Marrakech Maxwell, Environmental Studies and Public Affairs double major, is the 2022 recipient of the College of Arts and Sciences Le Roux Leadership Award. The award recognizes the graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, shown academic excellence and performed significant service to the College. The recipient personifies, in character and in action, the qualities of a liberal education, which constitute the "spirit" of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Isabel Gilbertson, was selected as a U.S. Student Fulbright Research Finalist for a fellowship in Vietnam for the 2022-2023 academic year, where she will conduct COVID-19 behavioral health research in Vietnam at the Hanoi University of Public Health.
“Being awarded a Fulbright means so much to me because it acknowledges my public health work, service to my community and excellence in academic work,” says Gilbertson. “More than anything, this award honors my research and ongoing commitment to help answer important public health questions that will impact past and future generations.”
During the pandemic, Gilbertson noticed behavioral health changes in herself and others from increased anxiety to hopelessness. “I knew I had the tools and skills as an experienced researcher and psychology student to help examine new health patterns, so I joined a research group under Dr. Kira Mauseth that conducted COVID-19 behavioral health research at the Washington State Department of Health.”
During that time, Gilbertson became interested in the long-term impact of COVID-19 on different populations. “The questions that arose from this experience guided my interest in international research and my Fulbright research grant proposal.”
As a graduate of SU’s Honors Program: Society, Policy and Citizenship, Gilbertson says she “was fortunate to receive a strong foundation in social science with an emphasis in social justice. Being a double major, I was able to learn about health from an individual and systemic perspective and different public health systems and programs in the U.S. and abroad.”
Addressing public and social problems requires an integrated approach. As a Seattle University Public Affairs student, you will build a solid base in the theories of leadership, economics, public policy, management and finance to prepare you to take action for social change.
The flexible Public Affairs curriculum allows you to concentrate in a specific area of study. The concentrations build upon the CORE Public Affairs curriculum and prepare you to develop your specific field of interest. You can choose one of the established concentrations or work with your advisor to create your own.
Concentrations include:
Enrich your classroom experience through internships, research, experiential learning and study abroad opportunities that prepare you for a career that promotes a just and humane world.