University of Memphis School of Public Health | Issue #3 Winter 2023

RE

PUBLIC HEALTH IDEAS

IN THIS ISSUE:

Dual

Data Reveal:

Dean

Ashish Joshi, PhD, MBBS, MPH

Communications Team

Ryan Wigginton

Magdalena Reilly

Jennifer Christian

Contact Us sphcommunications@memphis.edu

Follow School of Public Health Issue #3

I am delighted to share with you all our Winter 2023 edition of the RE-AIM Public Health IDEAS magazine highlighting the student-centric approach of the University of Memphis School of Public Health. The school aims to deliver high-quality and cutting-edge educational programs that are both affordable and accessible.

We are strongly committed to implementing student-centric initiatives that are data driven, evidence-informed and based on students’ needs. We strive to foster opportunities to create exceptional and successful learning experiences, leadership opportunities and personal and professional growth for our students.

In the last year, a wide-range of student-centric initiatives have been implemented in the School of Public Health including: APHA memberships for all SPH students; scholarships for incoming graduate students; teaching assistantships for doctoral students; support for student travel to present at national conferences, such as the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting & Expo; and our launch of a new public health ambassador initiative that provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills and engage with diverse community partners and stakeholders.

To raise awareness of public health among local high school students and introduce them to public health as a possible career field, we launched our public health model for high schools including a School of Public Health dual enrollment program, public health clubs in numerous high schools and organized a public health hackathon initiative that will generate new out-of-the-box ideas to solve public health challenges of the 21st century.

High schools can play a critical role in reducing adolescent health risks through the delivery of effective public health education and in helping students decide how they would like to participate in the workforce.

Based on the results of our recent current student survey, the SPH has enhanced its school-wide communication through weekly and

monthly e-mails, social media outlets, regular website updates and the launch of our new SPH magazine, now in its third issue. Furthermore, students suggested the need to have more networking events, getting information on field placements and becoming more aware of the various research opportunities both within and outside of the school.

In response to this feedback, the SPH has established offices of REAP: Recruitment and Admissions, Enrollment and Advisement, Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness, Practicum and Experiential Learning and hired a dedicated coordinator for each. These offices are already working to support students along with providing them with information on field/practicum placements and various public health career opportunities.

We have also organized several events such as: back to school socials, student orientation, Friendsgiving, an end of the year holiday party and more. These different events are not only enjoyable, but they facilitate networking and enhance interactions among students, alumni, faculty and staff.

As a School of Public Health, we are strongly committed to ensuring a quality student experience beyond the classroom.

Ashish Joshi, PhD, MBBS, MPH Dean & Distinguished University Professor

School of Public Health

SPH CARES

“SPH CARES is an Innovative Model to translate excellence in public health education toward greater community impact.”

Ashish Joshi, PhD, MBBS, MPH | Dean & Distinguished University Professor

Launch of the American Public Health Association (APHA) Membership

STUDENT-CENTEREDNESS AT SPH

“It is important that students use this opportunity to showcase some of the work they have done or are working on. There is great opportunity at these conferences that the school environment may not give to students. I encourage students to attend and present.

There is fulfillment at these conferences when people ask questions and you have answers to these questions. People are always interested in learning from each other.”

Tony Lugemwa, MSPH PhD Candidate in Social & Behavioral Sciences

The University of Memphis SPH, is 1 of 12 schools nationwide offering student membership to the APHA.

University of Memphis, School of Public Health

Student Presenters at APHA:

Easter Protiva Gain

Clarion Harris

Hoimonty Mazumder

Ayesha Mukhopadhyay

Tony Lugemwa

Alison Plaxco

Rameshwari Prasad

Sanjaya Regmi

Q&A with Student Participants

How did this experience have an impact on your passion for Public Health?

“The experience of being able to present at APHA has been extremely motivating and pushed me to continue pursuing my research interest. I was chosen to present a poster and I have the aspirations to be selected for an oral presentation.”

