The endowed Amanda Gill Memorial Fund was established to provide further research or educational opportunities to students studying public health, specifically in the area of infectious disease, which Amanda was passionate about.

USF College of Public Health alumna Amanda Gill had a heart for helping others.

A graduate of the first BSPH class in 2011, her parents said Amanda had a passion for working with people with infectious diseases and always said she wanted to work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or in Africa to help AIDS patients.

Amanda was born in September of 1988 in Clearwater, Fla. She spent the majority of her education at Northside Christian School before transferring to Clearwater Hight School, where she graduated.

While attending USF, Gill worked at Busch Gardens and was awarded the Employee of the Year award. But being a big sister was her true badge of honor. “She was a fierce protector of her younger brother, Matthew, who also ended up attending USF, and always had his back,” Amanda’s father, Jim, said.

Always on the go, her family said she was involved in many activities in her free time and was a light to others. She loved adventure, her dog, Oakley, and had a heart to help. “She wanted to help people more than anything,” her mother Denice said. “When she smiled, everybody smiled.”

After graduating the COPH, Amanda’s  career path lead her across many different cities in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. From food safety for local restaurants to the North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center, Amanda’s parents said that each role could be linked back to her interest and experience in public health.

One role even led her right to the front lines of COVID at a drive-thru testing center.

In her most recent role, Amanda worked as an Infection Preventionist at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta.

“She wanted to do the best and go above and beyond,” said Shalom Patel, infection prevention manager of operations at Piedmont Healthcare with whom Amanda worked. “Amanda was fun and very bright, and she had an infectious smile. She was one of my most enthusiastic employees who was always very open and honest with me, which I appreciated. She was a team player and went out of her way to help other people. Acceptance overall was really important to Amanda.”

During her time at Piedmont, Patel said a big part of Amanda’s role was collaborating closely with the engineering department. She also worked with the MRSA-prevention team and infection prevention in the cardiac critical care unit areas.

Patel also noted that Amanda was a natural leader and mentor who took new employees under her wing.

“When she moved to Atlanta to work at Piedmont, she was very happy,” Patel said. “Amanda said this was the type of work she wanted the whole time. In infection prevention, she got to be the ‘boots on the ground,’ I think she was in the right place.”

In 35 years, Amanda lived a full life and was invested in helping so many others. “She was a shining light in all of our lives,” Denice Gill said.

A Celebration of Life was held Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at Central Christian Church in St. Petersburg, Fla. Live Stream Link: https://boxcast.tv/view/amanda-gill-memorial-service-3p-vnovk1edkyfq3jnemasb

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you please consider donating to the Amanda Gill Memorial Fund #540045 at the University of South Florida.

Donations may be mailed to: USF Foundation, Inc., 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ALC 100, Tampa, FL 33620 (ATTN: Beth Ahmedic, USF Health); memo line: Fund #540045 Amanda Gill Memorial Fund

Story by: Liz Bannon, College of Public Health

The post In remembrance of Amanda Gill appeared first on College of Public Health News.

November is International Education Month

How does health care differ in industrial versus nonindustrial countries? In socialist versus capitalist societies? In rural versus urban settings? What health inequities do different populations in different parts of the world face?

USF College of Public Health (COPH) students can get answers to those questions by participating in a study abroad program.

In 2024, the COPH will be offering international study programs to Panama, Canada, London and Japan. These for-credit programs are open to both undergraduate and master’s students and generally last about a week. They give students the opportunity to study public health with a cultural context, examining how different countries handle things such as disaster preparedness, preventative health measures and public health policy. Students are also given time to tour and engage in community service projects and research.

Students who have been on the programs say the experience has been eye-opening.

“Personally, I plan to pursue a career in global health and program management, so gaining experience traveling with a public health mindset and learning about different sites that are conducting public health work, such as the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), was super important for me,” said Nupur Kothari, a BSPH student who traveled to Panama. “Being able to participate in research and data collection in Panama helped translate the education I have gained in the COPH to actual practice.”

Hannah Harburg, an MPH student concentrating in epidemiology, said her experience in Japan was “transformative.”

“Exploring Japan for the first time altered my outlook on life,” Harburg said. “Gujo Hachiman is an area I found so beautiful, I cried. As I explored the quiet river town, I knew this was going to be a moment I would cherish for the rest of my life. The storm drain water was so clean you could feed the carp that swam in it. This trip reaffirmed my commitment to researching public health. I gathered ideas and learned problem-solving skills through active information synthesis, diversified group work and insightful debates.”

