Academic Programs

Ph.D. University of Maine, Food and Nutrition Sciences
M.S. University of Maine, Food Science and Human Nutrition
B.S. University of Maine, Food Science and Human Nutrition

Food Systems and Sustainability
Environmental Nutrition
Instructional Technologies
Online Course Design
Curriculum Development, Implementation and Evaluation

Nutrition Education within the community, especially nutrition for children and the incorporation of experiential learning through the use of gardens as instructional tools. Other research includes using online and instructional technologies in course design program development and implementation of a blended delivery (online and face-to-face) weight management program for University of Maine Employees.

Ph.D. Adult Learning and Development Lesley University,
M.S.W. Simmons College

Women Veterans
Trauma
Adult Learning and Development

Perrin, J., O’Neil, J., Grimes, A., & Bryson, L. (2014). Do learners fear more than fear itself: The role of fear in law student’s educational experiences. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 2(2), 67-75. doi:10.11114/jets.v2i2.290

Kindschy, E., Perrin, J., & O’Neil, J. (2014). Exploring women’s experience in Ivy League law school’s classroom. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 2(4),82-95. doi:10.11114/ijsss.v2i4.482

Perrin, J., O’Neil, J.,  E. Kindschy, L., Grimes, A. (2014). Using Qualitative Methods to Explore the Personal Experience: Two Collaborative Projects in Process, Lesley University Community of Scholars Day

O’Neil, J., (2013). Women in the Military: Combat, Sexual Assault and Mental Health. The Big Picture. Lesley University Guest Lecture

O’Neil, J., (2013). Sexual Assault in the Military, Lesley University Guest Lecture

Perrin, J. O’Neil, J. (2013). Fear and Processes of Learning, International Journal of Arts and Sciences Conference

Perrin, J. O’Neil, J. Bryson, L., Grimes, A. (2013). Fear and Processes of Learning, Lesley University Community of Scholars Day

O’Neil, J., (2012). Women and the Military: A Historical Overview of Trauma and Suicide, Lesley University Community of Scholars Day

O’Neil, J., (2012). Women in the Military: Barriers to Reintegration, Lesley University Guest Lecture                                        

O’Neil, J., (2012). Military Trauma Across Genders, Lesley University Guest Lecture      

O’Neil, J., (2011). Women in the Military a Historical View, Lesley University Guest Lecture

Women Veterans, Women Veterans in Higher Education

M.P.H., Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
J.D., Northeastern University School of Law, Boston, MA.
B.A., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Policy and Advocacy, Public Health Administration, Community Based Participatory Research, Public Policy, Public Health Law and Ethics.

M.S.W. University of Hawaii of Manoa

Case Management Services
Working with Adult Survivors
Poverty Issues and Strength Based Supervision
Ethical Issues in Social Work Practice
Family and Child Sexual Abuse
Special Needs of Children

DrPH University of Texas School of Public Health
MPH University of Texas School of Public Health
MBBS Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria

Community Health Practice
Maternal and Child Health
Adolescent Health
Epidemiology

My background is in clinical medicine. I practiced medicine in Nigeria for about 8 years before getting my MPH in 2012 and my DrPH in 2016 – both from the University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston. My research interests are maternal and child health, and adolescent health. As a resident in pediatrics I was initially interested in neonatal health, and malnutrition in children aged less than 5 years, but as I transitioned into public health and completed a fellowship in maternal and child health, my interests broadened to include adolescents. Most of my research on adolescent health has focused on juvenile justice-involved youth with particular reference to mental health, sexual health, and substance use.