Clarion Harris, MA PhD Candidate in Social & Behavioral Sciences

“Attending this year’s APHA has been a life-changing experience for me. I won the highest scoring doctoral abstract award in the Community Health Planning and Policy Development (CHPPD) section. I have met potential collaborators who share similar interests as I do and I am very excited about future projects.”

“The award has renewed my passion for public health research in both the U.S. and abroad.”

Ayesha Mukhopadhyay, MBBS, MPH PhD Candidate in Epidemiology

SCAN HERE TO SEE THE STUDENT PRESENTATIONS

“After watching a documentary on what the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service do, there is much to do out there. These men and women in uniform give their lives to make the difference all over the world.

I always imagined myself in uniform saving the world and the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service is a place I see myself serving and giving myself to help societies affected by public health problems.”

Tony Lugemwa, MSPH PhD Candidate in Social & Behavioral Sciences

What are your takeaways from this experience?

"I need to use events like this to connect with other researchers. I attended a session on making the best of your experience at a national conference and one of the most important takeaways was to ensure that I follow-up with people I have connected with.”

Clarion Harris, MA PhD Candidate in Social & Behavioral Sciences

“The amount of learning that happens at the conference is substantial, it’s like a mini classroom with an instructor.”

Tony Lugemwa, MSPH PhD Candidate in Social & Behavioral Sciences

APHA STUDENT ASSEMBLY

“APHA’s Student Assembly is the nation’s largest student-led organization dedicated to furthering the development of the next generation of professionals in public health and health-related disciplines. Today, the Student Assembly has upward of 7,000 students and young professionals in a variety of health professions among its membership.”

[Source: apha.org/apha-communities/student-assembly]

Saloni Patel was elected as the 2023-2024 Student Assembly’s Advancement Committee Co-Chair for the American Public Health Association Student Assembly.

Saloni Patel Master of Public Health - Epidemiology

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Hoimonty Mazumder, MD, MPH PhD Candidate in Epidemiology

Winner of the APHA 2023 Rural & Environmental Award

RESEARCH MANUSCRIPT TOPIC:

“Association between indoor solid fuel use and depression among older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.”

Namuun Batbaatar, MHA

PhD Candidate in Epidemiology

3rd PLACE POSTER WINNER | Summer 2023

“Apportioning Children’s Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Soil and Air”

Doctoral Student Poster Competition at the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA)’s 116th Annual Conference

2nd Place Winner | Spring 2023

Student Research Forum

Graduate Student Research Forum Life & Health Sciences Award

1st Place Winner | Spring 2022

An Approach Toward

Briana

Rebecca

Office of Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness

Office of Practicum and Experiential Learning

Jamecia Richardson, BHS Coordinator

Shirl Sharpe Academic Services Coordinator II

“After researching and speaking with the Public Health Ambassador, Aniya, I knew I wanted to pursue Public Health.

I have selected a field that allows me to be creative, innovative and intentional.

Public health aligns directly with my objective:

To improve the quality of health in disadvantaged communities through education, awareness and advocacy.”

BEING STUDENT AMBASSADORS

“I have been inspired by several courses to start my career with community programming and resources, eventually working my way up to policymaking and legislation…I believe it’s important to reform policies that address social determinants of health, such as poverty, education and lack of resources. By doing so, we can help reduce health disparities and improve overall health outcomes.”

Aniya Bonds BS in Public Health

Ashanti Bell BS in Public Health

DEAN’S SCHOLARSHIP: INCOMING MASTER’S STUDENTS

FALL 2023: 15 SCHOLARSHIPS | $5,000 EACH

SPRING 2024: 15 SCHOLARSHIPS | $3,500 EACH

“The University of Memphis was the only school I had applied to that was forthcoming about financial aid for incoming master's students, it made me believe that UofM SPH cared most about supporting their students and making graduate degrees attainable for students willing to put in the effort needed to excel academically.

The faculty here are passionate about their subject matter and about giving students the opportunities they need to engage with the material.”

