First published on February 10, 2020 in observance of the COPH’s 35^th anniversary celebration.

The USF College of Public Health become one of the first public health programs in the nation to transform the core curriculum to meet 21^st century public health needs and to meet changing Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH) competency requirements in 2014.

“This curriculum was designed to reflect the true, interdisciplinary nature of public health. While, historically, schools and colleges of public health have introduced students to the core curriculum of public health in the first year of the master of public health (MPH) program from independent perspectives, this approach lacked an interdisciplinary and integrated approach required to address public health problems,” said Dr. Jaime Corvin, associate professor and director of the MPH program.

Faculty at the COPH were charged with addressing this problem, rethinking our curriculum and developing a program to prepare the next generation of public health professionals. 

Today, more than 700 students have successfully completed the new core at USF and have earned the Certified in Public Health (CPH) designation, a requirement of the new program. 

“People often ask, why change the core?” Corvin said. “Simply put, our MPH program was a strong program. But it was no longer addressing the realities of 21^st century public health problems. We deal with complex problems, we come together as multidisciplinary teams to address these issues, and we don’t act in silos. There was a need to teach traditional content but in an integrated fashion and to ensure that our students were receiving practical, hands-on-training.” 

The COPH’s MPH program now integrates rigorous public health training with broad exposure to the breadth and depth of the field, according to Corvin.

Students learn the traditional public health content but are required to apply those skills through case studies, communications assignments, and the analysis of public health data in History and Systems, Population Assessment I and Population Assessment II, as well as the development of public health promotion campaigns in Translation to Practice. 

“Students work in groups, they debate, they write – a lot – and they synthesize public health problems, coming together to develop innovative strategies to address the problems poised,” Corvin said.  

The MPH core courses are taught by a team of faculty and leaders within the college, including Dean Donna Petersen and Drs. Anna Armstrong, Jason Beckstead, Tom Bernard, Joe Bohn, Jaime Corvin, Rita Debate, Zac Pruitt, Troy Quast, Tom Unnasch, Kate Wolfe-Quintero, Ronee Wilson and Janice Zgibor.

In addition, each cohort is supported by a team of doctoral and masters level teaching assistants. Together, this team strives to provide the best experience for students as they learn and practice the foundational public health concepts. 

Corvin also shared how, as the student body changed and as CEPH competencies were revised, revisions were required to ensure students were graduating with the tools and skills needed to be successful in the workforce. 

Such revisions included a renewed focus on communication and leadership, the importance of writing and the need for enhanced professional development skills.

“In fact, Dr. Anna Armstrong, who leads the USF BullPEN initiative, recently conducted a study to assess professional development needs of our students as perceived by our students and the local workforce,” Corvin said.

Armstrong found that students felt they needed job readiness skills and employers believed students needed help with communication and professional development.

As a result, the USF BullPEN was launched and elements of professional development were incorporated in the Core curriculum. 

Corvin and Armstrong believe that the focus on professional development will help our students to be better prepared as they enter the workforce. They also hope that this will instill a culture of continuing education, lifelong learning, and professional development, all important tenants of the field.

“It’s a lot of work and it takes a commitment. A commitment to your studies and to the field. But we hear back from our graduates about how prepared they feel in their new careers. To me, there is nothing more rewarding,” Corvin said when asked how students receive the program.

The faculty often receive feedback that the strength of USF’s MPH program is its focus on integration of core subject areas and real-world application.

Hari Venkatachalam, a recent graduate of the program, shared “when I joined the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Health Science Research Specialist, I found myself initially overwhelmed with the diversity among the research staff: There were nurses, anthropologists, physical therapists, and biostatisticians. They each brought such unique skills. But that’s what the USF’s MPH program prepares its students for. It prepares us for real world public health work, whether it’s by giving us the analytical skills to perform data management, honing the investigative skills to perform reviews of literature, or the fine-tuning of our writing and oratory skills to defend a program’s implementation. The program is built in a manner that when a student joins the workforce, they find themselves jumping into the position like riding a bike; The skills have become second-nature.” 

Other students have gone on to continue their education, USF’s MPH serving as a strong foundation for the next step in their career path.

