Dr. Kristal A. Rychlik

In which online program(s) do you teach?

MPH

Why did you select a career in public health?

I don't have an MPH but I think I sort of fell into public health by way of environmental toxicology. I'm not traditionally trained in public health but I have always worked in the public health field examining the mechanisms that drive adverse health outcomes following common environmental exposures like air pollution and water contaminants. I love public health because it is so diverse, interesting, and applicable to our daily lives. I have gotten to work with people from many disciplines over the years and that is really fun.

In what ways do you connect with online students?

We use email, text, and zoom primarily.

Why did you start teaching?

I decided to try my hand at teaching because I enjoyed mentoring students in the laboratory so much. I got some positive feedback, got hired on as an instructor, and I enjoyed it so I have kept pursuing it.

What advice would you give to your online students?

I would say that your online experience is largely in your hands. We will do our best to make learning materials accessible, interesting, and interactive for you but you need to do your part (reading, watching videos, working through assignments, asking questions) in order to get the most out of this program. It does move quickly and is not easy but it is rewarding and will help you get to the next step if you take advantage of it.

What qualities make someone particularly successful in the field in which you teach?

I think curiosity may have killed the cat but never a public health professional! Being interested in the world around you makes each day fun and helps you be a more understanding person. For any profession, determination is so important. The other quality I always point to is having a servant's heart. If you love to help people but know that a typical health care setting is not right for you, then public health may be a great fit!

What is the one book you think everyone should read?

"Pride and Prejudice"

What do you do when you need a laugh?

I play with my kids or do something fun with my husband like painting or going to a movie together.

Tell us a story.

I went to China for research for two weeks when my oldest son was just 11 months old and then again the next summer. I wanted to be very open to the cuisine so I tried almost everything that my colleagues offered to me. That ended up including lung, liver, heart, intestines, squid, and more. My favorite dish is roughly translated to "Squirrel fish"; it's basically fried fish with sweet and sour sauce on it. Also while in China, I climbed up a run-down part of the Great Wall with a guide and another grad student. It was very difficult but a truly breathtaking experience!