SCHOLARSHIPS STUDENT

Aeryn Longuevan, BS

Master of Public Health - Biostatistics

“My undergraduate years at the University are really what had a significant impact on my decision to further my education here at the University of Memphis. I am proud to say that I am an alumnus of UofM.

MY CAREER GOALS:

Becoming a Public Health Administrator and, eventually, after five years, becoming a Health Service Manager at a primary clinic or facility in Texas.”

Jada Smith, BS Master of Public Health - Social and Behavioral Sciences

“IT MADE ME BELIEVE THAT THE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH CARED MOST ABOUT SUPPORTING THEIR STUDENTS AND MAKING GRADUATE DEGREES ATTAINABLE...”

Q&A:

Clarion Harris, MA PhD Candidate in Social & Behavioral Sciences

What have you gained from this experience as a Teaching Assistant?

“I appreciated being able to enhance my communication skills by being able to interact with students as a teaching assistant. I also appreciated being able to assist other students by providing guidance and answering questions.

Overall, I gained a deep understanding of the materials being taught.

It provides experience for future goals, it increases time management and communication skills and it also enhances team collaboration with other faculty and students.”

What would you say to students who may be unsure whether or not being a TA is a good choice for them?

“I found the experience to be both challenging and rewarding, and I appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the School of Public Health. I would tell other students that being selected

to be a TA in the department is an honor and it provides experience for future goals.”

“IT INCREASES TIME MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND IT ALSO ENHANCES TEAM COLLABORATION WITH OTHER FACULTY AND STUDENTS. ”

STUDENTS UTILIZING

TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS

The Center for PH-IDEAS

The Center for PH-IDEAS, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded project is a collaboration between the city of Memphis, Shelby County Health Department and the University of Memphis School of Public Health.

Shelby County Health Department Students

The Center for PH-IDEAS organized its first Meet-and-Greet social and hosted 18 scholars from the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD).

Through this continuing education program, current health department employees will be trained and educated in public health to support public health workforce efforts here in Shelby County.

PUBLIC HEALTH SCHOLARS

PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Lorri Brooks, MSPH

Erica R. Grant Ervin, MPH, MSN, FNP-BC

Rachel Rice, MPH

PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Anna Gretz

Master of Public Health

Nastassia Crump

Matthew Horton

Graduate Certificate in Health Systems Leadership

Kanesha Adams

Marina Bogan

Tina Jefferson, FNP-C

Graduate Certificate in Health Systems Leadership

Mayana White

Tammy Winston

Yolanda Woods

Graduate Certificate in Health Analytics

Angela Askew, MPH, MBA, PhD

Joan Carr

Graduate Certificate in Population Health

Morgan Gaddy

Terrico Johnson

Tunishia Kuykindal

Amy Schiller, MS, RDN, LDN, CCMS

“I look forward to networking. [There are] dentists and doctors in my class, it’s very broad. The international students are very helpful [by offering] insight of how it was where [they’re] from compared to what we’re currently going through [locally].”

PHSA

2024 MEMBERS

PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENT ASSOCIATION

President: Aniya Bonds

Vice President: Aeryn Longuevan

Secretary: Nancy Patel

Treasurer: Hannah Badley

Communications Chair: Cristobal Valdebenito

Community Service Chair: Blake Moseley

MHA Representative: Zach Obaji

PhD Representative: Sonny Chen

2023 | PRESIDENT

Tony Lugemwa, MSPH PhD Candidate in Social & Behavioral Sciences

What has PHSA accomplished this year?

“Student engagement has grown. The activities the executive board planned during the year were to encourage students to participate with the aim of building a strong community among the different students we have at the SPH.

The events we had planned out were a good networking opportunity for the students; this area is still in its infancy, but as the SPH continues to grow, we will have success stories shared by some of our students.”

Did you meet your personal goals as president of the PHSA?