“I found that I entered the program vastly more prepared and comfortable than my peers, and have bragged about my integrated MPH on more than one occasion,” said Amina Zeidan who is now a doctoral student in a translational science program at the University of Texas. “These courses were more realistic and relate-able to real life work experiences.”

Corvin said the MPH committee will continue to evaluate and revise the core, striving for a more rigorous foundation for the next generation of public health professionals. 

“Our graduates are the future – public health professionals poised to bring people together and to be the change!” Corvin said.

Story by USF COPH Staff Writer

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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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Born in Los Angeles, College of Public Health (COPH) alum Nicole Stokes Zolkos grew up in Tampa since she was 3 years old and calls herself a “Tampanian.”

“Both of my parents taught at USF. My dad was head of jazz studies and my bonus mom is a psychology professor, but I started my undergrad at Florida State University,” Stokes Zolkos said.

By the end of her junior year she had transferred to USF, eventually earning her B.A. in psychology from the university in 2003. She then then worked part-time at Northside Mental Health, serving the chronically mentally ill.

What led Stokes Zolkos to apply for a master’s program in public health was her own chronic illness.

“I have Crohn’s disease,” she said. “I’m always curious about how people navigate chronic illness and the decisions they make to manage that illness while living full lives. That’s why I chose public health.”

While taking classes, Stokes Zolkos worked full-time during the day and said developing relationships with her professors helped her tremendously.

“I’ve had many who invested time in me like Dr. Rita DeBate, a COPH professor who specializes in mental health issues, as well as Natalie Preston, director of the Office of Engagement and Constituent Relations, who helped me feel connected,” she said.

Stokes Zolkos graduated with her MPH in 2007 and was introduced to the public health workforce through what is now called Frameworks of Tampa Bay, an organization dedicated to promoting social and emotional development for youth age 8-18.

“We worked with mostly middle school aged children on things like emotional intelligence, how to handle conflict in safe ways, how to talk about relationships, healthy eating and what choices to make around drug or alcohol use,” she said.

Stokes Zolkos said the work mirrored her psychology roots but also connected with public health and the behavioral change model.

“It really was a nice marriage,” she said. “Then I rose in the organization to be VP of program operations and eventually acting executive director. I was with that organization for 10 years.”

Then, Stokes Zolkos said she got really sick again.

“This was during the 2008-2009 market crash so our funding was impacted,” she commented, “I had a lot of stress, which triggered a problem with my chronic illness and I ended up needing a bowel resection surgery.”

It was during that recovery time that Stokes Zolkos realized she needed to figure out something different for her life, and a friend suggested financial planning. At first, she thought it was a crazy idea, but ultimately found that the career could check a lot of boxes for what she wanted to achieve. So, she took the leap.

“I got the education I needed, which added a bunch of fancy letters behind my name, and I started my own financial planning practice in 2011,” she said. “In total, I earned eight different licenses so that I could advocate for my clients in the most informed way.”

“What I realized is I’m still doing public health work today,” Stokes Zolkos said. “The question the students always ask is, ‘How is financial planning considered public health?”

The answer, she said, is simple.

“When you look at the number-one public health issue today, it is stress,” Stokes Zolkos said. “The number-one stressor is money. People think and worry about money constantly. You worry if you have enough, or you worry if you have so much and what to do with taxes. Everyone is worried about money.”

Stokes Zolkos found an unlikely comparison when explaining the marriage of public health and financial planning.

“I always compare financial planning to smoking,” she said. “People know of the health risks, yet some still choose to smoke. People know there will come a time when they will need to retire, for example. Yet there’s still a disconnect of positive decision-making. I utilize the same behavioral change model that we use to get people to stop smoking as to save money or to make better decisions with their money like retirement saving options. “I am still using what I have learned from my masters of public health every single day to help reduce people’s stress,” she said.

Now a mom of five, Stokes Zolkos is a wealth management advisor and managing director for Northwestern Mutual.

“I own two financial planning companies and now help train, develop and attract new talent. That’s why I was eligible for the Fast 56 award for a third year in a row because it’s a business that is Bull owned and led,” she said.

The USF Fast 56 Awards, now in its 11th year, recognizes the 56 fastest-growing Bull-led businesses.

