Commencement is coming up on Friday, Dec. 15, and we’re highlighting some of the incredible students who will soon be alumni of the College of Health Sciences.

Today we meet Fatma Bayati of St. Louis, Missouri, who is completing a Master of Public Health with a health promotion and policy emphasis.

What does graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences mean to you?

Graduating from CHS has provided me with many opportunities to expand my knowledge and skill set. In both the BHS and MPH programs, I have had to complete an internship and capstone course. Experiential learning has been a major component of my education from CHS and has helped me build professional networks and provided me opportunities to have hands-on experiences, putting the theoretical knowledge I have learned to practice in a professional setting.

What was one of your favorite classes within your degree track?

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my classes in the MPH program, so it is hard to pick just one! I would say my top two classes would be Human Health and the Environment with Lynelle Philips and Evaluating Global Public Health Programs with Dr. Sonita Simelus.

What activities have you been involved in along the way?

In my time at Mizzou, I have been involved in numerous student organizations. In my undergraduate years, I was involved in the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students, STRIPES and MU Women in STEM. In graduate school, I have primarily been involved in the Graduate Professional Council and the Master of Public Health Graduate Student Association. This summer, I had the pleasure of working on the Missouri State Health Assessment for my internship. I learned a lot about the health of communities in our state and assisted in data collection.

Who helped you during your college journey?

I have a large support system consisting of friends, family, colleagues and faculty members. I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way.

What memories stand out from your time at Mizzou?

My most memorable moments in my time at Mizzou are with my friends, whether it would be working many nights at STRIPES in undergrad or catching up with friends at GPC events in graduate school. I am so thankful for all the friendships I have from my time at Mizzou.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be working at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services as an associate research analyst for the Bureau of Health Care Analysis and Data Dissemination. I also plan on building my professional network and becoming more involved in the Missouri Public Health Association.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

Find things you’re passionate about and get involved on campus! There are so many ways to get involved at Mizzou, and it is a great way to expand your network and make friends with similar interests or shared experiences.