1. Balogun, T., Troisi, C., Swartz, M. D., Lloyd, L., & Beyda, R. (2020). Juvenile Justice-involved Youth: Preventive Health Services Received Prior to Detention. Journal of Correctional Health Care. Accepted February 2020.
2. Balogun, T., Troisi, C., Swartz, M. D., Lloyd, L., & Beyda, R. (2019). Factors associated with Knowledge of where to Access Health Care among Youth in Juvenile Detention: A Mixed Methods Study. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2018-0128

3. Balogun, T., Troisi, C., Swartz, M. D., Lloyd, L., & Beyda, R. (2018). Does juvenile detention impact health? Journal of Correctional Health Care, 24(2), 137-144. doi:10.1177/1078345818763174
4. Balogun, T. B. & Yakubu, A. M. (2015). Recent illness, feeding practices and father’s education as determinants of nutritional status among preschool children in a rural Nigerian community. Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 61(2), 92.
5. Ella, E. E., Ahmad, A. A., Umoh, V. J., Ogala, W. N., Balogun, T. B., & Musa, A. (2011). Studies on the interaction between IgA, lactoferrin and lysozyme in the breastmilk of lactating women with sick and healthy babies. Journal of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, 3(2), 24-29.
6. Ella, E. E., Ahmad, A. A., Umoh, V. J., Ogala, W. N., & Balogun, T. B. (2011). Breast milk IgA levels as a possible index to predict the onset of sepsis in infants in Kaduna State, Nigeria. South Asian Journal of Experimental Biology, 1(3), 163-167.

Perinatal health, under-five morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent health.

Program Planning and Evaluation

In the fifth grade we were given an assignment to bring in our favorite book to share with the class. With a strong sense of pride and a desire to help others, I squeezed The Doctors Book of Home Remedies in between the row of colorfully decorated Judy Blume and Goosebumps novels. In reflection, what was I thinking? My teacher probably thought my childhood was being suppressed, my fellow 10 year old classmates were most likely confused by my contribution, and I just felt proud to share my fascinating book on “cures”. Needless to say, I knew from a young age that health would be my area of focus.

My undergrad and graduate degrees are in public health and for close to ten years, I have focused on education and program planning for a variety of communities and professionals in the areas of asthma, tobacco treatment, and nutrition.

Public health was one of the best things that has happened to me. I am excited about my future in this amazingly diverse field and to be working in workforce development by bringing creativity and innovation to the field through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Coccoma, P. (2014) Transitions and Tradeoffs: A social worker’s snapshot of the  American military family.  Reflections: Narratives of the Social Work Profession.

Coccoma, P. (2013) Comparative Study of Evidence Based Treatment Modalities for Adolescents with Depression. Annals of the    American Psychotherapy Association v. 16 no.1 pg. 84-89

Coccoma, P., Peppers, C., & Molhoek, J. (2012) Creativity and Wikis: Partnering Virtual Team Technology and Social Work Education.  Journal of Online Learning and Teaching. v. 8#2 pg 147- 158

Bruster, B., & Coccoma, P. (2013) Mentoring for Educational Success:  Advancing Foster Care Youth Utilizing Core         Competencies. Journal of Human Behavior and Social Environment.  DOI:10.1080/10911359.2013.764218

Coccoma, P., & Bruster, B. (2012, fall) Social Work and the Community Mentoring Teens: Preparing Their Future. College of Health Professions and Social Work; Social Work Review                 

Coccoma, P., & Anstadt, S. (2011) Considering an Alternative: Interest in use of spiritually based activities as deterrent to substance abuse behavior.  The International Journal of Child and Adolescent Health; 4(3) pp. 247-256

Evans, A., & Coccoma, P. (2014) Trauma Informed Care: How Neuroscience Influences Practice. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Evans, A & Coccoma, P (2016). F.E.A.R.: A Rubric for Understanding Trauma – Informed Care NSAW-FL Annual Conference Orlando, Florida

Evans, A & Coccoma, P (2014). F.E.A.R.: A Rubric for Understanding  Informed Care NSAW-FL Annual Conference Ft. Lauderdale, FL. June 2014. Invited presentation.

Coccoma, P., & Bruster, B. (2011). Mentoring for Educational Success: Advancing Foster Care Youth. NASW-FL Annual Conference Tampa, Fl. 6/11 Presented

Bruster, B., & Coccoma, P. (2012). Mentoring for Educational Success: A partnership between Children’s Network of SWFL and FGCU. Daniel Memorial Conference on Independent Living. Sept 4-7, 2012 Atlanta, Ga.

