WilmU One-on-One: 2025 Graduate Summer McMenamin Shares Her Experiences in the M.S. in Health Sciences Program 

Q: Can you tell us about your WilmU journey?  

My journey at Wilmington University (WilmU) has been incredibly rewarding. I came to WilmU to complete my bachelor’s degree, and the flexibility of the online learning environment allowed me to seamlessly transfer credits from my previous college experience. This ease of transition made it possible for me to not only finish my undergraduate studies but also continue on to a master’s degree. 

The supportive faculty and accommodating schedule made my experience enjoyable and manageable. Overall, WilmU has provided me with the tools and opportunities to succeed, and I’m grateful for the positive impact it has had on my educational journey. 

Q: What prompted you to choose the M.S. in Health Sciences program? 

I chose the M.S. in Health Sciences program because I am passionate about driving meaningful change at a systems level within the oral health care realm. My experiences have shown me that to effect sustainable improvements in health outcomes, a comprehensive understanding of health systems is essential.  

Q: Did you have a favorite course and/or instructor? 

My favorite instructor throughout the program was undoubtedly Dr. Angela Herman. Her guidance and support were instrumental in my academic journey, particularly as I developed my capstone project.  

She encouraged me to explore approaches to addressing disparities in oral health access and outcomes. Dr. Herman’s mentorship not only helped me refine my project but also equipped me with valuable skills and insights that I plan to build upon in my future work and studies. Her commitment to her students and her ability to foster a collaborative learning environment made a significant impact on my educational experience. I truly appreciate the opportunity to work with her and am grateful for the knowledge and insight she provided. 

Q: Did you have any meaningful hands-on learning experiences or opportunities to apply what you were learning in class to your current position? 

During my time as a student pursuing my master’s degree, I held two different positions, including clinical dental hygienist and community health navigator. These roles provided me with invaluable hands-on experiences that were closely aligned with what I was learning in my courses. 

One of the most significant impacts of my coursework was the shift in my focus toward big-picture concepts in public health. For example, courses on health policy and data analysis taught me the importance of using evidence to inform decision-making. This perspective became crucial in my role as a community health navigator, where I was tasked with identifying barriers to health care access and advocating for policy changes. 

Through my studies, I learned to analyze data effectively, which allowed me to develop more data-driven policy recommendations.  

Q: Now that you’ve completed your degree, what’s next for you? 

Now that I’ve completed my degree, I am eager to focus my efforts on making a lasting impact on oral health policy in the state of Delaware. My primary goal is to increase access to oral health care for underserved communities, as I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to maintain good oral health. 

One of the key initiatives I want to pursue is advocating for the expansion of the scope of practice for dental hygienists in Delaware. By empowering dental hygienists to provide a broader range of preventive care services, we can significantly enhance access to essential oral health care, particularly in areas where dental services are limited. This change could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced disparities in oral health access across different populations in our state. 

In addition to my immediate goals, I am already considering pursuing a doctorate to further my knowledge and expertise in this field. I am currently in the process of narrowing down which area of study would equip me to make the most significant impact on oral health policy and practice. I believe that advanced education will empower me to advocate more effectively for policies that promote preventive care and improve access to oral health services. 

Q: What do you love about Wilmington University? 

What I love about Wilmington University is the supportive and approachable nature of the advisors. They truly take the time to understand each student’s unique goals and challenges, which has made a significant difference in my academic journey. Their guidance has helped me navigate my coursework and career aspirations with confidence. 

Additionally, I appreciate the flexibility that Wilmington University offers through its diverse learning options. The combination of online and classroom offerings has allowed me to tailor my education to fit my personal schedule and learning style.  

Q: Do you have any words of wisdom, advice or encouragement for people who are thinking about taking their education further? 

DO IT!! Education is more than just gaining knowledge — it’s about breaking barriers and opening doors you never even knew existed. As a first-generation college graduate, I know firsthand what it means to face challenges in accessing opportunities. Those letters at the end of your name are a key that can put you in rooms you never dreamed of, where real change happens.  

Q: Lastly, is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for helping you achieve your goals?

I would like to acknowledge my friends and family who have supported me along my journey; their encouragement has been invaluable. However, I must express my gratitude to those throughout my life who doubted and questioned my abilities. Their skepticism became a powerful motivator for me. Instead of discouraging me, their doubts pushed me to work harder and prove them wrong. It was through proving them wrong that I found my strength and determination to achieve my goals. Each challenge I have ever been presented only fueled my ambition, and for that, I am thankful.