What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the Industrial Hygiene program?

I was an environmental impact assessment engineer (EPA consultant) in Beijing, China after getting my Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering at the Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2009. During my three years working there, I participated in several projects across different industries in evaluating their environmental feasibility. For example, I had experience on evaluating the electromagnetic levels near 110kV substations as well as the oil mist level in a metal-cutting setting.

What made you interested in the field of Industrial Hygiene?

Being an EPA consultant with an engineering background for several years in China, I had gained experience in anticipating, recognizing, evaluating environmental issues. Meanwhile, it became clear to me that exposure assessment and modeling were the areas that I wanted to focus in. Industrial hygiene (IH) is an exciting field to me and could provide me many job opportunities upon graduation.

What made you choose the University of Minnesota?

Our university is located in the metropolitan area near downtown Minneapolis. The beautiful Mississippi river crosses through our big campus. Meanwhile, the IH program here has always been on the top among the nation. So the University of Minnesota was an ideal place for me to go.

What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program?

Since our IH program is very rigorous but well-recognized among the nation, the most exciting thing for me is that I may have multiply options upon graduation. For example, on one hand, I believe that the courses and practices I am working on are practical and adequate for me to find a decent job in IH. On the other hand, the research opportunities I am participating in right now could definitely open a window for me to become a PhD student in the future.

What would you say to a student considering the program?

If you love IH and are willing to start your career in this field, the IH program at our university may be your best choice! Here, you will get systematic training via our ABET-accredited program. Here, you will get many internship opportunities from multinational companies, academia and government. Here, you will have chance to work with many great experts on some leading edge research projects. Here, there are many young people like you who are willing to share their experiences with you. Welcome to our IH family!

What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the IH/Hazardous Substances Academic Training program?

I received a medical degree in China and worked for the China CDC as a researcher in risk assessment. I also have an MS degree in environmental health focusing on exposure science.

What made you interested in the field?

I had a broad educational and work experience in medicine, exposure and risk assessment, and toxicity before getting into the IH program. Industrial Hygiene is a diverse and dynamic discipline; thus I would have more opportunities to develop my own research interests.

What made you choose the University of Minnesota?

The IH program at the University of Minnesota has great reputation among IH professionals. There is also a lot funding provided through the program.

What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program?

I would like to pursue an academic career in Occupational Health or Industrial Hygiene.

What would you say to a student considering the program?

The IH program offers more than I expected. Faculty members are very helpful and inspiring. There are tons of activities during the academic year that give great opportunities to practice your expertise in both academic and industrial settings. The experience I have had here has prepared me well for an academic career.