Student Spotlight: Zeyu Li

Meet Zeyu Li 

• Degree Program: MSPH
• Area of Interest: Child Health and Environmental Health
• Hometown: Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
• Previous Degree(s) Earned: Bachelor of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 
• Fun Fact: I’m a member of the Johns Hopkins Lan Yun Chinese Dance Team and have performed on many stages both on and off-campus!

What sparked your interest in public health?
One of my life goals is to help others achieve better lives. Public health provides opportunities to improve the health of millions of people at one time instead of one by one, which attracts me to this career, allowing me to achieve my goal of helping others on a larger scale and in a more efficient way.
 

Whenever you want to discuss a topic or a question from courses, you can always find someone and delve into it together. I’m never alone with my cohort!

Why did you choose Bloomberg School of Public Health? 
As the best school of public health in the world, Bloomberg has the most advanced faculties with diverse research focuses, and attracts talented students from varied backgrounds. I believe I can fully explore my research interests here by communicating and learning from them.
 

What led you to join the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health? 
My mother, a kindergarten teacher for over 30 years, has greatly influenced my enthusiasm for child health. In my college, I learned that the experiences in early life have long-term effects across the lifespan. I am dedicated to working to build a healthier foundation at the beginning of life, which can support people to overcome health challenges in their later life.
 

What is one experience in PFRH that stands out as a favorite or most memorable? 
My warm cohort is definitely one of my favorite experiences! We formed strong bonds and are always supportive of each other. Everyone is devoted to women, maternal and child health, it’s amazing to be surrounded by so many people who share the same goal! In daily learning, whenever you want to discuss a topic or a question from courses, you can always find someone and delve into it together. I’m never alone with my cohort!
 

Tell us about your field placement.
I work as a research assistant for Dr. Xiaobin Wang, investigating the effects of environmental exposures on child health. My supervisor is always patient, supportive, and kind. She encourages me when I feel upset, provides sources when I need help, discusses every detail with me, and never seems to tire of helping. I am learning a lot from her, not only in knowledge but also in the ways she behaves and cares about others.
 

What do you hope to do or accomplish after graduation?
My research enthusiasm is highly strengthened during the MSPH program. So I decided to apply for a PhD after my graduation to continue pursuing my academic dream. I aim to become an advanced scholar on Child Health and Environmental Health, protecting millions of children from ubiquitous environmental chemicals.
 

What are some of your favorite places or aspects of living in Baltimore?
The Blue Jay Shuttle at Hopkins is one of my favorite things! It makes getting around Baltimore so easy, giving me a sense of support. I’m still not used to looking for other transportation options when I go to other cities. One of my favorite spots in Baltimore is the Inner Harbor. The scenery is amazing, and I love walking along the water.
 

What advice do you have for prospective students interested in joining the PFRH community?
You’ll be joining a big, warm group of people who are dedicated to the health of women and children. Listening to their stories about pursuing a healthier future for these populations can really broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of  women's health and maternal and child health. This will help you better understand what you might want to do in the future.