom

Listening to Music, Dancing, Reading Novels, and Sewing

Experience

  • Lead Graduate Assistant

    Department of Health Sciences and Social Work, Western Illinois University, Macomb IL 61455

    Aug 2023 – Dec 2023

  • Community Health Worker Intern

    Cass County Health Department, Virginia, IL 62691

    May 2023 – Aug 2023

  • Graduate Assistant

    Department of Health Sciences and Social Work, Western Illinois University, Macomb IL 61455

    Aug 2022 – May 2023

Volunteering

  • Newsletter Committee Member

    Illinois Public Health Association Student Session

    Jan 2023 – May 2023

  • Volunteered for and gave a presentation titled “Let’s Talk About Sex” at the WORLD’S AIDS DAY 2022 organized by the Student Development and Success Center (SDSC), Western Illinois University

    Western Illinois University

    Dec 2022

  • General Secretary

    Redeemed Students’ Fellowship, Western Illinois University

    Nov 2022 – Dec 2023

  • Volunteer at the Western Illinois University (WIU) Food Pantry

    Western Illinois University

    Aug 2022 – Dec 2022

  • Public Relations Officer

    Health Sciences Graduate Students Association, Western Illinois University

    Feb 2022 – Apr 2023

Languages

  • English (US) Advanced

Additional information