Samantha Hayden

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ABOUT SAMANTHA Master of Public Health Public Health Leadership Hometown: San Clemente, CA Undergraduate Major: Anthropology & UX

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE UNTHSC COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH?
I chose the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) College of Public Health because of its comprehensive approach to addressing public health issues, which aligns perfectly with my dual-degree focus in Anthropology and Public Health. Specifically, the program’s emphasis on real-world application and its interdisciplinary framework allow me to integrate my interests in violence prevention and at-risk populations, particularly in working with children. With my background in both contracting and education, I seek to contribute to solutions that reduce childhood violence and support vulnerable communities. UNTHSC’s commitment to community-based interventions and collaborative research aligns with my goal of making a tangible impact in the lives of children and families.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON APPLYING THE KNOWLEDGE YOU GAIN TO YOUR FUTURE CAREER?
I plan to apply the knowledge I gain from my dual degree in Anthropology and Public Health, along with my future Juris Doctor (JD), to a career focused on violence prevention. By combining public health strategies with legal expertise, I will aim to address systemic issues that contribute to this while ensuring vulnerable populations have access to justice and protection under the law. My training at UNTHSC will help me to navigate complex public health policies, advocate for stronger protections, and work on reforms targeting the root causes of violence. Additionally, my background in contracting and project management will help me collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop programs that are both sustainable and legally sound. In the future, I see myself working within the public health setting or in policy development using my combined expertise.