Name: Jenny Schrum
Graduation Year: 2015
Additional or Previous Degrees: MSW, PhD
Briefly describe your current role as a public health practitioner: Research and Evaluation Manager for the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate (first state level food security office in the country). I work to identify best practices in food security efforts and foster collaboration between government, community, and academia.
Why did you choose GW's Milken Institute School of Public Health for your public health education? I was working for a local non-profit (Horton's Kids) and was excited to develop program design and evaluation skills for health promotion efforts within community.
What skills from your public health degree do you apply in your work today? I use my public health degree every day. Building comprehensive well thought out programs with specific outcomes is a skill I rely on frequently. My favorite tool will always be a well done logic model!
Tell us about your recent dissertation: My dissertation is titled "Self-determination theory and food insecurity: a mixed methods study of a client choice food pantry". It explored how a food pantry offering food choice and having welcoming, supportive, pantry staff related to positive well-being and food security.
Tell us about your Practicum experience: My practicum was with the DC Diaper Bank. I interviewed their partner agencies and supported the design of a feedback and evaluation system. The DC Diaper Bank does amazing work and I am so grateful to have been involved at a point of growth for them.
What advice would you give to the next generation of public health practitioners? The beauty of public health is its broad application. There is important work to be done and so many creative ways to do it. Learn from each other and work with community - that is a perfect recipe.