Erin Millsapps, a Coverdell Fellow who served in the Peace Corps in South Africa as a community HIV/AIDS outreach coordinator, recently returned from a summer international field experience (IFE) in Gqueberha, South Africa.

The Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship program at the COPH is a graduate fellowship program awarding financial assistance to selected returning Peace Corps volunteers who are pursuing an MPH or MSPH.

“During my IFE, my peers and I focused on addressing health disparities in ENT [ear, nose and throat] health through community engagement,” said Millsapps, who is an MPH student concentrating in epidemiology and global health. “These endeavors, emphasizing interdisciplinary teams and cultural competency, not only achieved project goals but also strengthened my ability to meet COPH competencies. Grateful for the opportunities provided by the Coverdell Fellowship and USF/COPH, I am empowered to make a meaningful impact in the field of public health.”

For more information about COPH international study programs and Peace Corps requirements, click here.

Story by Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health

The post Step inside a different world: International programs give COPH students valuable insight, training appeared first on College of Public Health News.

A daughter of migrant farmworkers, Jazmin Sanchez’s story touched the hearts of many at the 17^th Annual USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy (WLP) Fall Symposium on Oct. 4.

Sanchez, a USF College of Public Health BSPH student, was selected as this year’s recipient of the WLP Lolita Sauza Visot Memorial Scholarship and student speaker for the sold-out symposium.

The scholarship, for full-time undergraduate students, pursuing all majors, in all colleges, on all campuses, is renewable up to eight semesters. Preference is given to a student who demonstrates financial need and is engaged with the Mexican-American Student Association or the Boricua Student Association at USF.

Sanchez’s remarks inspired the nearly 1,000 attendees as she shared her journey to a bright future.

In her first year of junior high school, Sanchez was introduced to university life and lecture halls. Sponsored by a program that prepares students for college, she took her first tour at the University of South Florida sparking the popular question: “What do I want to do when I grow up?”

She recalls the day she told her parents that she wanted to be a farmer, a sentiment to their careers as their strength inspired her. Her parents laughed together at the idea but encouraged her, nonetheless. As she grew older, Sanchez recognized her deep compassion for those around her and decided that, whichever career she chose for herself, she wanted her degree to give her the strength to help and inspire those most in need. She found herself deciding between social work, nursing, emergency medicine and business.

Thanks to the guidance of Ms. Olle, Sanchez’s counselor since middle school, she was introduced to the USF College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)—an initiative designed to assist students from migrant and seasonal farmworker backgrounds in their first year of college and transitioning to complete their bachelor’s degree. This changed Sanchez’s entire trajectory. She originally planned to attend community college, but CAMP gave her hope that attending a university immediately after high school would be possible. Sanchez says she is so grateful she took the leap of faith and is now in her junior year at USF and pursuing a degree in public health.

The connections she created before and during her time at USF helped her find communities such as the USF Latino Scholarship Program (LSP) and WLP. These programs provide students with a sense of comfort as they help prepare them for a professional career but also create a family environment. With the support of WLP and LSP, Sanchez grew confident in herself and her identity as she learned how to navigate through the professional world. Shaking an interviewer’s hand, portraying confidence in an online interview, practicing proper dining etiquette and preparing an elevator pitch now come naturally to her.

Ready to tackle the outside world, Sanchez knows that she will not be forgotten even after graduation, just as she will never forget the generosity of those who have guided her along her journey and set her up for success.

Story by Brooke Russo, USF Advancement Communications and Marketing intern

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Three USF College of Public Health (COPH) students presented research abstracts at the Delta-Omega-sponsored Student Poster Session at the annual American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Meeting and Expo held in Atlanta in November.

Delta Omega is a national honorary society for public health students with more than 20,000 members. Each year, 29 students are selected to present their research during the Delta Omega Student Poster Session at the APHA’s annual meeting. While students do not need to be members of Delta Omega to compete, they must attend schools and programs with active chapters and be approved by the respective chapter to compete.

Doctoral student Rafaella Stein Elger presented research titled “Examining the sources, utilization and needs of support among caregivers of children with special health care needs in Florida.”

“This study showed that the main barriers to accessing services and resources are geography, families’ eligibility and the type of insurance families have,” Stein Elger said. “Our study also showed that caregivers need more support, and many times they’re navigating health care and education systems that are not collaborating. I think this study gives us an overview of what it means to be a caregiver for a child with special health care needs in Florida.”

Isabella Abbondanza, a senior BSPH student, presented her research titled “Experiences of Spanish-speaking participants in the Positive Parenting & Partnership (P3) Program.”