Coccoma, P., & Evans, A. (2012). Trauma and Recovery: How Neuroscience Influences Interventions. NASW National Conference: The Power of Social Work. Washington, DC July 2012. Accepted

Peppers, C., Coccoma, P., & Molhoek, J (2012). Creativity and Wikis: Virtual Teams and Social Work Education. Poster session presented at: Florida Gulf Coast  University 11th Annual Research Day – April 20, 2012 Fort Myers, Florida. 

Coccoma, P., & Bruster, B. (2011). Mentoring for Educational Success: Advancing Foster Care Youth Utilizing Core Competencies. Mississippi Child Welfare Institute, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mi. Feb 16-17., 2011.

Coccoma, P. & Bruster, B. (2010). Mentoring for Success: A service learning  partnership with independent living foster care youth and social work students Mississippi Child Welfare Institute. Jackson State University Jackson, Mi. Feb. 4 -5, 2010. Presented

Coccoma, P. (2009). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice. NASW South Carolina Annual Conference. Myrtle Beach, SC 3/09 Presented

Coccoma, P., & Evans, A. (2008). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice American Psychotherapy Association Annual Conference. San Diego, Ca. Sept. 2008.

Coccoma, P. (2017). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, National Association of Social Workers, Emerald Coast Unit; NASW Florida Chapter. Panama City , Fl.

Coccoma, P. (2017). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, National Association of Social Workers, Northwest Unit NASW Florida Chapter. Pensacola, Fl.

Coccoma, P. (2017). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, National Association of Social Workers, SW Unit NASW Florida Chapter. Fort Myers, Fl.

Coccoma, P (2016). Trauma Informed Care Panel. Barry University. Fort Myers, Fl.

Coccoma, P. (2015). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, National Association of  Social Workers, SW Florida Chapter. Fort Myers, Fl. College of Health Professions and Social Work (2014) Promotion Workshop. Panel presentation. FGCU Fort Myers, Florida

Trauma, Trauma Informed Care

Teletherapy and Covid 19, draft manuscript

M.S.W. Boston University

Individual and Group Therapy
Case Management
Child and Adolescent
Young Adult
Grief and Loss
Serious Illness
Relationship Issues

Ph.D. The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica
M.Sc. The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica
B.Sc. (Hons) The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica

Certified Professional Career Coach, The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, 2018

Career Coaching
Cultural Competency
Global Health
Health Disparities
Health Literacy
Healthy Aging
Maternal and Child Health
Nutrition
Research Project Development and Management
Women’s Health

Dr. Ewan Whyte has a background in human nutrition and epidemiology with a focus on child development. For over 20 years, she has worked in academic settings internationally and in the US conducting longitudinal studies that examined the long-term consequences of maternal characteristics, choices and perceptions, and intrauterine insults on infant growth, morbidity and mental development, early life stunting, infant feeding practices, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. While child development has been her primary focus, her work has included vulnerable groups from infants and adolescents to menopausal women and 65 and older adults. This unique experience has given her exposure to factors affecting health outcomes throughout the lifespan. Consequently, she developed expertise in shared decision-making, audience segmentation, and other research methodologies, and has developed culturally and linguistically appropriate data collection tools, research protocols, and educational resources for diverse populations.

Prior to joining UNE/GPPH in 2016, Dr. Ewan Whyte held an appointment as Assistant Professor of Medicine, and worked as Research Project Manager, Scientist and Co-Investigator on several successful grants and contracts. Her work with vulnerable populations continues with her latest funded research that examines the nutritional status of Maine’s older adults residing in long-term care facilities. Dr. Ewan Whyte is also a certified professional career coach, and shares her knowledge of maternal and child health as a teaching faculty for GPH 721 Foundations of Maternal and Child Health.

