Archer Ward, a Master of Public Health (MPH) student from Eagle, Idaho, is a Boise State Bronco through and through. From his undergraduate degree in Health Science Studies, to his Data-Driven Decision-Making MPH — Ward also works full time as the recruiter for the School of Nursing.
During his time as an undergraduate, Ward was an orientation leader and coordinator in the New Student Transition and Family Connections Office and a peer adviser with the College of Health Sciences.
Continuing to make the most of his Boise State experience, Ward began exploring graduate programs and was drawn to the Master of Public Health degree. The variety that comes with doing public health work, he says, is what he has enjoyed most.
“I have learned so much about the numerous ways public health impacts our lives and I think the courses in the program reflect that,” Ward said. “Everything from epidemiology to public health finance, all are important and contribute to the facilitation of public health.”
In addition to his studies and full time job, Ward flexed his research skills by writing a thesis under the guidance of the School of Public and Population Health’s Dr. Megan Smith, Dr. Anne Abbott and Dr. Taylor Neher.
“Nothing elevated my learning more than applying what I was learning to a real project,” Ward said. “I now have a great appreciation for research, even though it was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
Ward’s thesis — Adolescent Developmental Domains: Examining Risk and Protective Factors in Loneliness — examines the patterns of association between risk and protective factors in key developmental domains on adolescent loneliness. Ward presented his research in March and shared his findings at the Graduate Student Showcase where he received a College of Health Sciences Showcase Award.
Abbott, one of Ward’s mentors, said Ward’s thesis helped demonstrate the importance of relationships and support on young people’s overall social experiences and connectedness
“This is important research particularly given how much of the current youth mental health crisis is driven by young people’s lack of supportive and meaningful connections,” Abbott said.
While Ward’s health background began with his undergraduate degree, he attributes his graduate student experience to his outlook on and passion for public health.
“I came into the program with the idea of learning how to do the most good for the most people,” Ward said. “I am leaving with real experience, knowledge and new ideas on how I actually want to contribute to public health going forward.”