“Understanding if there are cultural differences between parenting styles can lead to more culturally appropriate material offered to parents who want to learn better parenting techniques,” Abbondanza explained. “Parents can have a huge impact on a child’s health outcomes in adulthood, and if we are able to understand cultural differences within parenting, we can better prepare parents of all backgrounds.”

Paula Hernandez, the third COPH Delta Omega presenter, shared her research on parental attitudes toward HPV vaccinations for adolescents.

“There are still many negative stigmas and misconceptions around sexual health that can impact health care decision-making and one’s health in general,” Hernandez, an MPH student, said. “Additionally, reproductive health is an integral part of women’s health and well-being, which makes it important to work toward creating equitable and effective care for all individuals.”

In addition to receiving a $500 monetary award, all the students said one of the most rewarding things about presenting was engaging with session participants.

“I was able to work on my public speaking skills while also being given a great platform to advocate for the HPV vaccine,” Hernandez said.

“My favorite part of presenting was engaging in meaningful conversations with people who also found this research important,” Abbondanza added. “Some people were interested because the research was related to their career field, and some people were interested because they come from different cultural backgrounds and felt like they could relate to the topic. I loved that I was able to practice my networking skills because good networking skills are valuable in any career field.” 

Story by Donna Campisano for USF College of Public Health

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Nine USF College of Public Health (COPH) students—from undergraduate to master’s to doctoral students—currently serve on the USF Health Executive Student Leadership Board (ESLB).

The ELSB is comprised of students across USF Health. They act as student advisors to USF Health leadership, represent USF Health on committees, in focus groups and at special events and are invited to social and professional events throughout the year. Students apply for the position, which they hold for one academic year (although students in good standing can re-apply each year).

“Together with the other students, we give feedback for upcoming USF events and present suggestions for resources and programs that would benefit the USF Health student body,” John Whelan, an MHA student serving his second term on the ESLB, said. “I look forward to working on the Capital Improvement Project as we plan allocating funds for improving student resources.”

Chinyere Reid, a COPH doctoral candidate, has served on the board since 2019 and has taken an active role in the renovation of the WELL and planning USF Health activities such as USF Health IPE Day and Homecoming Week.

“Serving on the ESLB is important because it allows me to make a meaningful contribution to the USF Health community by providing a valuable student perspective and input,” Reid said. “I have absolutely enjoyed the experience, which is why I continue to return. It has provided me with the opportunity to network with fellow USF Health students, faculty, staff and leadership, fostering interprofessional connections and contributing to my professional development.”

Whelan credits his experience with ESLB with building his professional network.

“I have made friends and professional connections that will last a lifetime,” he said. “Notably, I met my friend Hemal Prasad, a former MHA student, through ESLB. In June, I will be joining Hemal at Cleveland Clinic. I likely would have never had that connection with Hemal or learned about the potential job opportunity if it wasn’t for our collaboration in ESLB.” 

Truc (Jenny) Ho, a BSPH student, said her experience on the board has been both “eye-opening and collaborative.”

“It has allowed me to establish valuable connections across various health care fields, providing me with diverse perspectives and insights into the needs of students,” she said. “Serving on this board enables me to contribute to the betterment of the USF Health community and advocate for the students’ interests. My aim is to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for students, as well as to facilitate their professional growth. I hope to accomplish enhanced student engagement, academic success and a sense of unity within the USF Health community during my tenure.”

Whelan had similar sentiments.

“I hope to leave USF Health even better than I found it, and I hope my involvement with ESLB will improve the experience for the next generation of Bulls,” he summed up.

Story by Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health

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From Australia to Asia and places in between, both graduate and undergraduate students had the opportunity this summer to experience public health around the globe with the USF College of Public Health (COPH).

Students traveled to London, Sydney, Panama and Japan—including Tokyo, Hiroshima and Gifu. Some of the programs were study abroad, others experiential learning. But each gave students a unique perspective and insight into the inner workings of other countries’ public health systems.

USF Public Health in Japan

Students got to witness first-hand why Japanese citizens enjoy some of the best health outcomes of any nation across the globe.

They collaborated with faculty and students from the University of Tokyo and Gifu University, the latter of which has an ongoing collaborative relationship with the COPH (MPH student Natalie Nagib was the lead author on a recently published paper looking at the mental health of Gifu University students during the pandemic).

Some highlights for students:

• Visiting an elementary school to learn how lunch is a time for teaching important skills about food portioning, table etiquette, recycling and cleaning up.
• Playing the role of patient so Gifu nursing students could practice their English.
• Learning about the immediate and long-term health consequences of nuclear weapons and disaster management practices integrated within the design of Japanese cities.