“Yes. One of my personal goals was to build a student community at the SPH, where all the students meet and share their experiences and goals with one another.

The student events every month played a fundamental role toward this goal. As the SPH continues to grow, we will eventually see the student community grow, with the objective of making a difference in our school and the city of Memphis at large.”

What would you like to say to the incoming PHSA president and officers?

For the incoming President:

“That you will grow during this time as President. But this will happen if you consider the needs of both the students and the executive board before your own. To be a leader, you must be ready to give yourself magnanimously and be the voice for the students.”

For the incoming Officers:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

“Because we want to see the SPH community grow into something immense that will not only make a difference in the lives of the people in our school community but also in Memphis, you will have to learn and grow to work as a team. There is a great opportunity in working as a team and less competition.”

“TO BE A LEADER, YOU MUST BE READY TO GIVE YOURSELF MAGNANIMOUSLY AND BE THE VOICE FOR THE STUDENTS.”

What motivated you to initially nominate yourself as PHSA president?

“As the outgoing Community Service Chair, I’ve come to understand that elevating the Public Health Student Association requires a cohesive team effort.

My decision to nominate myself for the position of President stems from a profound dedication to advancing public health initiatives and tackling health inequities.

Personal experiences with disparities in my community have fueled my motivation to lead efforts for positive change and cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for students pursuing careers in public health.”

What are your goals as PHSA president for 2024?

“I am wholeheartedly committed to expanding the PHSA’s reach, nurturing community bonds through engaging events and collaborating diligently with

the new executive board, partner organizations, and the Dean’s office.

My goals revolve around fostering a stronger sense of community within the PHSA, enriching educational opportunities and addressing specific public health challenges faced by our student body.

I aspire to establish an environment where students actively participate in open dialogue, collaboration and regular networking, all while addressing health disparities through targeted projects that promote awareness and advocacy.”

Aniya Bonds

BS in Public Health

How do you plan to accomplish these goals?

“I plan to strengthen collaborations with other student organizations, academic departments and external partners to amplify the impact of our initiatives.

Prioritizing diversity and inclusion within the association is essential, ensuring an environment that respects and celebrates the varied backgrounds of our students.”

“I ASPIRE TO ESTABLISH AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE STUDENTS ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN OPEN DIALOGUE, COLLABORATION AND REGULAR NETWORKING, ALL WHILE ADDRESSING HEALTH DISPARITIES THROUGH TARGETED PROJECTS THAT PROMOTE AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY.”

RE-AIM Public Health IDEAS Through the Lens of the Youth INITIATIVE IN HIGH SCHOOLS

PUBLIC HEALTH DUAL ENROLLMENT

55 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED

The public health dual enrollment program is an opportunity for high school students to take college courses at the University of Memphis School of Public Health. Students who later attend the University of Memphis and declare their undergraduate major within the School of Public Health will have the option to transfer credits earned from these courses toward their bachelor's degree.

SCHOOLS INVOLVED

Collierville High School |

87% (48 students) successfully completed the Population Health and Society Course with a grade of C or higher.

Collierville, Tennessee

Compass Academy | Memphis, Tennessee

Kingsbury High School | Memphis, Tennessee

“This class has been extremely engaging and challenges me to think in new ways.”

Gracen Elizabeth Gunter

“I have gotten to experience what college will be like. As of this class, I have been opened up to different perspectives about public health.”

Hodifa Ahmed Alshugaa

“I find most of the topics interesting because this is new to me. I did not know about them until I took this class.”

Breyawna Vonsha Taylor

STUDENTS REFLECT

“I find this course to have given me a real experience of what awaits when I go to college and grateful that I took this opportunity when it was given.”

Diana Sanchez

“I have learned a lot of things about how certain factors can affect a group of people and how different groups of people may be affected differently.”

Kevin Zarate

“I BEGAN REALIZING HOW MANY PROBLEMS HAD BEEN ROOTED IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN THE U.S. AND HOW OTHER FACTORS CONTRIBUTED TO IT. I ALSO LEARNED HOW EQUITY AND EQUALITY ARE DIFFERENT THINGS.”

