Instructor Jill Hoxmeier, PhD, MPH, is in her third year at Oregon State and reports to Peggy Dolcini, head of the School of Nutrition and Public Health. When she’s not teaching public health, you’ll find her skiing, climbing, running, hiking or swimming in alpine lakes.
Learn more about Jill, what she gained from the Peace Corps, who had the greatest impact on her life, and what she thinks is the best part of working in the College of Health.
Briefly describe your role and how you contribute to the college community.
I am an instructor in the School of Nutrition and Public Health, where I teach undergraduate and graduate courses in public health. I am also the program director for the online MPH-Public Health Practice program.
What’s something your colleagues probably don’t know about you and might be surprised to learn?
I am a somewhat obsessed outdoor enthusiast, and I wish I could spend more time living out of my van, spending the days rock climbing, trail running, backcountry skiing, hiking and swimming in alpine lakes.
What’s one of your happiest memories?
The first summer my now-husband and our dog spent living out of our van and climbing. We still spend a lot of time on the road every summer, but that first summer was one of the best because it was so new and felt like a real adventure.
What was the turning point in your career and/or life?
The Peace Corps! I left an unsatisfying job to pursue an adventure, but I found so much more, including the path to public health with a focus on sexual violence prevention and gender equity.
I served as an HIV prevention education volunteer in Guyana, and I spent a lot of time working with young women in my community. Through learning about their experiences with sexual violence, I developed a passion for this area of public health.
Who has had the greatest impact on your life?
Personally: My aunt and uncle in Whitefish, Montana, who showed me that you can have an adventurous life and a fulfilling career. You CAN have it all, just not all at the same time.
Professionally: My research mentor, Sarah McMahon from Rutgers, gave me the incredible gift of her time and expertise. She took a huge chance on me by offering a collaboration very early in my career – I only had one publication at the time! I never thought I would publish and present as much as I have, and I’ve just learned so much from our work together.
What led you to your career path and your current position?
I didn’t know much about public health until I was in the Peace Corps. After I returned home, I worked for a domestic and sexual violence prevention NGO but was laid off in the great recession and decided to get my MPH.
I loved my assistantship, where I taught an undergraduate personal health course and decided to pursue a PhD and try for an academic career. I attended OSU and got my PhD in public health – health behavior and health promotion and did my dissertation on understanding students’ bystander intervention experiences in sexual assault risk situations.
My first faculty position was with Central Washington University, but after eight years, my husband and I were ready for a change of scenery and professional challenges. I always hoped I would come back to OSU, and while I currently live in Spokane, Wash., because my position is remote and my husband works at a hospital here, I do very much feel a part of the OSU family and enjoy the time to get to visit Corvallis.
What are some of your interests and/or hobbies?
Indoors: Reading, cooking, bread baking, sauna
Outdoors: Running, biking, climbing, skiing, hiking, camping, swimming, dog-walking
What has been the biggest challenge in getting where you are today?
I think just getting through my PhD. I had a really hard time my first year and wasn’t sure if I was cut out for it. But I knew I wanted to teach and do research, so I stuck it out and eventually, it clicked.
I struggled a lot that first year with self-doubt and was uncertain if I was doing the right thing. It was hard to let go of expectations of a certain timeline and career path – of what my life should look like – but it was all worth it in the end.
What’s the best part about working in the College of Health?
My colleagues! I feel so grateful to be with such a hardworking and supportive group of people.