“This experience helped me understand the differences in societies and how the collective thinking of a population can determine a public health outcome. For example, at Gifu University we learned a lot about how they dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic. It was surprising that when mask mandates were in place, the people did not complain and just followed the instructions because from a young age, they are taught that their actions can affect others. We have a very individualistic mindset in the U.S. and I think that is important for public health professionals to understand because it can determine what kind of public health approach would be best,” said Isabella Abbondanza, a senior BSPH student.

International Field Experience at Western Sydney University, Australia

An international field experience (IFE) is a practicum open to all COPH students (but mandatory for students in the global health practice concentration) and is considered an important part of the academic curriculum, serving as a structured and significant educational experience. The IFE takes place in an agency, institution or community in a developing country.

Caroline Boone, an MPH student in the global health practice concentration, said she decided to perform her IFE at Western Sydney University because the programs and projects the school was helping to lead would allow her to get hands-on experience not only working with diverse communities but also with program recruitment and implementation.

One of the projects she worked on was the Pasifika Preventing Diabetes Program (PPDP), a church-based program focusing on addressing diabetes within Pasifika communities.

“While diabetes is a burden on health worldwide, Pasifika individuals have a seven times higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those of European descent. Diabetes is also a leading cause of death in the Pasifika community. Most of our time working with the PPDP team was spent in the field assisting with data collection and participant recruitment sessions, assisting them with the surveys and obtaining their blood pressure, blood glucose, Hba1c, height, weight, percent body fat and waist circumference,” Boone said. “From the first day at this site, I felt that my opinion and input were valued and the suggestions I had were used. I never felt like I was just doing busy work for them and every task we worked on was helpful to their projects. I would recommend this experience to anyone.”

Panama Study Abroad Experience for the International Perspectives in Women’s Health Issues

This semester-long class culminated with a trip to Panama, where students examined health issues central to Panamanian women, such as access to health care, nutrition, intimate partner violence, unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, maternal mortality, and political justice and rights.

“This trip allowed me to travel and explore the cultural significance of women’s health in a case-study-like setting. Since public health is so interconnected, this trip gave me a new perspective on health issues that I can apply to my day-to-day work in clinical practice and research regarding infectious diseases. There is no better way to apply and grow your perspective than to seek out opportunities that help you experience another culture, hear the stories of another community and apply the lessons learned in your own community to improve health and social wellness,” said Shriya Bhatnagar, who earned her MPH from the COPH in summer 2023.

Public Health in Panama

This undergraduate course took students to various cities in Panama where they compared health systems in the U.S. to those in Panama and got an up-close look at how these systems affect health outcomes for Panamanians. Topics explored included:

• Infectious diseases
• Environmental health
• Emergency management

In addition to exploring an indigenous village and the Panama Canal, students visited the Panama Clinic, touted as the most modern hospital in Latin America, the Red Cross and a school in the rural town of Chica.

“The experience in Panama will stay with me for my whole life. As my first experience outside of the United States, it not only had a large academic impact, but a personal one, too,” commented Emma Gabinski, a senior BSPH student. “The people we interacted with and the things we were able to learn about their situations were incredibly eye-opening and will keep my love for this field alive.”

“One of the most interesting visits was touring the Red Cross in Panama. I have taken some classes in emergency management, and being able to see a Red Cross office in Panama felt especially full circle. I enjoyed hearing about the different programs that the office conducts, and we were even able to participate in one of their nationwide emergency drills while there. Being able to see and talk to an organization creating real change in the country was a big highlight,” said Nupur Kothari, a senior BSPH student.

   Story by Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health

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The USF College of Public Health (COPH) welcomed master’s and doctoral  students to a graduation ceremony presented at the college (and also livestreamed here) to family, friends, students, faculty and staff on Aug. 5.

Dr. Tricia Penniecook, COPH associate professor and vice dean for faculty affairs and development, began the ceremony what public health can do for the graduates and how it’ll change them for the rest of their lives. 

“What happens to the people who come through our halls and study to become a public health professional?” Penniecook said. “They change their world view from looking at an individual to viewing the community as a whole. Next, they start challenging their purpose. What are students going to do now that their world view has changed? Next is a change in lifestyle. Everything they do will start connecting with what they have learned in public health. Lastly, they will realize how important building relationships, support and credibility will be with their communities moving forward.”

