Jack West

Student Q & A

Hometown: Kansas City, MO  

Year in School: Third Year  

College: J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences 

Major of Study: Pre-med/History major

Tell us something about your academic passions and how those relate to your role in Student Affairs program or department?

I’m very interested in educating the public, particularly those with limited access, on ways to improve or maintain their health. There is an enormous amount of misinformation out there and much of it is spread via social media. I wanted to take this same platform and use it to educate people–using facts, not opinions–in a community close to me: The University of Arkansas.

What has been your greatest experience outside of the classroom?

Last summer I had the opportunity to be invited to Yale University to conduct skin cancer research in a computational biology lab. Research surrounding a cure for cancer has existed for decades but to be a small part of it was very rewarding. 

What advice would you give new students about getting involved on campus?

If you’re interested in doing something, go ask for it. Make it happen even if it doesn’t exist yet. My position at Pat Walker did not exist before I decided to make it a reality. If you think something is worth doing, do it yourself.

What do you like to do with your time outside of the university?

I enjoy exercising, travelling during breaks, and studying at a nice coffee shop.

When do you plan to graduate and what is coming next for you?

I am graduating in the fall of 2021 and am pursuing a Master in Public Health degree before an MD or a dual-degree program. I want to work with underrepresented communities either here or abroad and increase access to basic health care.

Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know?

Wear sunscreen every day, get your vaccine, wash your hands, and follow the Pat Walker Walker Instagram @uofahealth!