“We have a Clearwater location and our newest location in Tampa has one of the top-10 internship programs in the nation,” Stokes Zolkos added. “We always love having USF students and would like to see public health student applications.”

Since graduating, Stokes Zolkos has been able to stay plugged in as an alum. She sat on the advisory board for the COPH and attends USF’s annual Green and Gold Gala fundraiser event.

“I see the COPH rocking and rolling and getting awards, which makes me proud,” she said. “I see growth with alumni communication- the alumni newsletter, alumni email updates and the event posts in Facebook and LinkedIn. I see the college working to engage people earlier on to keep people connected to the university, which is really cool.”

Fast Five

What did you dream of becoming when you were young?

I wanted to be a doctor at Doctors Without Borders. Then I realized there’s no way I can ever see that much blood, ever.

Where would we find you on the weekends?

At a soccer game or Girl Scout meeting or anywhere outdoors with my kids.

What is the last book that you read?

What I’m reading right now is “Born to Shine.” by Kendra Scott.

What superpower would you like to have?

A shape shifter. You could be the president one second, signing an order in to place. The next second you could encourage your child’s best friend, giving them advice or courage. There’s so many things you could do. 

What is your all-time favorite movie?

The one I can watch over and over again and never get bored of is “Love, Actually.”

Story by: Liz Bannon, College of Public Health

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Two USF College of Public Health (COPH) staff members took on new leadership positions with the Florida Public Health Association (FPHA), the professional organization for public health workers in Florida.

The leaderships changes took effect during the FPHA’s annual meeting, held in Orlando in July.

Allison Rapp, MPH, moved to first vice president of the group while Parnia Roghani Shareef, who received her MPH from the college, moved to second vice president. Both Rapp and Roghani Shareef are program planner analysts with the COPH’s Center for Leadership in Public Health Practice.

COPH DrPH student Kelli Agrawal currently serves as the FPHA’s student engagement committee co-chair.

The FPHA membership elects the second vice president, who serves a one-year term. Every year the officers move up—from second vice president to first vice president to president and immediate past president. All in all, officers serve for four years.

“When I moved to Florida in 2014, I knew I needed to network and one of the first things I did was find the FPHA,” Rapp said. “In fact, I moved at the end of June that year and the conference was in July. I’ve taken on numerous roles throughout the years with FPHA including member-at-large and treasurer. In an effort to continue to develop as a leader, I wanted to take on FPHA leadership roles and here I am—vice president.”

Rapp said two of her major responsibilities will be planning the annual conference and expanding the reach of the FPHA.

“I like to think that there is not a single issue we are faced with, across all areas, that is not connected to public health,” Rapp said. “Give me an issue you think is not a public health issue and I will explain to you why it is. That said, I want to bring other sectors—from business to education and more—to understand that they should be interested in public health, join the FPHA and come to our amazing conference.”

Roghani Shareef said strengthening connections with those inside and outside public health will be her focus as well.

“I hope to accomplish a successful mentorship program, which I helped launch last year,” she said. “I also hope to continue to collaborate across different sectors. As Allison mentioned, what isn’t public health? Having those connections and networks will really enhance our efforts in public health.”

Roghani Shareef was also recognized with the FPHA’s Meritorious Service Award, which is given annually to an FPHA member who has a record of making outstanding contributions to the FPHA in the field of public health.

“I feel honored not only to be nominated and receive this award from one of my role models [Venise White, FPHA’s immediate past president], but to know that the work I am doing is making an impact,” Roghani Shareef said. “It feels amazing and brings me one step closer to changing the world!”

Also recognized by the FPHA at their annual meeting was alum Nicole Sutton, who received the Robert D. May M.D. Award. The award is given to a public health worker and FPHA member who has demonstrated significant accomplishments advancing public health at local or state levels.

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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Sabrina Rice was raised in rural Cumming, Ga, by parents with humble beginnings who placed great emphasis on her educational pursuits. 

“Public health impacted my ability to be and stay healthy as a child and young adult through eye testing, department of health vaccinations and dental programs,” Rice said.

During high school, Rice became passionate about health occupations. “I still remember when I first learned CPR and took my very first medical terminology test,” Rice said. 

