Public Health Faculty & Staff

Our expert faculty are essential to the success of UNE Online. The mission of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) is to enhance, expand, and enrich learning opportunities in public health through student-centered operations. By maintaining strong partnerships with other UNE colleges, CGPS is best able to utilize UNE faculty expertise while maintaining a strong student focus. Faculty members may have appointments in other UNE colleges, be affiliated with other respected institutions, or be expert practitioners in the field.

Interested in becoming a UNE Public Health Adjunct Faculty Member? Click here to learn how to submit your resume

Deborah Shields

Deborah Shields, M.P.H.

Director, Graduate Programs in Public Health

(207) 000-0000

dshields1@une.edu

Department(s)
Public Health
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

Areas of Expertise

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




Academic Administration

Titi Balogun

Titilola Balogun, MBBS, MPH, DrPH

Assistant Director for Public Health Practice

(207) 221-4689

tbalogun@une.edu

Department(s)
Public Health, Center for Excellence in Public Health
Education

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

Areas of Expertise

Community Health Practice
Maternal and Child Health
Adolescent Health
Epidemiology

Biography

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.

Selected Publications
  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
  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
Research Interests

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

Jennifer R. Ceide, MPH, CHES

Assistant Director, Public Health Workforce Development

(207) 221-4879

jceide@une.edu

Department(s)
Public Health
Education
MPH, Health Education and Communication
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 2018
BS, Community Health Education
City University of New York, 2009
Board Certifications and Licenses

Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Addiction Professionals Certification Board, Inc, 2016

Areas of Expertise

Program Planning and Evaluation

Biography

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.

carol ewan whyte

Carol J. Ewan Whyte, Ph.D., M.Sc.

Assistant Director, Public Health Research & Service

(207) 221-4128

cewanwhyte@une.edu

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

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

Board Certifications and Licenses

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

Areas of Expertise

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

Biography

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.

Selected Publications
  • 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
Invited Plenary Presentation

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, 31st 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, 31st Annual Meeting, 2008. Pittsburg, PA.

Current Research

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

Carry Buterbaugh

Carry Oostveen-Buterbaugh, Ph.D., M.S.

Assistant Director, Public Health Thesis Advising

(207) 221-4791

cbuterbaugh@une.edu

Education

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

Areas of Expertise

Program Evaluation
Quantitative & qualitative research methods
Rural Health
Health Disparities

Tracey Spinato

Tracey Spinato, MSW, MPH

Assistant Director, Career Services in Public Health

(207) 221-4916

tspinato@une.edu

Department(s)
Public Health
Education
Master of Public Health
Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 2014
Master Of Social Work
Tulane School of Social Work, Louisiana Board of Social Work Examiners, 2013
Board Certifications and Licenses

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LABSWE #12710

Areas of Expertise

Behavioral Health
Adolescent Health
Trauma Informed Care
Reproductive Health



Staff

Susan Rooker, Program Assistant, Health Informatics Programs

Susan Rooker, M.Ed.

Administrative Assistant

(207) 221-4967

srooker@une.edu


Adjunct Faculty

The list below appears in alphabetical order by last name. Click on the arrow to expand biographical information.

Rebecca Arsenault, DHA, MS

(207) 897-8109

rarsenault4@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

DHA
Capella University School of Health Sciences

MS, Community Health Nursing
Boston University School of Nursing

BS, Nursing
University of Southern Maine School of Nursing

Biography

My introduction to public health was as a community health nurse in the rural state of Maine. After practicing for several years, I returned to school, pursuing a master’s degree in community health nursing at Boston University. I continued a career in community health until circumstances led me in the direction of a 30+ year-career in hospital administration. Because of this career path, my work took me to the states of Utah, Washington, California, Texas and Maine. Throughout what would generally be considered a hospital CEO career, I selected employment opportunities that allowed me to be active in public health initiatives in communities where I worked and lived. It has always been important to me in my administrative roles to seek ways where the hospital or health system I was responsible for could be involved in public health and community wellness initiatives.

I am a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives and a member of the American Public Health Association. I am active in legislative initiatives impacting the overall health and wellness of my community.

Current Research

I have recently completed my doctoral dissertation, a qualitative phenomenological study, entitled, “CHARACTERISTICS OF A HEALTH SYSTEM-SPONSORED LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AS THEY RELATE TO THE CAREER ADVANCEMENT OF PHYSICIAN LEADERS”.