Every year, the COPH Excellence in Teaching awardee offers words of encouragement to the graduating class. This year’s speaker was Patrick Rodriguez, instructor I.

“As you enter this next phase of your lives, we encourage you to remember the importance of being a lifelong learner. The field of public health is constantly evolving, and it is essential to stay up to date with the latest research, technologies and best practices,” he said. “We also encourage you to embrace diversity and inclusivity in your work, recognizing that health equity cannot be achieved without addressing the root causes of social and economic disparities.”

Dr. Janice Zgibor, professor and associate dean for academic affairs, rounded out the ceremony, presenting the Class of 2023 with their degrees and class gifts.

“I’m so proud of the accomplishments that you have made. It’s taken some time, but you did it. I had the privilege of reading all of your projects and you have made an impact on public health today as we speak,” Zgibor said.

While the graduate student ceremony was underway, the undergraduate studies team celebrated BSHS and BSPH graduates with a stop-in photo booth session before the USF Health ceremony at the USF Yuengling Center.

This semester, 263 undergraduates, 84 master’s degree and 12 doctoral students graduated and entered the public health profession.

Here are some of the stories from the Class of 2023:

Epiphany Jordan, MPH in social marketing

Epiphany Jordan is a multitalented professional from Nevada who said the COPH’s online MPH program with a concentration in social marketing made her feel like she’s graduating with three degrees.

It had been decades since the author, who also serves as caregiver to her mother, had been in school and the first time learning how to think like a scientist.

While testing rebranding strategies on nurturing connections, she fell in love with qualitative research and taking deep dives into the way people think.

“I entered the program not sure of what it entailed and felt a little strange being decades older than my peers,” she said. “But I succeeded in learning to leverage commercial marketing strategies to influence behaviors for the greater social good.”

Jordan soon realized her personal perspective and life experience outside public health were assets that brought welcome insight and empathy to the research she and her colleagues carried out. The support she received throughout the program validated her interest in redefining human touch as an integral part of health and wellness.

This new skillset has opened the door for Jordan to become a social marketing consultant for health agencies in Reno. As an author is working on a second book on nonsexual touch for couples.

“My ultimate goal is to bring human touch to the public’s awareness as a tool for helping us cope with the human and social aspects of climate change. In the short term, I think it can help with the loneliness epidemic,” Jordan said.

Natalia Babenko, MPH in global health practice

Born and raised in Mariupol, Ukraine, Natalia Babenko began working in the pharmaceutical field after completing her BS and MS in chemistry from Donetsk National University in Ukraine.

After seven years in pharmaceuticals, she said she reached a point in her career where her true passion became preventing diseases and decided to pursue the field of public health. She ultimately joined the COPH’s MPH program and decided on a concentration in global health practice.

During her time at the COPH, Babenko said she was most proud of the research she was able to conduct, especially after the pandemic.

“I am proud of conducting research on the predictors of anxiety and depression in health care workers and further developing a public health prevention initiative for doctors in the Dominican Republic to decrease anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. “Being a public health student helped me develop personal stress-coping mechanisms, which then enabled me to develop population-based interventions for managing stress and anxiety in health care-related cohorts.

Babenko said that she enjoyed her time in the program and is looking forward to using her public health knowledge in her career.

“I would definitely recommend the program for students who want to develop foundational knowledge in public health and understand the intricacies of public health concepts and theories,” she said.

She is continuing her education at the USF School of Aging Studies in its doctoral program.

“I hope that the results of my research can be used in developing intervention campaigns for aging communities to improve mental health via active social engagement and connection in the community,” Babenko said.

Story by Caitlin Keough, USF College of Public Health

The post The COPH graduates 359 public health heroes this summer appeared first on College of Public Health News.

The USF College of Public Health (COPH) welcomed master’s and doctoral  students to a graduation ceremony presented at the college (and also livestreamed) to family, friends, students, faculty and staff on May 5.

Dr. Donna Petersen, dean of the COPH, began the ceremony sharing the morning’s top news headlines. The dean noted that the public’s health is an ever-present concern (and news topic) for the country and the world.

“Why does that matter?” asked Petersen. “Because everything that happens in our environment affects our health.”

Every year, the COPH Excellence in Teaching awardee offers words of encouragement to the graduating class. This year’s speaker was Patrick Rodriguez, instructor I.

“As you enter this next phase of your lives, we encourage you to remember the importance of being a lifelong learner. The field of public health is constantly evolving, and it is essential to stay up to date with the latest research, technologies and best practices,” he said. “We also encourage you to embrace diversity and inclusivity in your work, recognizing that health equity cannot be achieved without addressing the root causes of social and economic disparities.”