But ultimately for her first undergraduate experience, she decided to pursue a degree in religion.

“After my dad’s cardiac event in 2004, his cardiologist at the time asked me what I was studying and recommended that I pursue health care,” Rice said, “This reminded me of my health occupation passion in high school and spurred my curiosity.”

Rice’s commitment to pursuing a health degree and being a catalyst for change in the health care industry only became stronger after experiencing the deaths of her mother from a brain aneurysm in 2011 and her father from a heart attack in 2014.

“In 2014, I chose USF because of its College of Public Health  (COPH). The college had a reputation for promoting experiential learning and adjusting quickly to healthcare’s evolving landscape,” said the first-generation college student.

While at the COPH, Rice completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in 2016 and a dual Master of Healthcare Administration and Master of Public Health in 2018.

Rice said many inspired her during her time at the COPH.

“I often refer to Dr. Jay Wolfson in my own presentations to COPH students because, during my graduate orientation, he altered my perspective about how I could make an impact by appreciating serendipity. I learned to embrace the unexpected or ‘happy accidents’ no matter how challenging it was to step out of my comfort zone,” she said.  “And Dr. Zachary Pruitt transforms education while also having a unique understanding of everyone’s personality and skill set. Because of his teaching style and awareness, he helps students convert their passion to practice.”

During her master’s program, Rice held an administrative residency at Gastro Florida, which is the is the largest gastroenterology group in Tampa Bay.

In 2021, Rice completed the TGH Modern Advances in Leadership Certificate Program and the Leadership Enrichment and Development (LEAD) TGH Program in 2022. That same year, she became a certified patient experience professional (CPXP).

“I am currently a patient experience coordinator at Tampa General Hospital. I was drawn to this role because of how my personal experiences in hospitals with my parents and how that impacted me and my family. This position allows me to make a difference through partnerships, coaching for best practices and telling stories derived from the data submitted by patients,” Rice said .

Rice has also served in multiple capacities for the Western Florida Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She was the first program’s committee intern, serves as a regent’s advisory council member and has earned the Regent’s Early Careerist Recognition in 2018. She now serves as president of the chapter.

“Public health is important,” Rice said, “because everyone has a right to ensure that both themselves and their families have their basic health needs met and are able to thrive in their environments.”

Rice is also deeply focused on giving back to the community and to USF. She meets with and mentors several graduate students. With leadership support, she developed and acted as preceptor for a patient experience internship in 2022. She supports charitable organizations like the Foster Angels program and participates in other volunteer activities including Feeding Tampa Bay and Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch. She has been involved with the American Heart Association Tampa Bay Heart Walk for multiple years and was named a “Walker With the Most Heart” in 2022.

This initiative she pursues specifically in honor of her dad. Rice said, “He always said I could do anything I put my mind to. I aim to inspire the same courage and resolve in others pursuing their careers in healthcare.”

Fast Five:

What did you dream of becoming when you were young?

I had dreams of becoming an astronaut, an interior decorator, an archaeologist and a storm chaser .

Where would we find you on the weekend?

I love spending time with my husband and biggest supporter, Matthew, as well as my family and friends. I may be found at the pool, golfing or mountain biking. I am definitely a foodie and love exploring new places.

What are the last books you read?

“Positive Intelligence,” by Shirzad Chamine and “Dare To Lead,” by Brené Brown.

What superpower would you like to have?

A power that would allow me to enhance empathy in others.

What’s your all-time favorite movie?

I prefer movies that uplift or empower.

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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

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Sofie Johnson, a USF College of Public Health MPH student, says a volunteer trip to Thailand first sparked her interest in farming.

She and her fellow volunteers were tasked with creating a farm on a rural school’s property.

“I learned about permaculture, which is a sustainable way to farm utilizing the natural properties of plants to manage pests, conserve and maximize resources and use the natural ecosystem to the advantage of producing food,” Johnson explained. “Permaculture takes a whole-systems approach to farming, which I have found very similar to everything I have been learning about public health. I fell in love with getting my hands in the soil.”

