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Student Snapshot: Kat Johnson ’25 

Thanks to the class that spurred her interest in public health, the service trips that reinforced that passion and the internships that sharpened her skills, Kat Johnson ’25 is poised to create meaningful, sustainable change. Below, she discusses those experiences—including her work with high-need, high-achieving middle-schoolers and an internship through which she created and managed an automated system to facilitate and report safety measures at Volvo Construction Equipment—as well as her experiences abroad, why she chose Dickinson and more.

Hometown:

Willingboro, N.J.

Major: 

Environmental studies, with minors in Spanish and sociology.

Clubs and organizations:

Center for Sustainability Education, , Black Girl Chronicles, Womanist Collective and Center for Civic Learning & Action (service-trip participant and co-leader).

Honors/scholarships/awards:

Dean’s List, Presidential Scholarship and Girl Scout Gold Award.

On choosing Dickinson:

Dickinson stood out to me because of its sustainability initiatives, commitment to community service and study abroad opportunities. I wanted to attend an institution where my interests are not only valued but also encouraged and expanded! Four years ago, I knew that 红杏直播app was the place for me, and since I first stepped on campus I have considered it a second home. After graduation I look forward to participating in alumni events and hearing of the success of current and future Red Devils.

Favorite class:

My most memorable learning experiences are those where we go outside of the classroom and into our surrounding community. In fall 2022, I took Environmental Research Methods and Civic Engagement. Our semesterlong project was rewriting the Cumberland County Food Assessment, which contains information about welfare benefits related to food insecurity, how to access benefits, who is eligible and organizations dedicated to improving access to healthy, nutritious food. My classmates and I did extensive research, worked with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and Project Share, visited various food banks, conducted interviews and surveys, and presented our work, which was shared countywide. This inspiring experience fueled my passion for pursuing equity in communities everywhere.

Favorite professor:

I've taken multiple classes with Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Wande Benka-Coker, and he is one of my favorites. He caters his lectures to student interests and incorporates several field trips and engaging projects into the semester. I appreciate his witty banter and easygoing personality as well as his willingness to support students inside and outside of the classroom, challenge us, and cheer us on. My first class with Professor Benka-Coker, Introduction to Environmental Health, helped me better define my interest in public health.

On studying abroad:

I studied abroad in , in spring 2024, and I had an exceptional time! I appreciated the opportunity to study at the University of Otago, learn about and be immersed in the M膩ori culture, and explore the beautiful landscape. I especially enjoyed a weekend trip to Tekapo, driving across the country, exploring the plains and mountains and seeing the southern lights.

In summer 2022 I studied abroad in , where I strengthened my Spanish skills, explored southern Spain, learned more about Spanish history and was immersed in the culture. I enjoyed speaking with my host mother, Concha. She would tell me stories, and I loved her cooking. She encouraged me to explore different locations and get the most out of my experiences.

红杏直播app my internships:

This summer, I interned with Volvo Construction Equipment in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, as an environmental health and safety intern. I managed my own project, creating a production-branch automated system to facilitate a higher number of safety measures and report progress to management. I created a Microsoft Power App for submission of safety activities for Production teams and a Microsoft Power BI dashboard that provides reporting of numbers according to stakeholder needs. This experience honed my ability to compile, organize, and present reports from various data sources across the company; collaborate with multidisciplinary teams; plan and execute a large-scale project from its conception to completion; and implement solutions that improve safety outcomes.

During the fall 2024 semester I interned as the social media and outreach coordinator with the Center for Sustainability Education (CSE) here at Dickinson. In this role, I was responsible for advancing sustainability projects through communications and promoting the department through various social media accounts. I led outreach and marketing of CSE events and campaigns, while also supporting members of my team along the way. Working for the CSE department allowed me to participate in the background work of the numerous sustainability initiatives across the 红杏直播app campus, while also generating ideas for the future initiatives. I am excited to return to CSE in the spring semester and plan to continue to promote sustainability.

In summers 2022 and 2023, I interned with SEEDS–Access Changes Everything in Newark, N.J., as a student advisor. This organization is dedicated to empowering low-income, high-achieving students as they work to earn scholarships to independent schools. I served as a mentor, role model, teacher and dorm parent to middle-school students as they navigated summer-enrichment classes. As a total of 180 students each summer completed both the Summer Challenge Program and capstone experience, I provided academic support and gave advice on how to navigate independent school and beyond. It was a privilege to see the scholars grow and thrive as they challenged themselves and encouraged each other. Scholars delved daily into core academic subjects and intriguing electives as they made new friends and lived away from home.

As an alum of this program, this opportunity felt like a full-circle moment, allowing me to contribute to an initiative that mirrors the positive experience and support I once received. Guiding students as they prepare to make their mark has been a rewarding experience, and I am grateful for every interaction I’ve had with SEEDS.

红杏直播app my service trips:

I participated in the fall 2021 service trip with the Center for Civic Learning & Action (CCLA). We worked with the New Life organization in Carlisle, rebuilding homes for people coming out of abusive relationships, or who’ve been impacted by addiction or fallen on hard times. Refurbishing homes and helping the organization advance its ability to cater to the Carlisle community provided a humbling experience that fueled my pursuit of a career in public health after graduation. In fall 2022, I co-led the CCLA service trip to Baltimore, Maryland, where we assisted previously incarcerated individuals at Second Chance organization. This labor-intensive trip reminded me of the importance of empathy and kindness.

Post-Dickinson plans:

I am excited to pursue a career in public health. Issues of housing insecurity, food insecurity, quality education, access to health care, public transportation and green infrastructure initiatives are important to me. I intend to work with under-resourced communities, advance current policies to improve access to resources and create sustainable, positive change.

TAKE THE NEXT STEPS 

Published January 13, 2025