Yung-Hsin Liu

Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences '27

October 26, 2026

Why did you choose Rollins? And why did you decide to study BSHES with an MCH Certificate?

Rollins stood out to me for its strong emphasis on community-engaged research and a collaborative learning culture. Coming directly from undergrad in Taiwan, I recognized that addressing maternal and child health requires looking beyond numbers alone; it demands a deep understanding of social determinants, community context, and behavioral dynamics. In Taiwan, structured program or academic resource in maternal and child health are relatively rare, and my undergraduate training was heavily quantitative. I deliberately chose BSHES with an MCH Certificate to bridge that gap, combining qualitative and mixed-methods research with behavioral theories to design and evaluate interventions that support underserved women, children, and families.

What is or was your favorite experience at Rollins (academic or non-academic)?

It is the inclusive, collaborative community. Whether collaborating on team projects, engaging in thoughtful classroom discussions, or unwinding after school, people here are supportive. One of my most meaningful experiences has been with the Rollins Queer/Trans Collaborative (QTC), which provides a safe, welcoming, and empowering space for students to connect and recharge. The overall atmosphere at Rollins strikes a great balance between academic rigor and a warm, down-to-earth vibe, and grabbing a coffee from Dancing Goats always makes my day!

Could you talk about your summer Practicum experience?

For my Practicum, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Julie Gazmararian on evaluating the implementation of school-based cell phone ban policies in middle and high school. Supported by the Hogue-Hargraves Scholarship, this project allowed me to apply both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess policies and their broader or longer impacts from staffs, students, and parents’ perspectives. It was an invaluable opportunity to translate the research skills I learned from class into actionable insights within school health.

What advice do you have for current first years and future MCH Certificate students?

Take a deep breath and give yourself grace. Graduate school can feel intense, especially during the first semester, but remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Rollins has an incredibly supportive network—reach out to professors, connect with peers, ask for help whenever you need it, and make sure to carve out time to enjoy the journey!

What do you enjoy doing most outside of public health?

Outside of school, I love game nights with friends, especially Mario Kart and Overcooked. I’m also a big fan of GeoGuessr for geography puzzles and enjoy planting flowers on Pikmin Bloom.