Katherine Chiu - Engagement Fellow

PCE, Economic & Community Development Engagement Fellow

Katherine is from Ellicott City, MD and graduated from JMU in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education and minors in both Pre-Medicine and Medical Humanities. During her undergraduate studies, Katherine was a student of the Honors College, a member of the Marching Royal Dukes, an EMT at Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, a co-founder of the UNICEF Club, a leader in the Alternative Break Program, and more. Katherine is honored to serve the Shenandoah Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic and thrilled to work alongside the other JMU Presidential Engagement Fellows.

Working directly with PCE’s Associate Dean, Dr. Nick Swartz, Katherine will: 

• Identify community (private sector business and nonprofit organizations) needs regarding COVID-19 response and recovery;
• Conduct research to help build programming in response to identified needs;

• Assist with preparing materials for use in research activities, trainings, programming, and applied community projects;
• Aid in the identification of new community partnerships and expand relationships with existing community partners; and
• Disseminate information and provide regular updates to PCE stakeholders and community members through platforms including reports, newsletters, and social media.

In the future, Katherine hopes to attend medical school, become a pediatrician, and advocate for enhanced health education and access in medically underserved areas.