Meet School of Public and Population Health Assistant Teaching Professor Andrea Hill:
What originally encouraged you to teach and work in public health?
I love that public health combines understanding the contexts of how and where we live with the strategies that best support our ability to thrive. I was initially trained as a dietitian and enjoyed that work. Adding a public health focus to my professional life has allowed for a beautiful journey of better understanding communities, people, individuals, and the issues we all face as we try to live our healthiest lives.
What brought you to Boise State University?
I wanted to work with people and causes that inspire me. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to grow professionally in my community engagement work and spend time helping students think more expansively in classroom environments.
What course or topic are you most excited to teach and why?
I teach a general nutrition class and am eager to help students consider the many factors that impact our ability to eat for pleasure and good health. All too often,I think that we judge ourselves and others’ food choices without considering the many issues impacting those choices. I hope that I can help students think more expansively about what goes into those food choices, as well as other public health issues, and that this exploration will inspire students to think more creatively about strategies to help communities and populations live healthier lives.
What research or project (current or future) are you excited about and why?
In addition to teaching, I work in community engagement with Communities for Youth. I am very eager to figure out the best ways to help adults identify and mobilize themselves as trusted adults for young people within their communities.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
I love to cook and eat delicious food. Whether it’s trying out a new recipe or cuisine, chopping up vegetables for a soup or salad, or building a cheese board, I enjoy making good food and sharing it with others. I also really love to play games, walk on the Greenbelt, and travel.