Fast forward a couple of years and Johnson, who is concentrating in global disaster management, humanitarian relief and homeland security, now owns and operates SoJo Farms, a .44-acre organic farm in Hudson, Fla.

Johnson plants and harvests a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, okra, beans, peas and cucumbers. She also has mango, pineapple and papaya trees as well as ginger and turmeric plants.

“Right now, I mainly sell fresh produce and pickled items via word-of-mouth to friends, family and coworkers,” she said. “I have plans to eventually sell at some farmers’ markets around town and maybe even try to get some produce into the local produce shops when I get more time.”

Johnson—who also has a “book box” on the farm where people can take and leave books—said that what sets her farm apart is a “farm-it-forward” philosophy.

“I want the farm to be a place for the community and by the community, for multiple generations,” she explained. “I want people to think more about where their food comes from and how it is produced—for example, how much time does it take to grow a potato? How can good bugs be used to keep away the bad bugs? What does a brussels sprout look like on the plant, etc.? I want to encourage people to be more conscious about their foods and what is in them.”

Reducing food insecurity, promoting healthy eating and creating a sustainable food source are just some of the ways Johnson connects farming to public health.

Fostering a sense of community is another.

“I want the farm to be a place where community members can know the farmer behind their food, see and learn about where their food comes from, give input into what is grown and get their hands dirty if they want to,” said Johnson, who hopes to do research on food insecurity after graduation. “I feel very privileged to be able to do this. My intention with the farm is to put back more into this community than what is here currently. I’m working toward matching every purchase with a donation straight into the community, whether that is to a local food bank, church or directly to families in the area. I feel very lucky that I have this opportunity to try to make a difference in a way that I am passionate about.”

Story by Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health

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When Stephanie Carraway relocated to Tampa from Florida’s East Coast 12 years ago, she took a job as a secretary in the infection prevention department at Moffitt Cancer Center.

“My time there proved to be highly influential,” said Carraway, a native of Islamorada, Fla., and a 2006 graduate of Florida State University. “I became deeply inspired by the department, prompting me to pursue a specialization in infection prevention.”

In 2013, Carraway enrolled in classes at USF to acquire a graduate certificate in infection control, which sparked an even broader interest in public health. In 2015, she received her MPH from USF’s College of Public Health with a specialization in infection control.

Carraway said what she loves about the work is her ability to have a direct impact on an individual’s health and well-being.

“Our primary objective revolves around ensuring the well-being of both patients and staff, shielding them from the risks associated with communicable diseases and infections that they might be vulnerable to during their hospital stay,” Carraway said. “It is truly gratifying to witness the positive impact my team can make by introducing projects or processes that enhance the health outcomes of our patients and the safety of our staff.”

Carraway credits her COPH training with helping her climb to the top.

“The invaluable knowledge I gained at USF has played a pivotal role in shaping my current position,” she stated. “My experience at USF has enabled me to successfully transition into the role of an infection preventionist, significantly expanding my responsibilities within my organization. I started as a secretary and today, I stand as director of infection prevention at a prominent comprehensive cancer center, a testament to the transformative power of education and personal growth.”

Infection control’s ever-changing nature keeps Carraway on her toes.

“I am dedicated to the education of health care personnel and the general public regarding infectious diseases and effective measures to contain their spread,” she said. “Through this outreach, I aim to foster awareness and empower individuals with knowledge on limiting the transmission of infectious diseases. I firmly believe that in this role, the learning process never ceases. There is an endless array of knowledge and skills to acquire, and I relish the opportunity to face and overcome such challenges.”

Carraway said one of her greatest professional accomplishments is being selected as a fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). Fellows of the APIC must demonstrate exceptional expertise and leadership in the field of infection control and epidemiology, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals and exhibiting proficiency in at least three of the four domains of infection prevention (for example, operations and performance improvement, professional stewardship, etc.).

“Receiving the title of APIC fellow is an accomplishment that I am immensely proud of. It highlights my dedication to infection prevention and control, as well as my commitment to advancing the field through leadership and scholarly contributions,” Carraway said.

Carraway intends on staying put at Moffitt, at least for the time being.

“I love working at Moffitt. I feel like I have truly found my passion and I love what I do,” she said. “I am not sure what the future holds for my career, but I am along for the ride!”

