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Dylan Barker

  • Class

    Class of 2024

  • Program

    Multidisciplinary Studies in Public Health, Political Science, and Anthropology ( Office of General Studies )

  • Hometown

    Madison, MS (South)

  • Involvement

    Service and Community Engagement

  • About

    Hello, I'm Dylan Barker, and I'm thrilled to be a part of the School of Applied Sciences student ambassador program. As a senior graduating this May, I'm excited to share my journey and experiences with fellow students and prospective members of our University. After completing my undergraduate studies, I'm considering the pursuit of a Master's in Public Health, driven by my interest to make positive changes to population health and well-being. Public Health is on the rise academically and professionally as the nation and the world look to invest in public health infrastructure. I'm open to discussing the nuances of this field, so feel free to reach out if you're interested in this path. Outside of my academics you can find me trying to maintain a routine in the campus gym or more likely watching Disney movies with a ton of popcorn, but I'm always down to grab some dinner at one of the local restaurants on the square with some of my friends. If you have any questions about student life, academics, or just want to chat about some of the experiences waiting for you at our university, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to make your Ole Miss experience as rewarding as possible.
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Portrait of Dylan Barker.

When and why did you choose your major/minor?

I declared myself as a multidisciplinary studies major because it gives me the freedom and ability to curate my own academic pathway. During winter break of my junior year I found the public health minor on the ole miss website and immediately declared this as my third minor because public health combines my interest in global diplomacy with my desire to learn and understand more about the social, economic, environmental and political influences on the lives of populations. Public Health is giving me the tools and skills necessary to become an advocate for change.

What are your career goals?

I am interested in global health, and my goal is to work with international organizations, NGOs, and governmental agencies to address international health challenges.

What has been a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community? (Either on or off campus?

I work with Project SCORE, an after school program led by faculty from the pharmacy school and undergraduate students to educate high school students in health sciences. We work closely with the kids to teach them about public health and mentor them as they prepare for college.

What do you like to do outside of school (hobbies/interests)?

Cooking is a big passion of mine. I worked as a prep chef for a few years and it taught me a lot about experimenting with food. Now one of my favorite things is to get my produce fresh at the farmers market, and I spend hours every Sunday prepping meals for the week.

What are you binge watching/reading/listening to?

Suits on Netflix is played every single day in my household at the moment. When it's on there is nothing else getting accomplished.

What is your favorite place to eat in Oxford?

Jinsei has the best drinks, appetizers, and atmosphere any night of the week

What are some dream travel destinations (and why?)

I want to see La Sagrada Familia in Spain. It’s the world's largest catholic church that has been under construction for almost 200 years and it is on my bucket list of things to see

What’s your favorite place to study on or off campus and why?

There is a study area in the Turner Center that sits above the indoor pool with huge beanbags. It’s my favorite because not too many people use it and there's always more than enough space to study (or take naps).

Why is your department a special place?

The public Health department is special because it is an up and coming department that is full of motivated staff that are willing and eager to mentor and train their students to be prepared for a career in the field. The faculty and staff have truly been some of the most inspiring people to me.

What are your 3 favorite things about your major/department at UM?

  1. The variety and depth of subjects that are taught: from environmental and global health to epidemiology and program planning, the courses offered in the public health department are made to suit anyone that is interested in the field.
  2. The faculty: There is such an amazing pool of professionals and experts in the field that are more than willing to share their knowledge and experiences
  3. The opportunies: The public health major requires a pracBcum that provides students the opportunity to work in public health related fields during undergraduate studies. This helps to build networks and opportuniBes for students so that they can get an idea of how to work in the field they are studying.