Drs. Janice Zgibor, Amy Alman, Jaime Corvin and Victor Weedon rounded out the ceremony, presenting the Class of 2023 with their degrees and class gifts.

Zgibor, professor and associate dean for Academic Affairs, spoke to the PhD and DrPH graduates.

“I’m so proud of the accomplishments that you have made. It’s taken some time, but you did it. I had the privilege of reading all of your projects and you have made an impact on public health today as we speak,” Zgibor said.

Moving onto the MPH, MSPH and MHA students, Corvin, associate professor and director of MPH programs, urged the graduates to stand up for the vulnerable, fight for the innocent and weak and advocate for change.

“Let nothing stand in the way of your drive and passion, and never cease to be inspired,” she said.

While the graduate student ceremony was underway, the undergraduate studies team celebrated BSHS and BSPH graduates with a stop-in photo booth session before the USF Health ceremony at the USF Yuengling Center.

This semester, 684 undergraduates, 129 students seeking their master’s degree and 10 doctoral students graduated and entered the public health profession.

Here Are Some of the Stories From the Class of 2023:

Cayla Lomax’s path to public health wasn’t a straightforward one.

“In my last year of undergrad, I took a health economics course on a whim. It’s somewhat hyperbolic, but this class completely changed my trajectory. I knew nothing about the health care industry and knew even less about public health but upon taking this course, I completely fell in love with the topic. I loved learning about the health care industry and was eager to learn more. I wanted to know if it was possible to ‘fix’ the industry and I wanted to pursue further education that was more centered on health policy to find out. This is what ultimately led me to public health.”

As an MPH student concentrating in health policies and programs, Lomax said her favorite memories were passing the CPH exam and being a part of the Black-ish in Public Health student organization.

After graduation, Lomax will be working in the Hillsborough County Department of Health (DOH) as a human services program specialist.

“What I love most about this position is that you can see public health directly in action. The program I’ll be working on seeks to address the social determinants of health of clients that the DOH works with,” she said. “We’re looking to improve the health outcomes of our clients by addressing and connecting them to community resources that can meet their social needs, such as food security or transportation. I love how my position will allow me to work directly with the population we’re serving—I feel like by doing so you can really get a feel for how we can positively impact people’s lives.”

A two-time USF alumna, Chinwendu Ilonzo graduated with her MPH with concentrations in epidemiology and maternal and child health.

“Already a one-time USF alum, USF has always been a school I’ve called home,” said Ilozo, who earned her BS in biomedical science in 2019. “Being familiar with the campus, different activities and opportunities available and the wonderful people that study and teach here, I didn’t want to go anywhere else for my public health degree.”

During her time at the COPH, Ilonzo was involved in several organizations, even founding and serving as president of the Black-ish in Public Health student organization.

Ilonzo is excited to start her full-time position as a health care associate supporting and implementing initiatives focused on health care policy and performance measures.

“What I love about this position is that I will be able to apply the skills and knowledge I have gained during my program. Also, that the work is centered around improving the quality of health care through policy and systems change,” she said. “This position is heavily focused on written communication for different audiences, literature reviews, project management and developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders —all of which I have built a solid foundation for during my time as a graduate student. I feel the COPH has prepared me to take this next step!”

In the future, Ilonzo hopes to become a physician and open a medical practice that is more accommodating and accessible to Black and brown communities. She’d also like to evaluate maternal health programs and develop policies that improve community health.

Laura Pemble was first introduced to public health while studying comparative health systems and health policy abroad in Sydney, Australia, during her freshman year at Florida State University. When she returned to Florida, she decided to focus on health management and pursue her MHA at the COPH.

During her time at the COPH, Pemble said she was most proud of how much she grew in terms of professionalism and exploring a multitude of opportunities.

“I stepped out of my comfort zone for many opportunities, including running for and being voted president of the Health Management Student Association and for accepting a summer internship position in Chicago, where I did not know anyone in the city,” she said.

After graduation, Pemble will be pursuing an administrative fellowship at Tampa General Hospital. The yearlong program is designed to be a continued-learning experience where she will be doing rotations through various departments and completing several high-level projects.

“As I begin working hands-on in a hospital, I will apply the knowledge and professionalism I acquired in my classes to build relationships and be successful in future endeavors,” she said. “I believe this program was an amazing experience and immensely furthered my career. The opportunities that I was provided with are invaluable, and this program was very nurturing.”

