A Transfer Student and Proud
Public Health Science major and graduating senior Setareh Harsamizadeh Tehrani has taken fellow transfer students under her wing.
By Catherine Joy ’23
Setareh Harsamizadeh Tehrani ’23 studied Biology at her community college, but decided to switch to Public Health after she transferred to Santa Clara, realizing she was much more interested in the social determinants of health rather than its micro-level implications. Tehrani explains, “Public Health really aligns well with my personal values, and I love that the main goal is to prevent health conditions at a population level.”
On campus, Tehrani is involved in the prestigious Valeriote Goldman Public Health Leadership Program—an annual program partnering SCU Public Health students with local non-profit leaders for fellowship, dialogue, and experiential learning. Additionally, she has served as a mentor to fellow transfer students.
Before she graduates this spring, we were able to hear more about Tehrani’s experience as a transfer student in the Public Health department. Learn about her advice for fellow Broncos and her public health capstone project in this Q&A!
What advice would you give to those considering majoring in public health?
First of all, you will love the Public Health department! My advice is to connect with your professors because every public health faculty member is very caring, and they really want you to succeed. Go to their office hours, or make appointments with them because they can absolutely help you with any questions you might have!
Tell us about your senior capstone project!
In my public health capstone class, we worked to bring a Naloxone vending machine to campus, which is located in the Benson Memorial Center basement near the KSCU radio studio. Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, and can be lifesaving. Santa Clara is one of the few universities in the nation to have this resource for students. As a public health major, I truly believe in harm reduction. I want to give a special thanks to Jamie Chang, an Assistant Professor in the Public Health department, for all of her advocacy and for helping our capstone class with this project. It is so exciting to be part of something that will save someone's life!
What advice would you give to fellow transfer students?
Try your best not to take too many classes in your first quarter because it takes a little bit of time to get used to the pace of the quarter system at SCU, especially if you come from a semester system. Also, remember to be proud of the fact that you are a transfer student, because I know the educational path of many transfer students has been non-traditional. Remember to give yourself credit for all the things you have accomplished so far!
Tehrani is interested in youth mental health advocacy, and is hoping to find a position related to that field within the county government or at a nonprofit organization after graduation. She plans to eventually pursue a masters in public health.