Celebrating our 2022 graduates

Congratulations to our 2022 CEHSP graduates! 

Soon-to-be graduates from each department in CEHSP share their experiences, insights and plans.

Mary Parsatoon

Mary Parasatoon, a umd student smiling for a photo behind a brick wall

Majors: Public Health and International Studies
Minor: Latin American Studies
Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN

What is your advice to incoming students?  

My advice to incoming students is to get involved outside of the classroom. UMD and the Duluth community have so much to offer so try to get involved in areas of your interest. These experiences may be the most nerve-racking and outside of your comfort zone, but they are also the most rewarding. Not only does it build your resume and skill set but it is also a great way to make connections. 

What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD? 

I am grateful to have had so many meaningful experiences during my time at UMD that it is hard to just pick one. My most recent meaningful experience was through the role of a Community Participatory Action Research Coordinator with the UMD Land Lab. Through the help of my research team, I conducted in-person surveying at events, worked with local farmers, collected field notes, and co-hosted interviews with community members. This experience was meaningful because I got to see first-hand my work directly have a positive impact on the Duluth community and build relationships with so many amazing people and organizations. 

When you look back on your college experience, what will you remember most?  

Much of my success during my time at UMD was through the help of the UMD community. Coming into UMD I did not know anyone. Because of this what I will remember most of my college experience is the people.  My professors, advisors, employers, and fellow students who have helped me and encouraged me throughout all four years have had the greatest impact on my experience. These are the people I consider my role models and friends and will think of when looking back at my time at UMD. 

What are your plans after graduation?  

Soon after I graduate, I will be studying abroad through the UMD Women’s Health and Policy trip in Summer 2022. I also plan on attending graduate school to pursue a master’s in public health. I have been accepted into graduate programs but am still evaluating my options. 

What are your ultimate career or life goals?  

My ultimate career goal is to be a contributing member of the public health field in the Duluth area. Ideally, I would like a job that includes public health research and community engagement. I am passionate about research as it helps prove a need for change and it is fulfilling to see that change implemented in my community.


Haley Evans

haley evans, a student at umd smiling for a photo at a coffee shop

Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Hometown: Goodhue, MN

What is your advice to incoming students?  

My best advice is to do things out of your comfort zone! Trying things you normally wouldn’t lead you to discover new things about yourself and push your limits. I would also say don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. College is a learning experience and it's okay to admit you don’t always know what you're doing!

What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD? 

My most meaningful experience at UMD has probably been my research project. For me, conducting a research project seemed scary because I had not done anything like it before! It has reminded me I am capable of more than I realize. 

When you look back on your college experience, what will you remember most?  

Looking back I think the thing I will remember most is the people I have met. College is the perfect opportunity to meet people very different from you, as well as people with similar interests to yourself. As I reached the upper-level courses in my major it was so exciting to be learning with people that shared my passion for speech and audiology!

What are your plans after graduation?  

My plans are to continue my education in the graduate program at UMD, working toward a career in speech-language pathology!

What are your ultimate career or life goals?  

My ultimate career goal is to work as an early intervention speech-language pathologist. I would also love to stay in the Duluth area, as I fell in love with it when I moved here for school!


Angela Murphy

Angela Murphy smiling for a photo behind trees

Major: Psychology
Hometown: Rochester, MN

What is your advice to incoming students?  

Show up. Prioritize going to class and sincerely trying to engage with what you’re learning. Earning an undergraduate degree can go by so quickly, that you will want to do everything you can to retain important information. Take notes. Ask questions. Talk with your peers about what you’re learning. Get involved with extracurricular projects. Try doing an Undergraduate Research Opportunity Project (UROP). It all helps make what you’re learning relevant and memorable, making the most of your degree and your time here. 

What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD? 

Personally, my most meaningful experience has been actively participating in research labs within the psychology department. I’ve been in Dr. Nguyen-Feng’s Mind-Body Trauma Care lab for a few semesters and also joined Dr. Thompson’s Sex and Relationship Science lab this semester. I have learned countless applicable skills through their mentorship and look forward to continuing to work with both teams for as long as possible. 

When you look back on your college experience, what will you remember most?  

The past two years have been challenging for many of us. I will remember how difficult yet rewarding it was to build relationships with faculty and peers. The majority of the time, we were only able to connect virtually and only recently have been meeting in person. It means a lot to me to have found people with whom I share interests, goals, and passions. It helps to have a small community of people with similar experiences to lean on when things get difficult. 

What are your plans after graduation?  

I am currently looking at options for graduate school, but am currently undecided on which path to take to my ultimate career goals. 

What are your ultimate career or life goals?  

I began my psychology degree with the intent of eventually becoming a licensed therapist through a counseling graduate program. That goal has shifted slightly as a result of my participation in the research teams I mentioned earlier—I am trying to find ways to integrate my newfound passion for psychological research and my desire to work with individuals and families in a therapeutic context. There’s a bit of uncertainty in my immediate future, but I know I have all of the skills and determination needed to achieve whatever I decide on doing.


Cameron Fields

Cameron fields, a umd student smiling behind a white wall

Major: Social Work
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Mound, Minnesota

What is your advice to incoming students? 

Be sure to make time for yourself and enjoy life. These are going to be a stressful next few years, so make sure to have fun and make connections when you can! 

What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD? 

Joining a fraternity and building lasting relationships with my brothers. 

When you look back on your college experience, what will you remember most?

Making it through college with no delays while in the middle of a pandemic. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

I will be staying up here in Duluth and have accepted a job offer at my current internship. 

What are your ultimate career or life goals? 

I hope to get my LADC license and become an alcohol and drug counselor


David Werning

david werning, a umd student smiling for a photo

Major: Integrated Elementary and Special Education 
Certificate: Educational Computing and Technology
Hometown: Rochester, MN

What is your advice to incoming students?  

The advice that I have for incoming students is to remember to challenge yourself, and if you get stuck, use the many resources available at UMD to ask for help.

What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD? 

Being an education major, one of the staples of becoming a teacher is student teaching. Through my student teaching experiences, I have been able to apply what I have learned at UMD in the field.

When you look back on your college experience, what will you remember most?  

When I think back, I remember the connections I have made with faculty and colleagues, the friends I have made throughout my college career, and the growth of my teaching skills.

What are your plans after graduation?  

I plan on taking a teaching position. I have not decided yet if it is going to be a special education or a general education position. In the near future, I plan on getting my master's in teaching.

What are your ultimate career or life goals?  

I would like to find a school district where I can settle down and raise a family. Hopefully, in the far future, I can become a principal at an elementary school.