Student Ambassador: Madison Dunn

Madison Dunn posing for a picture

Why did you choose to attend Tulane?

I chose to attend Tulane WSPH because it felt like the right fit both personally and academically. Being close to home in New Orleans was important to me, I've always loved the city and its sense of familiarity and community. Graduate school applications can be expensive, and among the programs I was accepted to, Tulane offered the most substantial academic funding, which played a big role in my decision. Tulane's strong reputation for academic excellence, student support, and leadership development also stood out to me. When I researched the program, I found the curriculum to be both rigorous and directly aligned with my career goals. My interview experience further confirmed my decision. The conversation felt genuine and welcoming, leaving me confident that Tulane was the right place for me!

What's your dream job?

I'm not entirely sure what my exact path will look like yet, but that's part of why I'm here, to learn more about the different directions I can take in the field of public health. Tulane does an amazing job of showing just how multifaceted the degree is, and I've already learned so much new information that's expanded the way I think about health, leadership, and community impact. What I do know is that I want to make a real difference with the work I do. I'm passionate about creating better systems for underrepresented communities and ensuring that everyone's voice is heard when it comes to their health and well-being. Ultimately, my goal is to become the President of a hospital, where I can help shape policies, promote equity, and lead with empathy. I want to build an environment where both patients and healthcare workers feel valued, supported, and seen. Wherever my journey in public health takes me, I hope to leave a legacy of positive change and inclusion.

What advice would you give someone thinking about getting a degree in public health?

If you're thinking about getting a degree in public health, my biggest piece of advice is to really remember why you're drawn to it. With the current state of the world, it can be easy to feel discouraged about the public health field. There's so much happening; crises, inequities, and challenges that sometimes feel too big to solve. But that's exactly why this field needs passionate, driven people who care enough to make a difference. This field teaches you how to look beyond yourself and focus on the bigger picture. It's not always easy, but it's meaningful work that allows you to touch lives in ways you might not even realize. Whether your passion lies in health equity, policy, global health, or community engagement, there's space for you here. So, lean into your curiosity, stay true to your purpose, and keep your why close, it will remind you, especially on the hard days, that the work you're doing truly matters.

Any hobbies, interests, etc. outside of public health?

Reading, shopping, trying new foods, traveling, cooking, true crime & graphic design.

What is the best thing about being a student at Tulane thus far?

Honestly, one of my favorite things is people's reactions when I tell them I go to Tulane, their immediate response is always something like, Oh wow, you must be really smart!(and I can't lie, it never gets old!). But beyond that, what really makes Tulane special is the people. The faculty and staff here are incredibly supportive and genuinely invested in your success. They're always willing to offer guidance, share insight, and help you grow both academically and personally. And of course, the networking opportunities are amazing. You meet people from all different backgrounds who are passionate about making a difference, and those connections can open doors you didn't even know existed.

Visit my LinkedIn.