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 born to Vietnamese refugees. I'm 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 Global Health RCT that addresses access to mental health services in Vietnam (the AIM-DiV Project). I fundamentally believe that healthcare is a human right for all. 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 very inspired in each lecture learning from my professors, who are truly changing the healthcare landscape and challenging the status quo. Being at SFU has opened countless opportunities for growth, networking, and advancing my professional interests. 

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

My research improves access to mental health care in Vietnam. An innovative intervention specific to local contexts. First-of-its-kind. 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, Global health, Sustainably strengthening local systems 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 20+ researchers, doctors, and scholars from all over the world who are the top in their fields has tremendously provided me with professional development skills, mentorship, and career 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)?

In academia, networking and professional conduct is important. But alongside this, I also believe in maintaining authenticity and staying true to your values. Let your voice be heard even if it shakes. Mistakes are also to be expected during your graduate journey, 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. Historically, research has often been extractive and exploitative, providing little benefit to communities. We must avoid perpetuating this cycle and work to engage in ways that promote equity and reciprocity.

Within academia, I always try my best to attend and show up authentically to all events and conferences whenever I can (even outside the FHS) to support my colleagues. Take a genuine interest in others and approach relations with sincerity. Your energy really matters too. I believe if you practice self-care (however that looks), it naturally and positively reflects in how you engage with others.

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

Having an identity outside of academia is important. Nurture your hobbies and interests. Put down the phone and make sure to have screen-free breaks throughout the day. Also, practicing daily gratitude will really ground you and help 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