Maryory G. Rivas

“I HAVE ENJOYED LEARNING ABOUT HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES BECAUSE IT HAS OPENED UP MY MIND TO WHAT THE REST OF THE WORLD’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS ARE LIKE AND INSPIRED ME TO RESEARCH HOW ONE CAN WORK TO REDUCE THIS DISPARITY THROUGHOUT THEIR LIFETIME THROUGH LITTLE GESTURES.”

Navya Sethi

RE-AIM PUBLIC HEALTH IDEAS CLUBS

An opportunity for students to improve and contribute to their own and broader well-being. Students will be facilitated by experts in the field to come up with out-of-the-box solutions to address common public health challenges in local and global settings.

COURSES OFFERED:

Environmental & Climate Health

Chronic Non-communicable Diseases

Substance Abuse

Smoking & Alcohol

Mental Health | STIs/HIV

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

Medical District High School is the first school in the Shelby County district to start a Public Health Club.

University High School | Memphis, Tennessee

Medical District High School | Memphis, Tennessee

Shelby County Schools | Memphis, Tennessee

STUDENT REFLECTIONS:

“I was inspired to join the Public Health Club because when I grow up, I want to be a lawyer or pediatric neurologist. I believe any course about health can increase my knowledge about pursuing my career.”

Makenzie Batchelor

University High School | 9th grade

“I joined a public health club because I wanted to expand my horizons and help improve the world.”

Henry Greenberg

University High School | 10th grade

“I have been surrounded by the concept of public health my whole life. However, I realized my personal connection to it during COVID-19. Seeing how lack of social interaction completely changed people’s physical and mental health made me realize how important it is to have the knowledge to maintain wellness.”

Aashita Joshi

University High School | 10th grade

University High School | Club Launch

RE-AIM PUBLIC HEALTH IDEAS

“Public Health Infodemics in a Digital Environment Among Youth”

In this second Hackathon series, we invite multi-sector, multi-institutional, cross-country participation in this innovative initiative to sensitize youth about the importance of public health and create a community of learners and leaders in public health.

This initiative allows the participants to present innovative ideas to address the issue of public health infodemics and misinformation in a digital environment.

Participating students are from local and international schools.

These public health change makers will be equipped with training in “Public Health Infodemics in a Digital Environment Among Youth” and its impact toward the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

A RECENT STUDY SHOWED THAT 41% OF TEENAGERS CAN’T TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUE AND FAKE ONLINE HEALTH MESSAGES.

HACKATHON 2.0

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

University High School | Memphis, Tennessee

Medical District High School | Memphis, Tennessee

Shelby County Schools | Memphis, Tennessee

The Fall 2023 Hackathon 2.0 is open to students from the University of Memphis School of Public Health and high school students with an interest in solving public health challenges of the 21st century.

Winners will be announced February 29, 2024

STUDENT SURVEY

Date: March 16 - April 21, 2023

Response Rate: 47% (112 Students)

FINDINGS: 2023 DATA

68%

INTERNATIONAL

OUT OF STATE

SHELBY COUNTY TENNESSEE

PREFERRED NEWS DELIVERY

88%

40%

30%

E-MAIL NEWSLETTER SPH WEBSITE SOCIAL MEDIA

40%

INFLUENCES ON ENROLLING

OFFERING SPECIFIC CONCENTRATION OR DEGREE PROGRAM

COST/AFFORDABILITY

OFFERING ONLINE COURSES

REPUTATION/ACCREDITATION

INTERACTION WITH SPH FACULTY/STAFF

48%

40%

38%

34%

33%

STUDENTS ENROLLED IN PROGRAMS

40% 50% 60% EBE GENERALIST SBS URBAN HEALTH

EBE: Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health

SBS: Social and Behavioral Sciences

SPH STUDENT BODY BY DEGREE

DOCTORATE

58% 20% 30%

BSPH MPH MHA MS 58% 17% 10% 15% 0% 10%

44% FULL-TIME

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT TYPE

56% PART-TIME

AGREEMENT OF SPH COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

83% of students agree that the School of Public Health is committed to supporting a culture of diversity and inclusion.

