Behind the Scenes is an event where a local alumnus allows a small group of current students (about 10-15) to get a special "behind the scenes" look at the job of the alumni host for a few hours in a day. The event held in July was co-hosted by USF’s College of Public Health (COPH) Office of Engagement and Constituent Relations and Office of Student Success and Well-being.
A diverse group representing undergraduate, graduate and doctoral COPH students attended the interactive experience which started with an overview from host, Nina Naas. Naas, who earned her MPH in global communicative disease from the COPH, shared her personal journey of how she became employed at Moffitt Research Center, plus the opportunities available for recent graduates through an employer spotlight presentation.
The students were then treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of Moffit’s new non-therapeutic research facility. This included stops at the following core areas: flow cytometry, proteomics and metabolomics, molecular genomics and cancer pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics.
Students toured behind-the-scenes of Moffit’s new non-therapeutic research facility. (Photo courtesy of Liz Bannon)
The event wrapped up with the students networking over coffee and a light breakfast with ten additional COPH alumni who also work at the center.
MPH alumni Suen Morgan and Taymeyah Al-Toubah spoke about the benefits of the event and how it can impact students and new graduates.
"I chose to get involved with this event because when I was an undergrad at USF, it was helpful for me to see where my degree could take me. Talking to professionals already in the field helped me visualize the possibilities for my future and beyond,” said Morgan, a Moffitt research coordinator.
Al-Toubah, a senior research project manager in the neuroendocrine tumor (NET) program, said she became involved after realizing how challenging the job market is to navigate once she graduated.
“It was confusing to understand what options were available beyond professional school, especially since most graduates don’t immediately get into their desired jobs” Al-Toubah said.
“This experience motivated me to help students explore career opportunities outside the conventional paths. I hope to help others discover new career paths or confirm their commitment to their chosen professions, all while expanding their networks,” Al-Toubah added. “As the eldest child of parents who graduated from other countries, I had no one to guide me through career options, interviews or applications, so I’m passionate about providing support and closing that gap for others.”
COPH alumna Nina Naas hosted this year’s Behind the Scenes event and networked with current students after the tour. (Photo courtesy of Liz Bannon)
In their discussions, students were able to explore career opportunities at Moffitt and other professional development topics.
“I find it exciting to share my work and possibly inspire others to pursue a similar path,” Al-Toubah said. “The field I specialize in has only a small number of people focused on this particular type of cancer, so I'm always on the lookout for potential mentees who might eventually join the NET team.”
Behind the Scenes is generally offered every spring and fall semester. Contact COPH Alumni Officer Liz Bannon at ebannon@usf.edu to learn more about hosting the next event.