Walsh Profile
SES Alum Advancing Public Health in the Chicago Region
Joe Walsh graduated from Loyola's School of Environmental Sustainability in 2021 with a BS in environmental science and a minor in statistics. Today, he lives in Sugar Grove, Illinois, and works as a noncommunicable disease epidemiologist for the Kane County Health Department. Walsh shared his thoughts on how his Loyola experience prepared him for a meaningful and rewarding career.
His undergraduate education in environmental science prepared Joe Walsh to pursue a career in public health.
What drew you to Loyola and the School of Environmental Sustainability for your education?
I transferred to Loyola University Chicago during my sophomore year after starting my college education at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, I've always had strong connections to the city. The opportunity to study there, along with Loyola's Jesuit values, made it an easy choice when I decided to transfer. Although I initially entered Loyola as a biology major, the School (Institute at the time) of Environmental Sustainability quickly caught my interest. I've always been passionate about the intersection of human health and the environment, both built and natural. SES offered the perfect courses and opportunities for me to explore this passion in greater depth.
How has your career developed since graduating from Loyola?
After graduating from Loyola, I pursued a master of public health degree at Benedictine University, focusing on epidemiology, data analytics, and healthcare administration. During the program, I completed an internship with the Kane County Health Department, where I now work full-time as a noncommunicable disease epidemiologist.
What do you do in your current job?
At the health department, I contribute to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data related to noncommunicable diseases—including chronic conditions, injuries, and mental and behavioral health—as well as vital statistics such as births and deaths. I evaluate various data systems, including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and death records, to better understand health outcomes within our county, identify disparities, and support the development of data-driven solutions in collaboration with internal and external partners.
Additionally, I contribute to our Community Health Assessment and the development of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), ensuring alignment between the health department's priorities and the needs of the community and key stakeholders. I am also actively involved in advancing data modernization initiatives and implementing data governance standards to enhance the quality and accessibility of information.
How did your experience at Loyola prepare you for the career you chose to pursue?
I would not have pursued a master of public health if not for Loyola! It was at Loyola that I first discovered this career path and how my background in environmental science was a strong foundation for an MPH program—thanks in large part to Professor Brian Ohsowski, Professor Justin Harbison, and other outstanding professors. The School of Environmental Sustainability's curriculum prepared me for graduate studies and the work I do today. Foundational courses in biology and chemistry, along with more advanced classes like toxicology and statistics, have been essential to my daily tasks. Beyond academics, Loyola instilled in me a deep commitment to service, community care, and equity—core values that are vital to the field of public health and continue to shape my work and life.
What are some of the highlights from your time at Loyola?
Some of my favorite memories at Loyola include studying in the Information Commons, exploring the city, spontaneously heading to Cubs games, and participating in campus events. While at Loyola, I was a founding member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and served as the philanthropy chairman. Sister Jean even attended one of our first major fundraising events. I was also involved in the Student Government of Loyola Chicago (SGLC), which was an incredible opportunity to drive change on campus and advocate for the student body.
What advice would you give to current SES students or those considering pursuing a degree in the School of Environmental Sustainability?
I would encourage new and prospective students to stay curious and explore new courses, subjects, and opportunities on campus. When I first entered Loyola, I never imagined I would pursue a career in public health, but the diverse coursework, internship opportunities, and incredible faculty within the School of Environmental Sustainability shaped my experience. I also highly recommend getting involved on campus or in the community. Whether through a club, sport, Greek life, or volunteering, these experiences expose you to new perspectives and opportunities. Plus, they're a great way to meet people who may become lifelong friends or valuable professional connections.
--By Danielle Hurtt
What drew you to Loyola and the School of Environmental Sustainability for your education?
I transferred to Loyola University Chicago during my sophomore year after starting my college education at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, I've always had strong connections to the city. The opportunity to study there, along with Loyola's Jesuit values, made it an easy choice when I decided to transfer. Although I initially entered Loyola as a biology major, the School (Institute at the time) of Environmental Sustainability quickly caught my interest. I've always been passionate about the intersection of human health and the environment, both built and natural. SES offered the perfect courses and opportunities for me to explore this passion in greater depth.
How has your career developed since graduating from Loyola?
After graduating from Loyola, I pursued a master of public health degree at Benedictine University, focusing on epidemiology, data analytics, and healthcare administration. During the program, I completed an internship with the Kane County Health Department, where I now work full-time as a noncommunicable disease epidemiologist.
What do you do in your current job?
At the health department, I contribute to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data related to noncommunicable diseases—including chronic conditions, injuries, and mental and behavioral health—as well as vital statistics such as births and deaths. I evaluate various data systems, including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and death records, to better understand health outcomes within our county, identify disparities, and support the development of data-driven solutions in collaboration with internal and external partners.
Additionally, I contribute to our Community Health Assessment and the development of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), ensuring alignment between the health department's priorities and the needs of the community and key stakeholders. I am also actively involved in advancing data modernization initiatives and implementing data governance standards to enhance the quality and accessibility of information.
How did your experience at Loyola prepare you for the career you chose to pursue?
I would not have pursued a master of public health if not for Loyola! It was at Loyola that I first discovered this career path and how my background in environmental science was a strong foundation for an MPH program—thanks in large part to Professor Brian Ohsowski, Professor Justin Harbison, and other outstanding professors. The School of Environmental Sustainability's curriculum prepared me for graduate studies and the work I do today. Foundational courses in biology and chemistry, along with more advanced classes like toxicology and statistics, have been essential to my daily tasks. Beyond academics, Loyola instilled in me a deep commitment to service, community care, and equity—core values that are vital to the field of public health and continue to shape my work and life.
What are some of the highlights from your time at Loyola?
Some of my favorite memories at Loyola include studying in the Information Commons, exploring the city, spontaneously heading to Cubs games, and participating in campus events. While at Loyola, I was a founding member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and served as the philanthropy chairman. Sister Jean even attended one of our first major fundraising events. I was also involved in the Student Government of Loyola Chicago (SGLC), which was an incredible opportunity to drive change on campus and advocate for the student body.
What advice would you give to current SES students or those considering pursuing a degree in the School of Environmental Sustainability?
I would encourage new and prospective students to stay curious and explore new courses, subjects, and opportunities on campus. When I first entered Loyola, I never imagined I would pursue a career in public health, but the diverse coursework, internship opportunities, and incredible faculty within the School of Environmental Sustainability shaped my experience. I also highly recommend getting involved on campus or in the community. Whether through a club, sport, Greek life, or volunteering, these experiences expose you to new perspectives and opportunities. Plus, they're a great way to meet people who may become lifelong friends or valuable professional connections.
--By Danielle Hurtt