I am currently preparing two manuscripts, based on my dissertation research, to submit for possible publication.

Srikanta Banerjee, MD, PhD, MPH, MCHES, CPH

(717) 945-9958

sbanerjee@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

MD
American University of Antigua

PhD, Public Health and Epidemiology
Walden University

MPH
Des Moines University

Graduate Certificate
Johns Hopkins University

BS, Biology
Georgia Institute of Technology

Biography

Dr. Sri Banerjee has over fifteen years of experience in the areas of Public Health and Global Health.  He has worked at the Centers for Disease Control in the area of infectious diseases and has worked on public health projects worldwide.  Additionally, he has conducted award-winning research in the areas of HIV and chronic diseases and has experience writing grant proposals.  His experience as a public health consultant and serving on the board of directors of public health organizations help in proving a practical front line perspective to the learning of public health.  Also, has has experience in advising students about public health projects.  

Sri is a member of the American Medical Association, Americal Rural Health Association, and American Association of Family Physicians.  He received his MD, MPH, PhD and postdoctoral training in the United States, United Kingdon, and the Caribbean and attended universities like the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Current Research

Sri has researched health disparities and cardivascular disease in his PhD research. Additionally, he has researched in the areas of malaria, HIV, diabetes, obesity, mental health, health disparities, homelessness, unintentional injuries, and rural health. Sir is well-versed with both quantitative and qualitative research. He has guided research work in the areas of smoking cessation, obesity, infectious disease, and malaria.

Monica Barman

Monica Barman, MD, MPH

mbarman@une.edu

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

MD
University of Vermont College of Medicine

MPH
University of Southern Maine

BS, Physical Marine Science, Minors in Chemistry and Pre-Medical Studies
University of Maine Orono

Biography

As a physician with a Master of Public Health degree I am interested in teaching a wide variety of topics. These include social and behavioral health issues across the nation. Also, I enjoy remaining up-to-date about the environmental factors that we can change to improve public health. I like investigating the rigor of patient safety and quality assurance in healthcare organizations. In addition, I am very intrigued by the history and current conduction of ethical research, spurred by my time spent as a member of an institutional review board (IRB).

Leanne Barry, MPH, MBA

(207) 462-4055

ldimaio@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Applied Nutrition, Public Health
Education

DCN
Maryland University of Integrative Health

MSACN
New York Chiropractic College

MPH
University of New England

MBA, Leadership
St. Joseph’s College

BS, Health Science
University of Southern Maine

Biography

Leanne Barry has been a course facilitator at UNE for over eight years and has taught a variety of courses in the field of public health and nutrition. Leanne received her Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition degree at Maryland University of Integrative Health. She also has Masters degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition (MSACN) from New York Chiropractic College, Masters of Public Health (MPH) from the University of New England and her Masters of Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s College.

Leanne works at Tufts Health Plan in the Department of Population Health and Wellness (Watertown, MA). She leads a team with a focus on managing disease management programs and vendors. Leanne’s prior places of employment include the Healthy Community Coalition (Farmington, ME) and the Women, Infants, and Children Program (Auburn, ME).

Leanne’s research interests include developing effective health and wellness related programs that promote behavior change in populations. Other research interests include inflammation, the microbiome, pre-diabetes, eating disorders, how the social determinants of health impact nutrition and overall health.
Leanne lives in Farmingdale, Maine. Outside of work and school she enjoys running, reading, and spending time with family, especially her eight-year-old nephew.

Current Research

Increasing engagement in health plan disease management programs.

Stacy Blondin, MSPH

(760) 458-2426

sblondin@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Applied Nutrition, Public Health
Education

MSPH, Human Nutrition
Johns Hopkins School of Public Health

BA, Psychology
Harvard College

Biography

Stacy Blondin is a fifth-year doctoral student at Tufts completing her dissertation research on the sustainability of the National School Meal Programs. She intends to pursue a career in academia conducting research on dietary patterns and behaviors from childhood through early adulthood.

