When Emylia Terry’s grandfather was fighting cancer, her family made sure he got to his appointments and had access to clinical trials that gave him extra years to live. This personal experience fueled her passion for healthcare access. Now, as a programs manager for the American Cancer Society, she secured a $30,000 grant to fund transportation for cancer patients in Southern Nevada. She also led over 250 volunteers across three states, ensuring patients reached their treatments, even if drivers had to travel for ten hours.
Terry quickly realized that access to care could mean life or death for many people in Nevada. That understanding has guided her career and education. This week, she will graduate with a Ph.D. in public health, boasting a stellar 3.98 GPA.
While studying at UNLV, she earned a rare triple major in psychology, history, and gender sexuality studies, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. After that, she pursued a master’s from Johns Hopkins University, again excelling with a 4.0.
Her work has included helping low-income clients connect with volunteer lawyers at the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. She has also supported various congressional and legislative offices behind the scenes.
Terry was awarded the Robert E. Lang Memorial Fellowship at UNLV, which recognizes a doctoral student working on metropolitan public policy. This spring, she presented her dissertation focusing on the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and ways to strengthen support systems for them.
David Damore, the executive director of The Lincy Institute and Brookings Mountain West, praised Terry’s blend of academic and practical experiences.
After earning her Ph.D. this past summer, she returned to UNLV as a visiting assistant professor, teaching over 100 students. “I’m an instructor now, but I’m very much a student always,” she said. For her, this feels like a full-circle moment, especially since her family has deep roots at UNLV; her parents met there, and her husband is currently studying there too.
“This is my home, this is my community,” she noted. “UNLV has opened doors for my family.”
To further her advocacy for vulnerable communities, Terry is also pursuing a JD at the UNLV Boyd School of Law. She’s committed to making a difference and ensuring that everyone has access to the healthcare they need.
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Recent statistics emphasize the importance of equitable healthcare. A study from the American Hospital Association reveals that nearly 30% of Americans face barriers in accessing necessary medical care. This highlights the ongoing challenges many still encounter, making Terry’s work more critical than ever.
For more information on the challenges of healthcare access, check out this report by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
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