PhD Editor Spotlight: Olivia Rockwell

Olivia Rockwell is a second-year PhD student in the School of Public Health studying Global Public Health Policy and Management. Her journey into public health started with a deep curiosity about healthcare systems during her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, studying economics and public policy. Meanwhile, a pivotal experience whilst studying abroad in South Korea solidified her passion for comparative health systems, inspiring her to pursue a PhD. Her research focus centers around  focused on understanding and addressing systemic inequities.

Navigating Challenges and Pushing Boundaries

Olivia’s academic journey has been filled with challenges. During her undergraduate studies at Wisconsin, she struggled to find research opportunities in economics that aligned with her interests. Conducting her honors thesis, Qualitative Evaluation of National Health Care Systems: A Health Care Ecosystem Approach, was a hard-fought achievement. She had to continually advocate for her chosen topic and demonstrate the significance of her research, reinforcing the importance of persistence and determination when pursuing one’s goals. 

Fortunately, coming to the University of Michigan, she found an abundance of opportunities that better aligned with her passions. At Michigan, she connected with faculty members whose research interests overlapped with hers, gaining valuable mentorship and guidance that had previously been difficult to find. At the same time, she was able to prioritize both her mental and physical well-being.

What keeps her pushing forward? “Hearing people’s stories,” she shares. “Understanding the real-world impact of policies on individuals motivates me to keep researching and advocating for change.”

What inspired you to serve on the PHD Board for UJPH?

Olivia’s passion for research and editing made serving on the PhD Board for the Undergraduate Journal of Public Health (UJPH) a perfect opportunity to contribute and give back to the academic community. She appreciates how the journal provides students early in their career with opportunities to engage in academic writing, critical analysis, and even in publication. “I wish I had this opportunity when I was an undergraduate,” she shares. For her, mentorship is a fundamental part of being a researcher—investing in future generations ensures the continued growth and development of the public health field.

The Future of Public Health

When talking about the future of public health, Olivia emphasized the growing intersection of policy and public health. She describes how policy decisions play into individuals' health choices and outcomes in profound ways. Issues like environmental health, vaccination policies, and NIH funding are all critical areas where policy leadership plays a more influential role than scientific leaders.

She also points out that misinformation is one of the biggest challenges public health professionals will face in the next decade. “A lack of transparency in healthcare and the spread of unverified information make it harder to build trust and implement effective policies,” she says.

What advice would you give to undergraduate students interested in pursuing research or careers in public health?

1. Figure out your passion. Public health is a vast field with many areas to explore, so it’s important to find what truly excites and motivates you.

2. Say yes to opportunities. Whether it's an internship, research project, or volunteer work, each opportunity helps you grow, gain experience, and build connections.

3. If you cannot get an opportunity, make your own opportunities. Reach out to professors, propose new projects, or create a path that matches your goals. Best opportunities are the ones that you create for yourself. 

Do you have a favorite book related to public health that you’d recommend to other students?

During her freetime, Olivia enjoys reading. One of Olivia’s favorite authors is Ruha Benjamin, she highly recommends all of her books. Olivia describes Benjamin’s work on the intersections of race, technology, and justice as very eye-opening. It helps readers understand how societal structures shape health outcomes and the broader implications for public health.

One book that she strongly recommends is Ripples of Hope in the Mississippi Delta, written by David Jones, a professor here at Michigan. This book digs deep into the impact of poverty and public health in the Mississippi Delta, and provides a comprehensive look at the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the role of public health in addressing systemic issues.