Linda Koh, PhD 2022, MS, RN, PHN

Would you like to share anything about your background, where you grew up?

I am originally from Southern California, but have also lived in Michigan, Colorado, Texas, Italy, Denmark, and Ukraine.

What inspired you to become a nurse?

From an early age, my father encouraged me to pursue a degree in healthcare because of the opportunity to give back to the community and help others during some of life’s most challenging situations. However, I loved reading and had a strong interest in pursuing a degree in a foreign language or literature. In between my sophomore and junior year of undergrad, while studying for my BA in English, I taught English in Kyiv, Ukraine. During that time, I observed a need in communities for education in health promotion and disease prevention. When I returned to my studies in the US, I started working as an English as a Second Language tutor at Southwestern Adventist University. One of the international students was a nurse from Brazil. When she heard about my interest in health promotion, she encouraged me to enroll in the AS in nursing program. As a result, I completed my BA and AS within six months of each other.

What brought you to study at UMass?

UMass Amherst was appealing to me because of its School of Nursing. In addition, the location placed it approximately halfway between family members living in the Greater Boston and Hartford areas. Drs. Stephen Cavanagh and Cynthia Jacelon also emphasized the university’s comprehensive research program and commitment to diversity and sustainability.

How did UMass Amherst Nursing help you achieve your personal and professional goals?

Completing a PhD in Nursing has opened up numerous opportunities that I never imagined would be possible. My advisor, Dr. Rae Walker, consistently provided support and encouragement that helped me complete the program.

What is your current position and what are a few things you enjoy in your current role?

Currently, I am a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at Stanford University School of Medicine in the Stanford Prevention Research Center. I greatly enjoy working with my mentors, Dr. Christopher Gardner and Dr. Marwa Abu El Haija, in the areas of nutrition and pediatric gastroenterology in clinical and community-based settings.

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, international travel, and cooking.

What are your plans for the future? 

Research! Because of my background in public health and nursing, including working with under-resourced and minoritized communities, my overall long-term goal is to foster academic-community partnerships to co-create sustainable health promotion policies and praxis through community-based nutrition interventions.

What is one piece of advice you would offer to prospective and/or current UMass Amherst Nursing PhD students?

Don’t let yourself or others place limits on your dreams.