Jason Hammer '15

An interview with Jason

What was your hometown when you came to TCNJ?

Roxbury, NJ

Where do you currently call your hometown?

Philadelphia, PA

When you were studying here, where did you picture yourself after graduation?

I didn’t know what type of career to pursue prior to graduation. If you’re unsure, I think it’s important to keep your options open and be willing to say ‘yes’ to opportunities you hadn’t thought much about before, as they’ll often help you zero in on the topics and type of work you enjoy most.

What was your first job after graduating?

Public Health Preparedness Planning, Philadelphia Department of Public Health

How do you use your Sociology degree in your current career and other activities?

The basis of my public health career was formed by sociology and anthropology courses. Applying theories and frameworks, like the socio-ecological model, and understanding structural relationships and the social determinants of health have been very important in my past jobs in local public health preparedness planning, as well as in my current position supporting federal rulemaking.

What is your favorite "major memory" from your time as a Sociology student?

Eastern Sociological Society conference in NYC and Green House excavations.

What is some advice you would give to your undergraduate self?

Use your time in undergrad to explore your interests, and don’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Degrees in sociology and anthropology prepare you to think critically, contextually, and compassionately for any work you choose to pursue.