DESIRED SOCIAL EVENTS

SOCIAL OUTINGS

RESEARCH SEMINARS

50%

65%

65% SPEAKER LECTURES ON CURRENT HEALTH TOPICS/RESEARCH

FIELDWORK | PRACTICUM

Students were asked about the most important aspects for potential experiential learning opportunities; student responses show that:

Practicum Location

Information about practicum site is available

69% VERY IMPORTANT

70% VERY IMPORTANT

SPH EVENTS

DONUTS WITH THE DEAN | AUGUST

AN INTRODUCTION:

At the start of each Fall semester, “Donuts with the Dean” is an opportunity for new and returning students to meet and speak with School of Public Health Dean Ashish Joshi in an informal setting.

James Adefisoye, MS, PhD Candidate in Biostatistics

Dr. Hongmei Zhang, PhD, MS

JSM 2023 TORONTO, CANADA | AUGUST

The Joint Statistical Meeting (JSM) is one of the largest statistical events in the world and by far, the largest gathering of statisticians in North America.

The University of Memphis School of Public Health was represented at the conference by two doctoral students who presented their work.

James Adefisoye, under the mentorship of Dr. Hongmei Zhang, presented his work titled: “A composite likelihood approach to Gaussian network differentiation.”

Kip Handwerker presented on:

“Non-parametric clustering of joint pattern multi-genetic/epigenetic factors weighted by covariates,” supervised by Dr. Meredith Ray.

Furthermore, Dr. Ray delivered a presentation on: “Impact of influential data on screening epigenome-wide data,” a joint project with her doctoral student Samia Sultana.

Dr. Hongmei Zhang, as the 2023 Chair of the Risk Analysis Section (RAS) of the American Statistical Association, chaired a student paper competition winners ceremony and an Invited Overview Lecture featuring Dr. Nilanjan Chatterjee, who received the Bernard Harris Award.

Kip Handwerker, MS, PhD Candidate in Biostatistics

TPHA 2023, MURFREESBORO, TN | SEPTEMBER

TPHA: Tennessee Public Health Association annual conference with the theme: "Healthy Environments, Healthy Communities."

Poster Title: "Prevalence of Chronic Comorbidities in Sickle Cell Disease"

Poster Presentation:

Mukhopadhyay, A., Nolan, V., Plaxco, A., Dudley, J., Hankins, J., Young, A., Ray, M., Davis, R., Carroll, Y., Whartenby, J., Pimenta, K., Naser, A.M., Wiese, A., Heitzer, A., Cooper, W., Smeltzer, M.P.

Poster Title: “Refugee Family Planning in Tennessee”

Poster Presentation: Nicholas L. Rummell, MA

Panel Discussion Topic: Sickle Cell Disease. Ayesha Mukhopadhyay presented on Chronic Kidney Disease.

VISITING SENIOR SCHOLARS | OCTOBER

Lecture opportunity:

“Peeling the Digital Onion: How the Modern Information Environment Affects Public Health”

This special lecture builds an understanding of the complex phenomenon of the modern information environment and how it challenges public health and different layers of society.

Hosted by:

Tina Purnat | The former Team Lead of the Infodemic Management Unit, Emergency Preparedness, World Health Organization (WHO)

Elisabeth Wilhelm | Behavioral and Social Change Advisor and Infodemic Manager

Tina Purnat

Elisabeth Wilhelm

FRIENDSGIVING | NOVEMBER

The Public Health Student Association (PHSA) hosted a Friendsgiving Celebration for SPH students.

HOLIDAY PARTY | DECEMBER

Students, faculty and staff gathered at The Junior League to celebrate the end of the Fall 2023 semester.