Graduate Q&A: Sandeep Singh

Sandeep Singh, Master of Public Health graduate, Spring 2026.

Where are you from? If you’re not from Edmonton, when did you move here?

I was born in Punjab and moved to Canada at the age of 10. I have lived in and grew up in Surrey, BC and later moved to Edmonton in 2024 for my MPH at the University of Alberta.

Why did you choose to attend the U of A?

I chose to attend the U of A because I have always been someone who had enjoyed taking on new challenges and seeking opportunities to grow through new experiences. I wanted to pursue a program that could build on my community work in the mental health space while helping me expand my knowledge and skills in public health. Moving to Edmonton gave me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone while still being close enough to home. I had also connected with several students who studied at the U of A, and hearing about their positive experiences, supportive learning environment, and the strength of the MPH program further encouraged my decision to move here for graduate studies. And I love being in the cold weather! 

What is your first U of A memory?

My first U of A memory was actually of someone who has now become one of my best friends in Edmonton. When I first came to U of A, I was honestly lost on where to get my Arc Card and one of my classmates, Monica, reached out and offered to help me out. She sent me a very detailed drawing of where to go and I found my way there. I look back and laugh at this memory because it wasn’t until the whole semester passed that Monica and I had a chance to get to know each other. Two years later, we are still great friends!

What is your favourite spot on campus?

My favourite spot on campus since the first day of classes has been the SPH lounge on the 3rd floor of the building formerly known as ECHA (now the Dianne and Irving Kipnes Health Research Institute) because it’s the place where I would spend time studying, doing assignments, stressing over exams with everyone and de-stressing over coffee and food with my friends!

What will you miss most about the U of A?

Having come to Edmonton and not knowing anyone, I will miss the people who made me feel welcome and treated me like family. From all the friends who gave me rides to the airport every week, to the professors and mentors who guided me through my MPH, thank you for being there!

What are you looking forward to now that you’ve graduated?

Living in Edmonton was a new experience but I am glad I took on this adventure. I am looking forward to taking the opportunities and doors this degree will open as I continue to work towards my ultimate goal of pursuing medicine. 

What are the next steps in your education or career path?

I have been fortunate that as part of my MPH practicum, I got a chance to lead my own research study focused on my area of interest in mental health and addiction. I will be continuing to work on this project and learn to apply what I learned in class to a real life setting. Further, I am working towards my passion of becoming a physician.

When and how did you become involved with the School of Public Health Students’ Association (SPHSA)?

Although I did not initially plan to run for SPHSA elections, my closest friends encouraged me to put my name forward. Being new to Edmonton, the SPHSA played a large role in making my experience at the U of A fun. Through the events I attended, I also had a chance to connect with many of the previous members who further suggested that I would enjoy being in this team. This encouragement from my friends and the role the SPHSA played in my experience in Edmonton eventually led me to be involved. 

What did your role as president of SPHSA involve and how long were you in that role?

I was elected as President of the SPHSA in April 2025 and served in this role for 1 year. This role included coordinating and overseeing a team of 12 executive members who passionately worked to create a fun and exciting experience for SPH students across the U of A. My role also included being a liaison between the students body and the faculty, where I worked to ensure student voices were being heard in decision making spaces across the school.

What accomplishment during your time at the university are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the meaningful relationships that I built during my time at the U of A. My grandpa is someone who I grew up learning from and the values he instilled in me really played a role in building these meaningful relationships. From a young age, I saw the importance of human connection, and throughout my time here, I carried those values into the friendships, mentorships and professional relationships I built. Those connections have had a lasting impact on both my personal growth and academic journey.

Building these meaningful relationships was really important in my role as President and in helping rebuild student-faculty relations during a year of major transition in the school, including a new Dean and program changes. Early on, my predecessor asked me to focus on strengthening that relationship, and I’m proud that I was able to do that and help put the SPHSA in a better place moving forward.

What would be your advice to new or prospective U of A students?

Being new anywhere and trying anything new is definitely not an easy process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and reach out for support. It can be scary at first to ask for help when you’re unsure about what courses to take or what to do with your degree, but in my experience, I have seen that most people are more than willing to guide you in the right direction. Be open to learning and get involved early in the things you are passionate about because, for me, it was the things beyond the textbooks and lectures that made my experience even better!