Alumni Fast Five:

What did you dream of becoming when you were young?

I was always inspired by doctors and thought medicine was super cool!

Where would we find you on the weekend?

You will most likely find me spending time with my family. My weekends are when I get to have fun with my 5-year-old daughter and my husband. I look forward to different activities and watching my daughter grow and play! There is no other place I would rather be.

What is the last book you read?

I am currently pursuing my MBA, so the only books I have read lately are about finance!

What superpower would you like to have?

I would love to be able to heal people. You know…place your hand on a broken arm and fix it. There would be no better feeling!

What’s your all-time favorite movie?

This is tough, and I am not sure I could pick just one. I really loved “Mrs. Doubtfire” growing up and that’s in my top 10!

Story by Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health

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USF College of Public Health (COPH) graduate Aditi Desai has visited all seven continents—and learned about public health along the way.

As the daughter of immigrants, she caught the travel bug early.

Desai, who grew up in Orlando, spent summers visiting family in India and Canada, where an uncle who worked in the medical field gave her a glimpse into how a universal health care system worked.

As an undergraduate at Mercer University in Macon, Ga., she completed a study abroad program in Australia, where she learned about how climate change impacted the environment.

Her love of science and health was burgeoning, and Desai knew she wanted to work in a field that would help people optimize their health.

But public health wasn’t really in the picture.

The plan, Desai said, was to attend medical school after graduation, but her grades weren’t where they should be. What if she pursued another degree while studying for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), she wondered. Would that make her more attractive to medical schools?

She embraced the idea and began looking into degree programs USF—and, in particular, the COPH—offered.

“I chose the COPH because it was close to home and a top-ranked school with a top-ranked program,” Desai, who graduated with her MPH in global health practice in 2013, said. “Unbeknownst to me, I would fall in love with my public health studies and pursue work within the field rather than pursue medical school. I really came into public health completely by accident. I enjoy feeling like an investigator, trying to understand the source of many diseases and understanding ways to prevent them from spreading in the first place.”

While at the COPH, Desai was able to travel to China, where she gained firsthand knowledge about the differences between rural and urban health care systems. She also took part in the now-defunct Peace Corps Master’s International Program, which took her to Uganda where she worked on HIV, malaria and tuberculosis prevention and education. 

“This gave families resources that would allow the young women to continue attending school [while menstruating],” Desai remarked. “Previously, they would miss school because they didn’t have money for pads or tampons.”

Desai said that the program, which is still being facilitated today, is one of her greatest professional achievements.

“The COPH allowed me to learn about international health, to see public health in action in other countries and to acquire the humbling knowledge that the U.S. is not as ahead in public health as we might think,” she said.

In the years between graduation and now, Desai has held a variety of jobs. She’s worked locally in HIV and hepatitis C prevention, built an outpatient medication-assisted treatment program in California and used yoga and art therapy as a healing mechanism for incarcerated youth and adults in outpatient behavioral health and addiction programs. She’s also worked with the California Department of Health promoting equity and increased access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Today, she is a program manager for Richard Health and Associates, a California-based company that works to protect the environment and advance equitable access to services. She’s currently working on an initiative with the California governor’s office that focuses on equity and access to public health resources and messaging.

“While my role is based in California, I work remotely,” Desai said. “I love that I can travel and work. I have recently been able to meet my goal of traveling to all seven continents, reaching Antarctica in 2022. While my travels to some of the continents were for pleasure, my interest in health care often drove conversations, whether in Portugal learning about people’s access to health care services and their work against COVID-19 or learning about research in Antarctica that’s impacting medicine every day. And this isn’t the end. I know I have much more to learn and do to support equity and justice in health care across the world.”

Alumni Fast Five:

What did you dream of becoming when you were young?

An astronaut!

Where would we find you on the weekend?

At the park doing yoga or volunteering at the Friends of Oakland Library Bookstore.

What is the last book you read?

“What the Eyes Don’t See,” by Mona Hanna-Attisha

What superpower would you like to have?

Flight

What’s your all-time favorite movie?

My favorite English-language movie is “I Love You, Man.” My favorite Hindi movie is “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.”

Story by Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health

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