December 2019
Jasmine Bell
BA International Studies (Global Environment and Health); BA Spanish ‘17
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
University of Michigan Affiliations: Maternal Child Health Student Association, Global Scholars Program, GIEU, Global Course Connection (GCC), Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training (MHIRT) Program, Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST), CGIS Ambassador, Comprehensive Studies Program, Program on Intergroup Relations
“My international studies major paved the way for current career path. After graduating, I went into my graduate program. I received my master's in public health where I studied health behavior and health education, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health. Throughout my graduate studies, I had the opportunity to focus in on my research interest in global health and maternal health both inside and outside of the classroom. I've had the opportunity to work under esteem faculty, and lead within various organizations. I also completed my practicum training in rural Ghana, where I researched community based surveillance as an approach to maternal mortality measurement.
Currently I am a research project manager with Michigan Medicine working in the obstetrics and gynecology department generally researching sexual health and infectious disease. In my project manager role, I am able to serve many marginalized communities, by connecting them to health care services.
Many students often ask what can you do with an international studies major. It sounds cheesy, but I often find myself asking what can't you do with an international studies degree. I've received offers to work with the government at the federal level, the global nonprofit sector, and the institutional level. These are my testaments, but my PICS classmates are also doing incredible work in policy, finance, health care, and advocacy to name a few areas a PICS degree can take you.
Having a PICS degree was more than just a means to an end. It establishes your network of future leaders, it's a degree that teaches you cultural humility, and forces you to see the world outside of your perimeter. I gained invaluable skills in global health, health care research, and inclusivity. The opportunities that I've gained from my degree are invaluable.”
