Perspectives Editor Spotlight: Isabelle Whiteherse

Isabelle Whiteherse is a sophomore at the University of Michigan, originally planning to study political science on the pre-law track. However, shortly after arriving to Michigan, she questioned her decision as she found that she did not find the courses required for her major compelling. While browsing the course guide, a biology course caught her eye: "Plagues, People, and Policies.” After starting the course, she finally had a name for what she hoped to do: public health. Shortly after this discovery, she applied to transfer to the School of Public Health and will hopefully join the new cohort this fall. 

Unable to wait until the fall to start public health work, she worked at a surgical office over the past summer. Although she enjoyed the job, she recalled the sadness of seeing patients enrolled in Medicaid who were extremely stressed about their coverage and getting the care necessary for their conditions. She further explained that she noticed the toll this was taking on their already declining physical health, as well as their mental health, and she knew she had to be part of the change. “People should not have to stress about money when deciding whether or not to get life-saving treatment,” she said firmly. 

Continuing her commitment to public health, she found the Undergraduate Journal of Public Health on MaizePages — a website with a compilation of student clubs and organizations — and eagerly sent in her application. Since working as an editor with the club, her fascination with public health has only grown as she has had the opportunity to work with others interested in the field, stating, “It’s a way bigger field than people originally considered it to be.” While her interests lie mostly with policy, she has enjoyed hearing about others currently studying in SPH whose interests lie more in epidemiology, mental health, and vaccination. 

Outside of health policy, she is also passionate about reproductive rights. It is no surprise then, that her favorite piece she has edited thus far was A Public Health Perspective on Abortions Later in Pregnancy within the U.S — in large part due to the necessity of conversations like these. Isabelle explained the role of younger generations in speaking up for continued access to necessary reproductive care, saying “For us, abortion has been relatively accessible our whole lives, up until 2022. While older generations saw a shift from before Roe v. Wade to after, we have only seen our rights being taken away.” She also described the change she felt in younger generations after the Supreme Court decision, as many came together to speak on the issue.

At this point in the conversation, she further stressed the importance of student voices in the field, and pointed out the special opportunity that UJPH was giving other undergraduates to do just that. In a world where younger voices often go unheard, UJPH grants them a spot at the table, ensuring they are represented where it means the most. 

In a time when we must fight for our rights and the health and well-being of those in our community, opportunities like working with and publishing in the Undergraduate Journal of Public Health are essential, and Isabelle is proud to be a part of it.