Skylar Webb is graduating with a double major in environmental science and policy and global health. Webb was born on the island of Oahu in Hawai’i, and some of her favorite hobbies include open-water swimming and surfing. She credits where she grew up for her connection to nature, which inspired the degree path she chose. While at Duke, Webb co-founded Duke’s Hui ‘O Hawai’i Club and Club Water Polo.
I chose Duke because … it offered unparalleled opportunities for exploration. I came to college with a passion, but I wasn’t sure how that would translate into my studies until I discovered Duke’s emphasis on experiential learning. I did the Stanback Fellowship Program with the Nicholas School of the Environment and took the Global Health Capstone course taught by Dennis Clements, M.D., where I partnered with The AIDS Support Organization in Uganda to support integration of Hepatitis B services into prenatal care, and I’m continuing that work through an independent study.
There’s no place like Duke. The ability to connect with peers through activities such as basketball, engaging with community partners and forming lasting relationships has created a truly special experience.
My most meaningful experience at Duke has been … building community, especially through clubs I founded. Stepping on to campus can be intimidating. However, during the past four years, I’ve seen incoming students connect and form friendships through these organizations. It is incredibly rewarding to know I helped create a community and supportive space for more students. I’ve tried to leave a legacy of warmth and community that will carry on beyond my years here, and if I’ve helped even a few students feel more at home here, then I consider my time at Duke a success.
A key lesson my global health courses taught me is ... to embrace intersectionality. Early in my academic journey, I took Global Health 101, and it completely shifted my perspective on how to approach health issues. The course taught me we must zoom out and consider all factors that contribute to health inequities. If we fail to address flawed health systems and structural factors, these inequities will continue to persist.
Looking ahead, I hope to work at the intersection of health and climate change, recognizing that health extends far beyond medicine. It is important to not just treat the symptoms of health inequities but get to the root causes.
My most memorable global experience at Duke was ... last summer when I was a part of DGHI’s Student Research Training Program in Kisumu, Kenya. I worked with a team on mSaada, a mobile health app health workers use to screen women and girls for human papillomavirus (HPV) in their homes and communities.
While there, we helped organize a series of health fairs, screening more than 600 women and vaccinating 300 girls. Helping to support this tangible, measurable impact was incredibly meaningful. Beyond direct impacts, I also cherish the time I spent in the field with the team – learning from, laughing with, and connecting with people made the experience so fulfilling. It’s a powerful reminder that global health is about the people and relationships you form.
My advice for Duke students … lead with compassion and curiosity. My most fulfilling and impactful experiences came from asking thoughtful questions and making genuine efforts to know people. Take the time to go talk to your professor after class about a lecture that interested you or get to know your group project members outside of the academic setting. For me, that has led to many interesting conversations, connections and cherished moments that shaped my Duke experience for the better.
