Student Spotlight: Xiaoyi 'Showry' Peng
Natural curiosity and a strong sense of responsibility to contribute to public well-being inspired Showry Peng to pursue a master’s in environmental health.
Meet Xiaoyi 'Showry' Peng
Program: Master of Science in Environmental Health
Hometown: Enshi, China
Fun fact: I can dive to a depth of 25 meters (about 82 feet) on a single breath.
Linkedin
What sparked your interest in environmental science?
During my undergraduate studies in public health, I explored various disciplines such as psychology, chemistry, statistics, and epidemiology. However, environmental health stood out because it directly examines how pollutants like air pollution and heavy metals impact human health. Unlike other fields, environmental health is inseparable from daily life. We breathe the air, drink the water, and live on the land, making exposure to contaminants unavoidable. This realization led me to pursue environmental health at BSPH, where I can engage in cutting-edge research to address these urgent challenges.
What personal experiences have shaped your desire to work in public health?
My commitment to this field is deeply personal. Many environmental pollutants are invisible, making them difficult to detect and nearly impossible to avoid. My uncle, for example, passed away from Stage 4 lung cancer despite having no unhealthy habits. His years of working in coal and asbestos mines likely contributed to his illness. Similarly, in my parents’ hometown, a remote village in the mountains of central China, many residents suffer from dental fluorosis due to excessive fluoride in drinking water, a consequence of mining-related contamination. Tragically, most people don’t recognize the danger until they become seriously ill, and even then, relocation isn’t a viable option for many. These experiences have strengthened my dedication to environmental health. I want to help identify, prevent, and mitigate environmental hazards so that people are not unknowingly exposed to risks that could harm them in the long run. I believe environmental health holds the key to safeguarding communities and ensuring a healthier future for generations.
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins?
Several professors at my college are BSPH graduates, and their brilliance and passion for public health inspired my interest in the School. Also, it's the best place in the world to study public health, with unlimited resources in every discipline.
"I want to help identify, prevent, and mitigate environmental hazards so that people are not unknowingly exposed to risks that could harm them in the long run."
What is your favorite thing about living in Baltimore?
Baltimore is the first city I've lived in since coming to this country, and the best part about it is the wonderful people I've met—my friends, colleagues, fellow students, and my incredibly supportive and brilliant advisor and mentor. I also love running from my home to the Inner Harbor on sunny days. It's one of my favorite ways to enjoy the city.
What has been the highlight of your experience so far?
Recently, I presented a poster on using artificial intelligence to identify medical misdiagnoses, and it was incredibly exciting! Beyond the research itself, one of my biggest highlights has been overcoming the challenges of my first year. The transition was tough with language barriers, cultural differences, and new social dynamics, but I'm glad I pushed through, and things are only getting better.
What advice do you have for prospective students interested in joining the EHE community?
Don't just stick to your circle. Always be kind and open-minded. The Bloomberg School is home to many international students from diverse backgrounds, and they'll be thrilled to know you're interested in learning about their cultures.
What are your interests outside of your studies?
Photography, running, meditation, and freediving!
Environmental Health and Engineering is a cross-divisional department spanning the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Whiting School of Engineering. This hybrid department is uniquely designed to lead pioneering research and prepare the next generation of scholars and professionals to solve critical and complex environmental issues. Learn more about our programs.
