In the How I chose my major series, we showcase the academic paths CSU students have taken, and students tell their stories in their own words. Read on to meet Abby, a graduate of the Biomedical Sciences major and learn how she decided it was the perfect path for her college career and far beyond.
When I was younger, I used to wonder just how crazy it was that we don’t get to choose the situation we’re born into — but how it can completely shape our health and future.
Growing up, I wanted to be everything: An astronaut, a rock band member, a park ranger, a veterinarian, and maybe even something in medicine. I knew I liked science, so I started college in Biomedical Sciences, thinking it would cover all my interests.
At first, I was in the Anatomy and Physiology concentration within the major, planning for medical school. I loved learning how the human body works, but I also had other passions — like international development, disease prevention, and being outdoors. One day, I took an Environmental Health class on a whim, and it completely changed how I saw the world. I thought it would be about climate change, but it was really about how things like pollution, unsafe housing, and access to clean water affect people’s health — especially in communities that are already struggling.
That’s when I switched my concentration in Biomedical Sciences to Environmental Public Health (EPH). I still got to learn about human health, but I also studied the bigger picture: how our environment, from the air we breathe to the cities we live in, impacts our well-being. Thanks to EPH, I got to study abroad in Mexico researching international water quality, and even intern with hazardous materials (yes, I wore a full hazmat suit). I also presented at an official environmental health conference, sharing how young people can push for better public health and climate policies.
The EPH program was small but tight knit: I met some of my best friends there, and my professors were super supportive. I could always grab coffee with them to chat about my future, my struggles, or just life in general.
Honestly, I still don’t know exactly what I want to be when I grow up, but EPH gave me the confidence to explore different paths. After graduation, I joined the Peace Corps and now live in Botswana, helping patients and kids with life skills and HIV prevention!
If you’re passionate about both people and the environment, concentrating in Environmental Public Health within the Biomedical Sciences major will open the door to so many career options. Stay open to different paths — you never know where they’ll take you. Who knows? You might find yourself working in public health on the other side of the world!
About the author
Abby Waller is a CSU grad who studied Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Public Health. She was an Admissions Ambassador on campus and enjoyed hiking, snowboarding, and spending way too much money on concert tickets in Fort Collins! She is currently serving as a community health volunteer in both Mozambique and Botswana.
