The Minnesota Health Literacy Partnership is excited to welcome a new intern on board this summer, Hannah Geressu. This is the Partnership’s fifth year having an intern through the University of Minnesota Community Health Initiative.

Hannah will work with Partnership Chair Alisha Odhiambo on creating resources to support the Health Literacy Month campaign in October.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Minneapolis and grew up just outside the Twin Cities in St. Louis Park. As an undergraduate at Yale, I majored in Political Science and German, and spent a semester abroad in Germany. I now study Public Health Administration and Policy as a master's student at the University of Minnesota. For the duration of my master's program, I am a graduate research assistant to a wonderful professor, Dr. Sayeh Nikpay, and conduct literature reviews and review academic manuscripts.

Why are you passionate about public health?
I am passionate about public health because of its population-level approach to health care and outcomes. I enjoy taking a step back ("zooming out") to analyze health trends within a large system of interrelated parts, such as health care facilities, insurance companies, government bodies and academic institutions.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I like to run, practice yoga, vlog, read novels, watch Netflix and spend time with loved ones. I'm currently reading “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles and rewatching the TV series “Reign.”