Javeria Khan (Health Studies, 2025) took the time to answer a few questions for us. Thank you Javeria for sharing your story!

Tell us about yourself and what led you to UWB:

I’m a public health graduate from the University of Washington Bothell with a strong interest in health equity and community health. I chose UWB because of its emphasis on community-based learning and its diverse, supportive environment. I wanted an education that would help me understand not just health outcomes, but the underlying social and structural factors behind them.

How has your coursework helped you find your career or educational pathway?

My coursework helped me clearly identify my focus on health equity. Through my classes, I learned how systemic barriers, policies, and social determinants impact access to care and health outcomes. That understanding shaped my goal to work in roles that address inequities and improve access for underserved communities.

Share a memorable course or learning experience:

One of my most memorable courses was Intro to Epidemiology and Health Policies. It shifted my perspective by helping me see health at a population level and understand how data and policy intersect. It also made me more aware of disparities in health outcomes and strengthened my interest in equity-focused work.

What are your future plans/goals or how are you currently using your degree?

After completing my fieldwork, I got a job at the Washington West African Center, which reflects my passion for working directly with communities. I’m also working as a utilization management coordinator at UnitedHealthcare, where I apply what I learned in my Intro to Health Policy class especially around how coverage decisions and systems impact access to care. Moving forward, I want to continue working in roles that focus on reducing health disparities and advancing equity in healthcare systems.

Was there a faculty, staff, or student service that had a positive impact on your success?

Faculty members had a strong positive impact on my experience. They were approachable, supportive, and encouraged critical thinking, especially around real-world public health challenges. Their guidance helped me build confidence and stay engaged throughout my academic journey.

Did you feel UWB has helped you envision how you can take your work in the classroom and put it into direct practice with community organizations?

Yes, UWB played a big role in helping me connect classroom learning to real-world impact. My fieldwork experience allowed me to apply public health concepts directly in community settings, which led to my current role. It showed me how equity-focused work can be put into practice in meaningful ways.