From receiving awards to making presentations to attending a spirited reception, USF College of Public Health (COPH) students, faculty, staff and alumni left their bold mark on the annual American Public Health Association (APHA) Meeting and Expo.
The theme for this year’s event, attended by more than 10,000 public health advocates and held in Minneapolis from Oct. 27-30, was “Rebuilding Trust in Public Health and Science.”
Here, some highlights.
CPH Exam Review Guide
APHA attendees lined up to meet their favorite public health authors and editors at the APHA Press book signing event on Oct. 27. Participating authors chatted with attendees, many of whom wanted their public health page-turners signed. Two COPH faculty, Drs. Jaime Corvin and Karen Liller participated with the second edition of their book, Certified in Public Health: Exam Review Guide.
The second edition comes on the heels of the most recent job task analysis of the National Board of Public Health Examiner (NBPHE). The changes in the field of public health, resulting in part from the COVID-19 pandemic and critical changes in the field over the past five years, necessitated reflections upon and revisions to the domains and tasks that illustrate competence in the field of public health.
Drs. Karen Liller and Jaime Corvin at APHA’s book signing event. (Photo courtesy of Liller)
“This review book is built around the domains and tasks from NBPHE’s updated job task analysis and focuses on the real-world practice of public health. Within each chapter you will find a review of the major critical content and the job tasks,” the editors said. “Beside tasks, you will note checkboxes you can mark complete once you feel you have a full understanding of the tasks and related concepts. In this edition, you will also find sample questions similar to the format and type of question you will find on the actual exam. We want you to be comfortable with the content and have the opportunity to practice responding to exam questions.”
Three APHA book posters in the exhibit hall. (Photo courtesy of Liller)
The majority of the editors and authors of this guide are all current and prior faculty of the COPH and are deeply committed to the field of public health and its advancement. One new editor of the book is alumna Madison Moua, who earned her MPH in health policies and programs this year.
“I am grateful to have been a part of this book and want to thank the senior editors Drs. Karen Liller and Jaime Corvin, all the authors and those who helped in this process. I would also like to thank Dr. Donna Petersen for reaching out with this incredible opportunity,” Moua said. “This was a huge effort and long journey, and I am excited that this resource is available for health professionals seeking to increase their knowledge of foundational principles and practices within the evolving field of public health.”
Excellence in Climate Leadership Award
Students and student groups from five universities across the nation have were recognized as this year’s Student Champions for Climate Justice by APHA’s Center for Climate, Health and Equity.
The Student Champions for Climate Justice program awards $500 grants to college students who are developing campus activities focused on climate solutions and social justice through a public health lens. This year the COPH’s Activist Lab was one of the awardees for this project titled, “Under the Florida Sun.”
MPH student Hannah Harburg accepting the Excellence in Climate Leadership Award. (Photo courtesy of Liller)
COPH MPH student Hannah Harburg, who heads the project, accepted the award at APHA’s Excellence in Climate Leadership Awards Breakfast on Oct. 29.
For their project, Activist Lab students are developing a documentary on climate change and how it affects farm workers in Florida. They hope that the educational film will bring awareness of the health impacts of climate change that disproportionately affect farm workers — a vulnerable population that includes many people who face barriers to health care access due to immigration status.
Reception
The COPH’s reception was held in the historic Lumber Exchange building, a local landmark known for its grand architecture and charm. Its vintage woodwork, lofty ceilings and scenic views provided an ideal backdrop for this event, where faculty, alumni, students and public health advocates gathered over tasty appetizers and a private bar.
COPHers enjoyed the appetizers and refreshments during the reception. (Photo courtesy of Liz Bannon)
Dr. Ellen Daley, who opened the evening, shared an inspiring overview of the COPH’s legacy and its promising future, noting current Interim Dean Dr. Jay Wolfson’s leadership and introducing former Dean Dr. Donna Petersen who took the stage to express pride in the college's progress, before introducing Incoming Dean Dr. Sten Vermund, who spoke with optimism about advancing the COPH's mission.
COPHers met with incoming dean Dr. Vermund during the reception. (Photo courtesy of Liz Bannon)
Following this, the COPH alumni officer Liz Bannon shared exciting updates, beginning with a message from Beth Ahmedic, assistant director of development and annual giving.
COPH alumni officer Liz Bannon greeted guests at the door. (Photo courtesy of Somer Burke)
“To support student success, faculty growth and pioneering research for the next 40 years of the COPH, the 40 for 40 campaign commemorates the 40th Anniversary of USF College of Public Health and aims to attract 40 philanthropic leaders who pledge at least $1,000 each.”
Bannon then invited everyone to save the date for the COPH’s Ruby Anniversary Celebration scheduled for April 5, 2025 and reminded attendees that nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Award are due by December 1, 2024.
Bannon closed with a message for the alumni, “If you are a current or future alumni let me see you raise your bull in the air!”
She emphasized her commitment to supporting their interests and needs as alumni and encouraged them to complete the Stay Connected survey to help strengthen the COPH network.
“In partnership with the COPH Alumni Society, we have social events similar to this reception where appetizers and drinks are covered,” Bannon said. “We also offer community events, service projects and professional development opportunities.”
COPHers enjoyed eachother's company while reconnecting. (Photo courtesy of Liz Bannon)