The New Hampshire Public Health Association (NHPHA) has selected Emily Bear '18 to serve as the student representative to its Board of Directors for the 2017-2018 term.

Bear, a public health major from Colchester, Conn., applied to serve as student representative after Associate Professor of Nursing & Public Health and Director of the Public Health Program Shari Goldberg recommended the opportunity.

Established in 1990, the NHPHA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help strengthen the state’s public health system to improve health, prevent disease and to reduce healthcare costs for all.

“The NHPHA has a long-standing relationship with many New Hampshire academic institutions, and it places incredibly high value on supporting the professional development of tomorrow's public health workforce,” said Katie Robert, president of the NHPHA. "We feel strongly about the critical perspective students and young professionals give to our work and are excited to welcome Emily to the board as our student representative."

As the student representative, Bear attends monthly meetings, offers valuable input from her perspective on ongoing public health issues and votes on initiatives presented to the board.

“I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve on the NHPHA Board of Directors, as it offers me a unique chance to engage in the public health field while learning from experienced members of this field,” said Bear. “I'm sure it will prove to be both a valuable addition to my Colby-Sawyer education as well as to my professional endeavors after I graduate.”

Among her many public health interests, Emily is drawn to the issues of substance abuse and maternal and child health. She is completing an internship this summer at Hope for NH Recovery, an addiction recovery network.

“We are delighted to have Emily represent the Public Health program and Colby-Sawyer College in her role as the student representative to the NH Public Health Association's Board of Directors,” said Professor Goldberg. “Emily's appointment to the board continues to strengthen our partnership with this state-wide organization and provide opportunities for our students to engage in population health improvement efforts.”