Tyanna Stewart ‘24, a first-generation student, always harbored a passion for health care but initially lacked a specific career goal. She was attracted to the University of Hartford, where she had the chance to explore various opportunities. Engaging actively in campus clubs and organizations, Tyanna discovered her calling in community-based health care, prompting her to declare a major in health sciences within the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP), with a minor in psychology.
A pivotal moment for Tyanna occurred during her involvement in a community service day as a member of The Women’s Advancement Initiative’s LEAD program, inspiring her pursuit of public health. Grateful for the support from ENHP and dedicated professors, she now feels well-prepared for both graduate school and the workforce. “The ENHP school’s health-science curriculum is great. The emphasis on health-care concepts and lab sciences makes it so that students have a broader array of career options,” she says.
Tyanna singles out two ENHP faculty members for their instrumental role in her success. Associate Professor of Health Sciences Claudia Oakes facilitated connections with current and former students in her field, provided information on internship and fellowship opportunities, and offered countless words of encouragement. Linda Dahlin, Department of Health Sciences chair, also had a major impact. “All of my professors have been wonderful mentors,” Tyanna says, “but Professor Dahlin really stands out. I had her for two classes, and her interactive teaching style is my favorite. I can tell that she enjoys her job and cares about her students. Her assignments have prepared me for graduate school and the workforce.”
Beyond the classroom, Tyanna fully embraced her UHart experience by participating in alumni panel sessions, networking events, and activities hosted by the Career Studio. “I think having those interactions not only encourages students like me, but it gives us a networking opportunity that could lead to something greater like a job or internship opportunity,” she says.
Tyanna's engagement extended to serving as an intern for The Women’s Advancement Initiative and a public health fellow at the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District. Her fellowship experience, including the development of a public-health intervention for implementation in the spring, solidified her passion for public health. “This fellowship experience has helped me prepare for my future in public health by confirming this work as my passion, giving me the daily experience of what this work entails, and exposing me to the tasks and expectations of someone in this role,” Tyanna says.
After graduation, she plans to pursue a Master of Public Health degree and continue her involvement with local community organizations through volunteering. Tyanna’s journey at UHart, combined with help from her family, has equipped her with the skills, experiences, and passion needed to make a meaningful impact in the field of public health.
Tyanna Stewart ‘24, Health Sciences, College of Education, Nursing and Health ProfessionsThis fellowship experience has helped me prepare for my future in public health by confirming this work as my passion, giving me the daily experience of what this work entails, and exposing me to the tasks and expectations of someone in this role,