At the University of Kentucky College of Public Health (CPH), Dr. Jay Christian is known for his research on environmental health and public health challenges among groups with less access to health care and resources. But among students and colleagues alike, he is equally respected for mentorship.
Over the years, Dr. Christian has mentored undergraduate, Masters of Public Health and doctoral students both in the classroom and through collaborative research. Rather than taking a fixed approach, he adapts to each individual’s needs.
“Each student is an individual with a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “Some may need technical guidance, while others benefit more from encouragement and reassurance.”
His teaching style reflects that philosophy. He frequently works with students on advanced skills like spatial analysis, data visualization and statistical programming, tools that are foundational in environmental and occupational health work. To support students as they encounter these challenges, Dr. Christian uses what he calls “friendly repetition,” offering consistent guidance and space for students to gradually grow more comfortable with new methods and ways of thinking.
“I try not to overwhelm students with complexity right away,” he said. “Instead, I try to reinforce key ideas until they click. It’s not just about mastering the software; it’s about building confidence and helping them develop a way of thinking that they can carry into their careers.”
That mindset also shows up in how he guides students toward applied experiences. While every student has different goals, Dr. Christian encourages them to get involved in hands-on projects that connect classroom learning to public health practice. Many of the students he’s worked with have completed research capstones, published peer-reviewed articles, or used the skills gained in his courses to land jobs and internships. He sees those milestones as some of the most rewarding moments in his role.
“It’s always exciting when a student tells me they got a job because of something they learned in class, or when they publish their capstone research,” he said. “Those are big turning points in their lives, and I’m proud to play even a small part in that.”
In his own research, Dr. Christian focuses on public health concerns in rural areas and among groups with less access to health care and resources. His studies often explore topics such as environmental exposures, cancer clusters and chronic disease patterns in areas with limited access to care. While he doesn’t expect students to follow the same
path, he sees it as his role to help them understand the broader public health landscape and how their own interests and skills can contribute meaningfully to the field.
“My role as a mentor isn’t to point students in a particular direction. It’s to help them find a way to apply their own passions or talents in service of public health,” he said.
Dr. Christian also emphasizes the importance of mentorship in shaping professional skills that go beyond what’s taught in class. He believes that one-on-one faculty engagement gives students the space to develop more advanced competencies such as scientific writing, responding to peer review, and upholding high standards for research.
“These are things you can’t always cover in a lecture,” he said. “Mentorship gives students access to constructive feedback and more in-depth conversations. It’s in those moments that they really learn what it takes to do meaningful work.”
When asked what advice he gives most often, Dr. Christian encourages students to think practically and honestly about what they enjoy and where they thrive.
“Public health is a broad field,” he said. “Some people love working directly with communities. Others prefer spending their day analyzing data or developing models. We need all of those skill sets. The key is helping students identify where they’ll be most effective and feel most fulfilled.”
That student-centered approach defines Dr. Christian’s work as both an educator and mentor. Whether he’s walking a student through a tough data problem or helping them prepare for a publication, he’s guided by the same principle: thoughtful support, tailored to the individual.