Current Research

Food waste in the National School Breakfast Program, Vegetarian meal options in the National School Lunch Program, Dietary patterns among college-aged students.

susan b. brown

Susan B. Brown, Ph.D.

sbrown42@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Public Health
University of Massachusetts, Amherst

MA, Psychology
Marist College

BA, Psychology
Marist College

Current Research

My research is focused on examining associations between biomarkers, modifiable lifestyle factors, and breast cancer risk.     

Kate Callahan, DrPH, MPH

207) 779-4004

kcallahanmyrick@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

DrPH, Epidemiology
East Tennessee State University

MPH, Epidemiology
San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health

BS, Community Health Education
University of Maine at Farmington

BA, Business Economics
University of Maine at Farmington

Current Research

HIV Care service utilization differences among US and Foreign Born populations in Maine. Differences between parent perception and actual weight status of their children. Effectiveness of legislation that restricts smoking in vehicles containing children.

Mary Lou Ciolfi, JD, MS

mciolfi@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

JD
University of New Hampshire School of Law

MS, Health Policy
University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service

BA, Romance Languages
University of Chicago

Current Research

I am currently evaluating a Reframing Aging culture change initiative in Maine. The project is an effort to bring greater awareness to ageism in our society and its harmful impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of older people. We are using a Diffusion of Innovations Theory approach to this work.

Lauren Clay, PhD, MPH

lclay2@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Disaster Science and Management
University of Delaware

MPH
Drexel University School of Public Health

BA, History
La Salle University

Biography

Disaster resilience and health equity go hand in hand. Raised in south Louisiana, Hurricane Katrina had a significant impact on my worldview. I watched Hurricane Katrina unfold and shine a light on structural inequities in the United States. Racial and ethnic minorities and the socioeconomically disadvantaged experienced a disproportionate impact of the storm’s destruction and adverse health consequences. Seeing the impact of Hurricane Katrina at home set me on a path to study public health and disasters with the goal of understanding and reducing health disparities in disaster impacted communities in the US particularly in Gulf communities. My current research focuses on understanding disparities in post-disaster health and well-being. Much of my work focuses on the Gulf Coast, however it is essential to examine diverse hazard types, scale events, and geographic contexts to better understand how to achieve recovery, health, and well-being following disasters. My goal is to translate my research into tangible, sustainable benefits for minority and socio-economically disadvantaged communities experiencing disaster.

Current Research

My current research projects examine the influence of community social institutions on household disaster recovery, the role of preparedness in disaster experience and outcomes, and stress and food insecurity during long-term disaster recovery. I study a variety of disaster events including Hurricane Katrina, Superstorm Sandy, the Gulf Coast Oil Spill, and the 2013 Moore, OK tornadoes. My methodological approach is primarily quantitative including epidemiology and spatial analysis.

Adrian Cooksey, DrPH, MPH

(337) 654-3415

acooksey@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

DrPH, Epidemiology/Biostatistics
Florida A&M University, Institute of Public Health

MPH, Epidemiology
Florida A&M University, Institute of Public Health

BS, Community Health Education
Dillard University

Biography

My goal is to facilitate learning experiences that are relevant, fascinating, and as significant as the field of public health.

Current Research
  • Health Equity

Aisha S. Dickerson, PhD, MSPH

(832) 519-8834

adickerson1@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Epidemiology
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

MSPH, Epidemiology
University of Alabama at Birmingham

BS, Biology
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Biography

With a background in epidemiology and specific training in statistical methods and environmental risk assessment, much of my previous research has focused on modifiable risk factors for neurological disorders. In the past, I have collaborated with investigators at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Health Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate exposure ambient air pollution and ASD in the US. I am currently a Research Fellow in Environmental Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where I work on several projects investigating early life exposures and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as well as environmental injustice and amplified risk of disease in underserved populations. Upon completing my PhD, I completed a year of postdoctoral training at the US EPA before returning to academia. More information on my background and research can be found at https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/aisha-dickerson.

