Women in STEM: Samantha Lie-Tjauw, Biology and Public Health

Samantha Lie-Tjauw earned her Master’s in Public Health from Emory University and her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Georgia. Here she shares a little about her career and the inspiration behind it.

What is your specific area of STEM?
Biology and Public Health

How would you explain your STEM field to young girls? 
Public Health is understanding the important role each of us play in keeping ourselves and each other happy and healthy.

What traits might a child possess that may indicate an interest or aptitude for your STEM field? 
Interest in puzzles, numbers, putting things together and taking them apart, the natural world around them, always asking questions, etc.

What did you know about your STEM field when you were a child? 
I did not know anything about my STEM field until college. However in regards to biology - I thought it was the study of the natural world around and all parts of it.
 
Why did you choose your STEM field? Were you inspired by someone?
I had a formative experience in Guatemala that opened my eyes to the importance of community health and the opportunity that preventative care could play in wellness and joy.

What are some really cool things that people in your profession work on? 
We get to meet all different types of people and build relationship with them. We get to do ANYTHING because public health is everywhere - teach, work in a lab, travel the world, speak different languages, help people AND animals, etc.

What inspirational message would you give young girls to inspire them to pursue STEM? 
Any STEM field allows you to explore and exploring is one of the greatest joys in life. Get out there and get to know the world around you!
 
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Thank you for contributing, Samantha!

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