Through a passion for science and extensive field experience, Yanori Fixdal has made meaningful change toward a healthier community. Yanori recently graduated with a degree in biochemistry and a minor in mathematics and is looking for a career that combines their interests in public health, biochemistry and funding advocacy.
During Yanori’s time at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, they built valuable skills through hands-on experience with the Interstate Council on Water Policy (ICWP) and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
As a market research intern, Yanori led interviews with state climatologists on drought preparedness and the public health applications of soil moisture data collected. They also compiled case studies highlighting effective uses of water data and how economic factors influence network quality.
“My favorite part was presenting my survey findings and funding recommendations to ICWP members and government representatives,” Yanori said. “When answering questions, I felt like I was making a meaningful and scalable difference.”
After this role, Yanori worked with Career Services to pursue opportunities aligned with their future ambitions.
“I had a specific goal to explore work in public health and discuss the possibility of completing a Master’s in Global Health after graduation,” Yanori said. “My career coach pointed me to the DHHS internship on Handshake, and I readily applied.”
With hard work and support from career coaches, they stood out to recruiters and secured an interview. Yanori emphasized the impact of these resources and encouraged other students to take advantage of Career Services.
“It is always incredibly grounding, efficient, and eye-opening,” Yanori said. “Sometimes I just practice marketing myself for a particular field, where other times I come stuck and leave with dozens of great ideas and opportunities. I would highly recommend checking it out.”
Following the interview, DHHS offered Yanori the internship as an immunizations office technician. In this role, they were responsible for compiling and organizing the state’s childcare immunization data. This data is used to inform a more equitable distribution of vaccines across Nebraska.
“This opportunity to meet other professionals and learn about diverse forms of work in public health—such as lead abatement over in the environmental sector—has been invaluable,” Yanori said. “I also got to join our community health educator when checking in with doctors on vaccine storage and ordering procedures.”
Beyond internships, Yanori was involved in various organizations on campus such as the UNL choir and sketch club. They also enjoyed attending free skate nights at Breslow Hockey Center, Nebraska Press Play performances, and Singalong campus events.
Following graduation, Yanori’s journey will continue through new and diverse experiences. Their travels to Guatemala sparked an interest in translation work for outdoor tour guides, and they hope to one day teach English abroad. Alongside those ambitions, Yanori plans to continue pursuing creative passions and a dream to write and release a flute-focused album.
“All in all, I've appreciated the opportunity to learn more ways I can combine my interests in public health, biochemistry, and funding advocacy in my career,” Yanori said.
Looking for a hands-on experience? Get connected with a career coach like Yanori.
