in crisis, unprecedented experience | Information Center

Casey barber

’17 BS Public Health
Specialized College graduate of the year

If you’ve unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19 – or know someone in southern Nevada who has – there’s a good chance you’ve received a phone call from Casey Barber. She and three of her fellow UNLV graduates jumped into action in late March 2020 to lead a team of student volunteers as part of the Southern Nevada Health District’s contact tracing efforts.

Barber and the UNLV COVID-19 contact tracing team have started calling infected patients and identifying their whereabouts, contacting people who may have been exposed, and counseling them on quarantine protocols.

Joining the front lines of the state’s response to the pandemic, Barber has plunged headfirst into his chosen career field, receiving invaluable – and rare – first-hand experience during a public health crisis unprecedented. She has pursued an impressive trend of selfless service to her community. During his years with the Specialized college, Las Vegan’s life has been involved in research into the health effects of housing; has helped to encourage the university’s involvement in the Rebuilding Southern Nevada Together program that helps homeowners in need; and coordinated philanthropic action.

When not lending a helping hand to her fellow citizens in southern Nevada, Barber was busy making her mark in the Honors College community. She sat on the Specialized Student Council, was president of the UNLV Public Health Students Association, was approved as a candidate for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education, and even created the Honors College intramural basketball team. She also received the 2016 Nevada System of Higher Education Regents Scholar Award and was named an Outstanding Graduate in her Class of 2017.

“Honors College was the main reason I chose to go to UNLV,” said Barber. “I loved how there was this tight-knit community that existed within the larger UNLV campus; he facilitated the transition from high school to college. I was also interested in the small class sizes, the varied class options for specialized seminars, and the opportunity to conduct research under the Honors Research program. Everything was perfectly suited to it.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in public health?

Knowing that I was planning to eventually pursue a master’s degree, I wanted to get involved in research as an undergraduate. So I volunteered with Shawn Gerstenberger, Dean of the School of Public Health, on a research project. It was at this point that I started to learn about public health and the ability to focus on health issues at the population level. The research done within the school was fascinating, so after my second year I changed my major from Biological Sciences to Public Health. Soon after, I discovered my interest in epidemiology and infectious diseases.

How has your experience leading a team of UNLV students in contact tracing efforts affected you?

Initially we were just a team of seven volunteers, but in the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters we have grown to over 200 employed students.

Even though it was an absolute whirlwind, it was incredibly meaningful work. I was born and raised in Las Vegas, so being able to help our community during the pandemic was very important to me. I learned so much about public health intervention – in particular, the importance of planning and problem solving – and I also gained confidence in my leadership abilities.

While I obviously wish a global pandemic never happened – and I pray that it never happens again – COVID-19 has absolutely heightened my interest in pursuing a career in infectious disease epidemiology. And it renewed my commitment to public health.

What advice would you give the current UNLV student to join Honors College?

Research all the college has to offer, visit the incredible space on campus, and speak to an Honors College student or advisor. Anyone who does these three things will have a hard time saying no.

Honors College offers so many opportunities for students, and it has grown tremendously even since I arrived in first year. Through Honors College, I have met some of my closest friends and had some of my most interesting and engaging classes. Equally important, the faculty, staff and administration are exceptional; they do so much to support student success and campus engagement.

What does the expression “rebellious spirit” mean to you?

It means going your own way to do what hasn’t been done before, asking thought-provoking questions, and thinking critically and creatively about ways to innovate and effect change.