• Col NF, Haskins AE, Ewan-Whyte CJ. Measuring the impact of menopausal symptoms on quality of life: methodological considerations. Menopause 2009 Jun 26.
• Col N, Fairfield K, Ewan-Whyte C, Miller H. In the clinic. Menopause. Annals of Internal Medicine 2009; Apr 7; 150 (7):ITC4-1-15; quiz ITC4-16. 
• Walker SP, Ewan-Whyte C, Chang SM, Powell CA, Fletcher H, McDonald D, Grantham-McGregor SM.  Factors Associated with Size and Proportionality at Birth in Term Jamaican infants. J Health Popul Nutr, 2003 Jun;21(2):117-126
• Ewan-Whyte C, Walker SP, Powell CA, Chang SM. The effects of term low birth weight on growth in Jamaican infants in the first year. West Indian Medical Journal 2002 April 24-27;51(suppl 2): 25-26, Abstract

Award-Winning Presentations

Tailoring Web-Based Interventions To Young Female Smokers Using Audience Segmentation. Best Presentation – Innovation in Practice Management (IPM) category. Society for General Internal Medicine, 31^st Annual Meeting, April 2008

Factors associated with term low birth weight at Victoria Jubilee Hospital.
National Recognition for Outstanding Research Quality and Relevance to the Jamaican Society, 2001. The Gleaner 2001 August 9; D8

Peer-Reviewed and Invited Presentations

2013

Ewan Whyte C. Understanding our Minority Populations: Cultural Competency for Spiritual Care Practitioners. Maine Medical Center. January 17, 2013

2012

Ewan Whyte C. Addressing Cancer Prevention Education Needs among the New American Populations of Greater Portland, Maine. Maine Cancer Foundation Annual Meeting. June 26, 2012. Gray, ME

2011

Emery I, Ewan Whyte C, Lucas L, Feinberg M, Blackburn K, Gibbs A, Chase B, Grillo B, Hedlund J, Larsen E, Miesfeldt S, and members of the Clinical Trials and Disparities Subcommittee. Maine Medical Center NCI Community Cancer Centers Program: Progress in Improving Access to Clinical Trials.  NNECOS Annual Conference, 2011 and MMC Quality Improvement Fair, 2011

Lucas FL, Ewan Whyte C, Siewers AE, Bancroft J. Representativeness of segments in Cumberland County, Maine, with respect to birth characteristics. Maine Study Center. The National Children’s Study Expanded Steering Committee Meeting. NIH. August 2011

Ewan Whyte C, Soule A, Moran S, Lucas L, Miesfeldt. Addressing Cancer Prevention Education Needs among the New American Populations of Greater Portland, Maine. Maine Public Health Association. Fall Conference. Portland, ME. November 22, 2011

2009

Kuhl LN, Ewan Whyte CJ, Keller S, Pbert L, Slater M, Weber G, Morgan D, Farina-Henry E, Chang E, Haskins A, Col NF. Challenges Implementing Web-based Decision Support at Point-of-Care for Young Female Smokers. 5th International Shared Decision Making Conference. June 14-17, 2009.  Boston, MA.

Haskins A, Ewan Whyte C, Kuhl L, Pbert L, Keller S, Slater M, Druker S, Col N. Smoking and Drinking Patterns and Beliefs Among Young Female Smokers. 5th International Shared Decision Making Conference. June 14-17, 2009. Boston, MA.

2008

Ewan Whyte CJ, Keller SN, Slater MD, Pbert L, Chang E, Druker S, Kuhl LN, Col NF. Tailoring Web-Based Interventions To Young Female Smokers Using Audience Segmentation. Society for General Internal Medicine, 31^st Annual Meeting, 2008. Pittsburg, PA.

Nutritional Assessment of Maine’s Elders – A Preliminary Look Using a Validated Tool: The NAME Study.

MS Ed, Old Dominion University
BS, US Coast Guard Academy

K-12 Education Technology
Project Management
Emergency Planning and Preparedness

Ph.D. University of Southern Maine
M.S. Clemson University
B.S. University of Utrecht

Program Evaluation
Quantitative & qualitative research methods
Rural Health
Health Disparities

M.S.W. University of New England

M.S.W. University of New England

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LABSWE #12710

Behavioral Health
Adolescent Health
Trauma Informed Care
Reproductive Health

M.S.W. Simmons College of Social Work

Individual and Family Therapy
Children and Families
Trauma
Adoption
Child Mental Health
Case Management
Systems Work

BSW, University of Maine Orono
MS, South New Hampshire University

Organizational Leadership