Hope Marcou ’26 | Community and Public Health major
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or meet with your advisor as teachers and advisors are your best friends.
Hope Marcou ’26 transferred to Saint Anselm College at the start of her sophomore year and commutes to campus for class. With a desire to study nursing but fascination with public health, Marcou opted to pursue a Community and Public Health major due to its diverse subject matter. Eager to learn about the inner workings of hospitals and public health systems across the United States, Marcou’s experience in the Community and Public Health Program has prepared her for inevitable professional success.
What brought you to the Hilltop?
I transferred from the University of New England after my freshman year. I commuted to campus, so coming to the Hilltop was big for me financially speaking. I truly enjoyed the campus and community at Saint Anselm.
How did you choose what you wanted to study?
My goal was always nursing, but I switched to community and public health when I found that most of my coworkers who were nurses also had a background in public health. When I looked at the Community and Public Health major courses to see what they cover, I was excited to learn more about the ins and outs of hospitals and different public health studies throughout the United States.
How did faculty impacted your college experience?
Everyone is very supportive, especially if you advocate for yourself and they see that you want to succeed.
What’s your favorite thing about Saint Anselm?
I played golf on the Women’s Golf team! I also loved the simulation rooms in Grappone Hall so that students get hands-on practice.
Did you conduct any undergraduate research?
Yes, I researched the adverse health effects associated with GLP-1 receptor agonist use and how frequently they occur in real-world populations. I looked at if increased prescribing has increased hospitalization rates or healthcare utilization in relation to medication side effects. Studying GLP-1 and post-use can help identity population level safety trends which can then inform clinical guidelines, improve risk communication, help support prescribing practices, and contribute to evidence-based policy decisions!
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about choosing Saint Anselm?
I would tell them to stay on top of their homework as social life can get in the way very easily. Since Saint Anselm is a big community-driven college and everyone is so welcoming, it can be easy to lose track of academics. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or meet with your advisor as teachers and advisors are your best friends.