Current Research
  • Job exposures, physical activity, and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Rebekah Doyle, PhD, MS, RN

(918) 718-1135

rdoyle4@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD
Walden University School of Public Health

MS, Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Arkansas Tech University

BS, Nursing
Northeastern State University

Biography

I have worked for the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) for over 10 years. I have worked in three different capacities consisting of Children First home visitation nurse, Region V Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPRS) nurse, and currently as a Health Educator. As a Children First nurse, I educated and monitored the health status of first time expectant mothers and their infants. I provided support, guidance, various health and developmental assessments, and referrals as needed as a Registered Nurse (RN) throughout the mother’s pregnancy and the child’s infancy/toddlerhood. As a regional EPRS bioterrorism nurse, I was responsible for providing guidance and support in various capacities to health department Administrators, Emergency Managers, tribal nations, and hospital infection control nurses within 13 counties to develop their Mass Immunizations Plans (MIPS). I assisted with writing, conducting, and evaluating MIPS exercises as well as working to assist the hospitals, long-term care, assisted-living, and residential facilities in writing and exercising their own Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). I also worked with our state Epidemiologist in conducting outbreak investigations, serving as one of the subject matter experts in infectious diseases. I am the Chair-elect for the Oklahoma Public Health Association’s Emergency Preparedness and Response section. I currently work in the capacity as a Health Educator. As such, I am wide-spread within the communities I cover assisting in community assessments (MAPP), sitting on workgroups and boards addressing maternal-child health, infant mortality, health department accreditation committee, and much, much more!

Current Research

I am currently designing a mixed method research study in collaboration with several of Oklahoma’s emergency managers to follow-up my dissertation research study.

Rebecca Drewette-Card, DrPH, MSPH

(207) 319-9268

rdrewettecard@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Applied Nutrition, Public Health
Education

DrPH, Social and Behavioral Sciences
Boston University
2016

MSPH, Health Policy and Administration
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2000

BA, Biology and Women’s Studies
Gettysburg College
1998

Biography

I have a strong interest in improving the health, particularly chronic disease status, of populations across the lifespan. Much of my work has focused on the area of physical activity promotion. I have been fortunate to work in a variety of settings: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state health departments, and within small communities. I have been working as an independent consultant for 10 years and enjoy the variety of projects this allows me to work on. I enjoy teaching in the UNE GPPH, and to learn about the varied interests of my students. In my free time I enjoy walking, reading, traveling, camping, and spending time with my husband and daughters.

I am currently part of an evaluation team looking at the effectiveness of multiple statewide efforts to improve chronic disease status within a statewide population. I also develop communication materials for a national-level workplace cardiovascular disease prevention effort.

Current Research

I am currently part of an evaluation team looking at the effectiveness of multiple statewide efforts to improve chronic disease status within a statewide population.

Elizabeth Falls, PhD, MS

(772) 532-1866

efalls@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Food Science and Human Nutrition
MS, Food and Nutrition
BS, Food and Nutrition

Jennifer Gunderman

Jennifer Gunderman, MPH

(207) 221-4620

jgundermanking@une.edu

On Campus, Linnell Hall 109 - Portland Campus

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

MPH, Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology
Emory University

BS, Health Policy and Management
Providence College

Biography

I came into public health by failing organic chemistry as an undergraduate at Providence College. My goal was to be a physician but soon realized that my skill and passion belonged elsewhere. Luckily my college has a public health major, and the rest is history. My background includes being a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, working with the state of Maine health department as an infectious disease epidemiologist, providing technical assistance to Caribbean countries on HIV surveillance, and even owning an organic farm. I live in Belfast, Maine with my 3 children where we enjoy being outdoors as much as possible.

Anne Hunt, ScD, MS

ahunt4@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

ScD, Biomedical Computing
Harvard School of Public Health

MS, Biostatistics
Harvard School of Public Health

MS, Epidemiology
Harvard School of Public Health

BS, Mathematics
University of Massachusetts

Biography

I have worked for many years as an epidemiologist and biostatistician, supporting research efforts in many areas with the majority of my work related to autistic spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, birth defects, nutrition, and emergency preparedness.

Current Research

Currently studying the prevalence of birth defects, dysmorphology, and developmental disabilities in children exposed to anti-epileptic drugs in utero. Also involved in several studies related to better addressing the needs of the disabled during Emergency Preparedness and Response.

