Josh Dalmann

As an MPH student, I was fortunate to contribute to student experiences and to communities across the lands where I have lived and grown up.

As the MPH Student Representative, I brought forward feedback to enhance the program experience and encourage student-faculty dialogue. Working closely with faculty on the Professional Programs and Accreditation Committee, we advanced initiatives to incorporate student midterm feedback processes, smooth the flow of the practicum experience, and support elective selection availability. This role gave me the chance to help shape a program I feel grateful to be part of and remain committed to improving for future students.

During my summer practicum with SFU BREATHE, I applied what I learned in real community settings, delivering DIY air cleaner workshops across BC, from New Westminster to the Samahquam and Wuikinuxv Nations. This work showed me how powerful public health interventions can be when they are practical, accessible, culturally relevant, and designed with community needs in mind. It was a privilege to support climate resilience efforts in the regions that shaped me, and I am excited to continue this work.

This year highlighted how fortunate I am to learn, contribute, and grow within the SFU community.

Nicholas Purcell

2025 wasn't a straight line, and I’m grateful for it. In the Public Health & Data concentration, I was pushed to think differently about how public health ideas become real policies, programs, and interventions. FHS professors and staff played a big part in that growth, and their guidance is what ultimately encouraged me to pursue the Public Policy minor and take my interest in administrative-level work to the next level.

Some of my most meaningful learning happened outside the classroom. Serving on SFU Senate’s University Board on Student Discipline taught me a lot about responsibility and fair decision-making, while my Directed Research on planetary health case-based learning gave me a glimpse into what academic work can look like when it’s connected to real-world change. I also wrapped up my VP board roles with HSUSU and PPSA after two years, inspired by their passion and reminded of how much can be accomplished when students nurture community.

As I look toward a future in health administration, the biggest lesson I’m taking with me is simple: you don’t need to have everything figured out. Being open to unexpected opportunities moved me forward more than any perfectly planned path ever could have. Uncertainty is still uncomfortable, yet it has shaped my direction in ways I would trade for nothing.