The first in her family to graduate from college, Jacqueline Perez earned her BA in global health and international comparative studies from Duke University before deciding to attend the COPH for her MPH in health promotion and behavior.

Perez was first introduced to public health after landing an internship at the Duke Student Wellness Center (DuWell) her freshman year of undergrad.

“I didn’t know it then, but my job at DuWell introduced me to public health and the world of health education and promotion. During my four years as a DuWell intern, I had the opportunity to create and lead the implementation of health promotion projects centered around topics in sexual health, healthy relationships and mindfulness,” she said. “As someone who values creativity, this was my first work experience creating projects and programs to improve the health and well-being of my peers—and having fun while doing so. Once I realized this, I knew public health was the place for me.”

During her time at the COPH, Perez was involved in Eta Sigma Gamma and the USF Health Executive Student Leadership Board. She was also a graduate assistant for the Florida Research Prevention Center (FPRC) and Dr. Rita Debate, researching food insecurity among college students.

After graduation, Perez is excited to join the health communication research team at Fors Marsh as a research analyst.

“I never imagined myself as a research analyst, but one of the things that I love about this position is the potential for impact by developing evidence-based public health programs for our communities. I am also excited to work with a team of researchers who are driven and put people first,” she said.

A first-generation American, Calandra Peterkin had always been around health care coming from a family of nurses and midwives.

“My journey has been interesting. I wanted to become a lawyer when I was younger. However, in 2018, I became a medication technician and resident aide. From then on, I knew I wanted to be in health care,” she said. “I got into public health when I started as a freshman at USF and was amazed by how much public health covers without having to be a nurse or in direct patient care.”

During her time at USF, Peterkin was involved in numerous organizations, including the National Council of Negro Women, Black Female Development Circle, National Society of Black Women in Medicine, co-chair for education for Time for Change and vice president/health chair for the USF Chapter of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Peterkin was recently accepted in the COPH’s MPH program and will also be working as a community health worker.

“I love that this new position focuses on overcoming social determinants of health and getting patients to their primary care practitioner rather than using the ER,” she said. “I love trying to build the bridge to the continuity of care and having the physician’s support.”

As she continues her graduate-level education, Peterkin said, “I hope to build relationships with more professors at USF! I want to be a part of more discussions and become a certified health education specialist.”

After earning her BS in communication sciences and disorders in 2011 and a BS in event management with a minor in 2014, both from the University of Central Florida, Aura Marie Reyes knew she needed to come the USF for her public health degree.

“It’s a funny story! In high school, I was a part of a club called Future Business Leaders of America. We were on our way to a conference and my teacher decided to book a university tour at USF. Since then, I always had a feeling that I would be studying at USF one day. As the pandemic affected the hospitality industry, I thought it was the perfect time to pivot my career and apply for a master’s in public health. I was living in New Jersey at the time and I saw that USF had an MPH. I decided to apply and move back to Florida to be closer to my family. I think in an odd way it was fate.”

One of Reyes favorite memories at the COPH was being asked to join the Florida Prevention Research Center (FPRC) team as a graduate research assistant working on a project that aligned with her previous experience in hospitality.

“I was able to lead, delegate tasks and learn to code a qualitative study. The major accomplishment though was completing the target number of interviews needed for one population. Recruitment is hard!”

Reyes said that she’ll always remember the people that she met while in the MPH program and the support they gave each other through all the highs and lows.

Story by Caitlin Keough, USF College of Public Health

The post The COPH graduates 823 public health heroes appeared first on College of Public Health News.

March is Women’s History Month

Imagine being a five-year-old child; happy and carefree. The age where you either attend pre-k or start kindergarten. But can you imagine a five-year-old working in farm fields in hot 90-degree humid weather with her parents? I was that child. I wore a long-sleeved shirt, jeans, closed-toed shoes and a hat to protect me from the hot sun. At five years old, I was unaware of how difficult agricultural labor is. My mom had enrolled me at the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA), a Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program, but she also wanted to teach me to value my education. 

My mother’s life lesson started during the weekend after I did not want to wake up for school. My mother remembers that I was full of confidence when asked if I wanted to go to work with her and my father. However, I did not know what was in store for me. 

Arriving at the fields around 7:30 am, I first saw endless rows of strawberry fields. I felt enthusiastic. My task: Collect as many bright red strawberries as I could and place them in my pink Halloween bucket. After filling my bucket, I would give the strawberries to one of my parents. Around 12, I felt the heat. It was around 90 degrees. The humidity made it feel worse. I felt like I was in 100-degree weather; I did not like that at all and wanted to go home. I was already tired and asked if we could leave. My mom said no—I had to stay till they finished, and so I kept working.

