Jeannine Ho

Public Health master's student in the Faculty of Health Sciences

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

Hello, my name is Jeannine, and my pronouns are she/her. I am a second-generation Vietnamese settler and the first person to attend university in my family, which has shaped my research and work to creating equitable opportunities in health, research, and education. Currently, I’m pursuing my Master of Public Health and work as a Research Coordinator on a RCT that is developing community-based mental health support, addresses stigma and access to services in Vietnam, and changes national policies and funding towards mental health. I fundamentally believe that healthcare is a human right for all, and that belief drives me to pursue work that not only improves access, but also challenge policies and inequities within our institutions. With my research, I prioritize working alongside communities to find sustainable solutions that meets their needs to avoid imposing Western-colonial ideologies and systems.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

SFU and the Faculty of Health Sciences has been my home for 6 years and counting! I am proud to be a student here because of SFU’s strong emphasis on social justice, innovative pedagogies, and community engagement. I feel inspired everyday from my professors and colleagues, who are truly changing the healthcare landscape and challenging the status quo. Being at SFU has opened countless opportunities for working alongside communities, growth, networking, and advancing my research towards equity.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

Empowers local communities and improves access to mental health care in Vietnam. An innovative intervention that is highly specific to local contexts. Strengthens diplomacy between Vietnam and Canada. Fills a major treatment gap with potential to expand to other low- and middle-income countries.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Digital mental health, Equity-informed, and Sustainably Strengthens Local Communities and Skills

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

Working as a Research Coordinator alongside community, researchers, doctors, and scholars from all over the world has tremendously provided me with purpose, professional and personal development, mentorship, and life direction. It is such a privilege to be in the same room and hear from so many unique perspectives. Being a TA has allowed me to connect with students and contribute to building the SFU community. I realized that I am a teacher at heart. I love teaching. I am constantly analyzing course structure and deliverables, even in my own classes as a student, and how we can improve student learning outcomes. This year, I received the TA Teaching Excellence Award!

Outside of academics, I’m the President of the Canadian Blood Services Club and Founder of the Partners in Health Club at SFU. I lead initiatives that promote health equity, increase blood donations and diversity in Canada’s stem cell registry, and create conditions for systemic change through policy advocacy. I appreciate the opportunity to network with so many students across all faculties outside of the FHS while giving back to the community that I grew up in.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

Tadesuz Specht Major Entrance Scholarship, Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Entrance Scholarship, Judy Graves Graduate Scholarship, Janes Corbett Community Health Practice Graduate Award, One World Scholarship, BC Premier International Scholarship, SFU Seniors Lifelong Learners Society Award, SFU Joseph Lee Family Award, and Patrick Morawski Award for Ethical Engagement.

Since I am the first person in my family to attend university, I had to work really hard to support myself and rely on scholarships. I am extremely grateful to live in a society that supports students like me, and I look forward to giving back when I am in a position to do so.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

What I’ve recognized is that relationships, trust, and local knowledge are just as important as " scientific evidence". This has made me more attentive to equity, more comfortable with uncertainty, and committed to working alongside local communities. This is something I hope to carry into my future career in medicine.

I've also learned that it's okay (and expected) to make mistakes along your graduate journey, but remember to take accountability, maintain a growth mindset, and embrace learning from every experience!

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

When building connections and working with communities outside of academia, it's important to establish trust and reciprocity from the start, and recognize that this takes time. I am mindful of my own privileges and positionality as a researcher within institutions shaped by Western ideologies. Research has historically been extractive and exploitative with little benefit to communities. Instead we must always engage in ways that promote mutual reciprocity.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

I think it's important to maintain your identity outside of academia. Remember to nurture your own interests and hobbies. Put down the phone and make sure to have screen-free breaks throughout the day. Also, practicing daily gratitude will help ground you and keep you focused!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Make mistakes, say YES to the opportunities that challenge you, embrace the journey, and have fun along the way - things will go by quickly!

Contact Jeannine:jeannine_ho@sfu.ca

Additional Links

• LinkedIn