THANK YOU to Natalie McKinley for taking the time from her studies and 2 jobs to share her experiences as an ASSP Student Member with us!
If you are interested in ways to get involved with our ASSP Student Section at Oregon State University, or to mentor or be a mentee with our developing mentorship program next chapter year, please reach out to us at updates@cwc.assp.org!
Natalie McKinley
OSU Student, ASSP Student Member, Kinesiology Major | EOH Minor
What initially drew you to the field of occupational safety and health, and how has your perspective on the field evolved since you started your studies?
When I first started studying here at Oregon State, I had dreams of becoming a Physician Assistant, until I began working in a concrete manufacturing company. Seeing all of the injuries being viewed as “casual,” made me rethink my future career choice. I’ve always had a passion for helping others, which has only been made stronger through my studies of Environmental and Occupational Health.
Do you have a career path in mind?
Currently I have two jobs: a student worker at OSU’s EHS and the Project Manager’s assistant at OSU’s Memorial Union, which have both been incredibly beneficial in furthering my understanding of what it means to help others maintain high levels of safety in varying industries. For example, one project I worked on was creating safety ladders for OSU’s Student Experience Center’s roof, which allowed for HVAC technicians to safely work on a multitude of equipment. My main interest within this field is construction safety and ergonomics, which I plan to pursue post-graduation. Ever since I received my OSHA30, my next goal is to receive an ASP, leading to eventually getting the CSP.
Tell us about your involvement in the OSU Student Section.
As of December 2024, I took on the role of the OSU Student Section’s President. Within this role, I help plan events, campus tours, and meetings.
What do you hope to gain from your membership with ASSP and how do you think it will help you in your future career?
I hope to gain more leadership experience working with people of different backgrounds and interests. I want to be able to understand all walks of life while working as a safety professional, as it will curate more trust within my workplace. Being a member of ASSP allows the opportunity to connect with others who have/are working in similar fields, such as safety. By learning from others, we can advance our members’ understanding and confidence of becoming a safety professional. Guest speakers relay unique information that our club may not hear from somewhere else. It truly is priceless having these wonderful people share what they know to us.
You were able to attend GOSH 2025, what stood out to you and what did you gain from the courses you attended?
The most memorable part of GOSH was the community. Everyone was incredibly kind and willing to help answer any questions. With regards to the courses, I learned more about electrical safety and what to do during moments of downed power lines. I also went to a silica course, which included information on worker’s health when working with fine dust particles.
What are some of your hobbies outside of your studies?
Outside of studying, I’ve begun getting into woodworking. So far, I’ve found the most enjoyment through making kitchen utensils such as spoons and spatulas. I also love to work on cars with my friends.