I do not recall what happened the rest of the time I was there, but I remember what happened afterward. I went home and sat on the stairs of the house with a red face, a headache and clothes covered in dirt, and reflected on the decision I had made to join my parents in the strawberry fields. I went inside. I was so tired that I ignored dinner and skipped a shower, and went straight to bed just to wake up the next day, to repeat another day of long, hard work. My parents had me help them one more day, and, convinced that my lesson was learned, they let me stay home where, in the next few years, I could help take care of younger siblings when my parents could not find childcare.

Although my work in the strawberry fields was short-lived, I have much more experience harvesting blueberries. I started working on blueberry farms when I was 12 years old and worked every summer until I was 16. The blueberry season starts in the summer after school ends in Florida.

My family and I would leave Florida near the end of June and start the 17-hour drive to Michigan. Unlike the strawberry season, I liked picking blueberries because I did not have to bend down low to the ground all day; blueberry plants grow higher.  My job was to fill up my six buckets. Once they were all filled, I would carry all the buckets to place them into plastic containers and have them weighed. On average, six buckets would be 42-45 pounds, and depending on who we were working for, the average pay was 0.45 to 0.55 cents a pound. I had to pick as many pounds as I could. On good days, I would be able to pick 200 pounds or more; on many other days, I would pick less.

The clothing I wore was also the same: long sleeves, jeans, closed toes shoes and a hat, to protect myself from the sun. The weather in Michigan is not as humid as it is in Florida. Usually, it was in the mid-80s to low-90 degrees however, it was still hot being there all day. We would go in each morning at 8:30 or later depending on how wet the blueberry plants were and leave the fields around 8 or 9 at night. 

I did not like going to a new school in Michigan every September, just to leave in late October and return to Florida and start school. The curriculum was very different; I would excel quickly in Michigan since what I was learning I had already studied in Florida. But I also did not like how every time I would go to a new school, I’d be the “new girl,” struggling to make friends but knowing I would soon be migrating. “What is the point?” I would wonder. So I always kept to myself and only spoke when I was spoken to, and to this day I still do. 

I also did not like the “what did you do during the summer?” question on the first day of school when I returned to Florida, because all I did was work all summer and had no fun. Work caused my parents to miss many school functions that other parents would attend. Sometimes, it felt like a lack of support, but I understood that this type of work was their only way to generate income to provide for the family. 

This summer, after four years away, I came back to Michigan with my family for the blueberry harvest one more time. Now that I am 20 and reflecting on my family’s agricultural experience, I appreciate my parents for what they have done for my siblings and me. They wake up early every day, go to work, come home to cook and still spend a little bit of time with my younger siblings. I help around as much as I can because I know they cannot do everything on their own, especially now that they are getting older. I know they are tired and have no rest days. But thanks to them, I am the first person in my family to go to college and serve as an example to my siblings, which proves to them that there is a reason for our parent’s sacrifices. 

Alma Hernandez is from Plant City, Florida, and attends the University of South Florida, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. She interned with the Child Labor Coalition in the summer of 2022, through an internship program organized by the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association.

Reposted from the Child Labor Coalition

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USF College of Public Health (COPH) BSPH student Shannon Nelson has had her fair share of challenges.

She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022, has navigated money issues and dealt with the devastating deaths of 10 family members and friends, including her husband and mother, over the course of just a few years.

“Oftentimes, I feel we go through life and we like to celebrate the wins,” said Nelson, a motivational speaker who is also creating a wellness center. “But we don’t shed light on the test, the journey. Often, people are hurting and need support. They need encouraging words. I wanted to let people know that I made it to the other side of better, and they can too.”

Part of what got Nelson to the “other side of better” was putting her experiences down on paper.

“We all have challenges,” she said, “and sometimes what makes those challenges harder is feeling like we’re alone, like no one understands us. My desire with this book is to be a guide and an encourager. I want my experiences—the good and the bad and the lessons I’ve learned dealing with them—to help others.”

“All Is Well, Even If It Ain’t” is Nelson’s personal account of her trials and triumphs. It covers her cancer journey, her insights about loss and grief and her thoughts on health, healing and hope.

Nelson said her public health training gave her added perspective when writing the book.

“As a member of the public health community, I felt it was my responsibility to share my journey so that I could inspire others to work toward wellness,” Nelson commented. “Wellness deals with our entire being, and we each deserve to live a healthy and whole life. My desire is to inspire by the life I live and the words I speak.”

Story by Parker Guevarra and Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health

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