Micaela-Karlsen

Micaela Karlsen, PhD, MSPH

mkarlsen@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Applied Nutrition, Public Health
Education

MSPH, Human Nutrition
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

BA, Psychology
Cornell University

PhD in Nutritional Epidemiology
Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy

Biography

Micaela Karlsen, PhD, serves as Director of the Lifestyle Medicine Economic Research Consortium from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Lifestyle Medicine Institute, as well as co-investigator on the Adhering to Dietary Approaches for Personal Taste (ADAPT) Study from Tufts University. She is the author of A Plant-Based Life and a contributor to the New York Times bestseller Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health, Micaela created and maintains PlantBasedResearch.org, an online library of original, peer-reviewed research studies relevant to plant-based nutrition, as well as SustainableDiet.com, a 3-month transition program for supporting successful and permanent transitions to plant-based diets. Her expertise is in dietary patterns, plant-based nutrition and nutritional adequacy, and predictors of successful behavior change. She holds a PhD in Nutritional Epidemiology from the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and a Masters degree in Human Nutrition from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

Mary Krebs, MPPM, MS

mkrebs@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Applied Nutrition, Public Health
Education

MS, Public Policy
University of Massachusetts, Boston

MS, Policy, Planning and Management
University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service

BA, Liberal Studies
University of Maine

Biography

Mary Krebs is a health policy analyst engaged in research through UMass Boston’s Public Policy PhD Program, and as a consultant to George Mason University’s MEDx health app evaluation project. She is the founder of HealthTech Analytics LLC, a health-related technologies research firm with a specific focus on usability and the digital delivery of health care. Her work has a theoretical emphasis on models of engagement for ehealth + mHealth technologies, as well as an explicit focus for developing standards for health-related apps.

Prior to doctoral studies, Mary spent 15+ years in the business sector and 3+ years in the nonprofit sector, engaged in government relations and research analysis. She served as the Deputy Director for the Maine chapter of a national nonprofit, and has lobbied the Maine State Legislature on behalf of healthcare professionals on social justice policy issues.

In addition to earning a Master’s of Public Policy and Management at USM’s Muskie School, she earned a Master’s of Science in Policy, and is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Mary was chosen to serve as a 2011 Maine Policy Scholar alongside previous Governor, and now Senator Angus King, and earned the McCormack Policy Fellowship award in 2014. Further education includes professional training at MIT and graduate certificates in government management, performance evaluation, and nonprofit management.

Sharon Kuhrt, RN, DNP

(207) 402-0823

skuhrt@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

DNP, Nursing Administration
Northeastern University

MSN, Nursing Administration
Regis University

BSN
Loretto Heights College

Biography

Collaborative teaching is an important value. While a single person can play a pivotal role in the transformation of an organization, no one person can enact change or maintain excellence without the shared contributions of other colleagues and students. Developing and maintaining relationships to enable collaboration are probably the most important role anyone in education must master to be successful. Successful teachers should have the ability to understand the complexities and ambiguities of intra and interpersonal dynamics in order to foster implementation of meaningful change.

Stephanie Lino, DrPH, MPH

(951) 389-4032

slino@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

DrPH, Health Education and Health Promotion
Loma Linda University

MPH, Urban Public Health
Charles R. Drew University

BS, Neuroscience
UCLA

Biography

Dr. Lino has taught Biostatistics, Global Health, Cultural Competency in Public Health, Health Behavior, Program Planning and Evaluation, Health Policy and Intro to Health Education at other colleges and universities. She is currently a member of numerous professional organizations, such as the American Public Health Association, Delta Omega Honor Society, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Jennifer Makelarski, PhD, MPH

(417) 234-1013

jmakelarski@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Epidemiology
University of Iowa

MPH, Epidemiology
Missouri State University

BS, Biology
Truman State University

Biography

I have extensive experience in research study design, protocol development and implementation as well as statistical analysis. The research projects I have led have been highly interdisciplinary (teams included physicians, sociologists, anthropologists, community developers, and others) and utilized a community-engaged research approach where community members partner with academic researchers on research studies from the start. I prioritize training junior researchers and have mentored fellows and medical, graduate and college students, providing support throughout their research projects, from drafting aims to publication, with an emphasis on statistical analysis.

Current Research

My current research focuses primarily on designing and testing interventions to connect people to community resources that help them manage their health. These interventions are primarily information-based (e.g., information about local food pantries) and focus both on diseases and social conditions like food insecurity.

Sabrina Matoff-Stepp, PhD

smatoffstepp@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Community and Public Health
University of Maryland, College Park

MA, Health Education
University of Maryland, College Park

BS, Health Education
University of Maryland, College Park

Biography

I am currently the Director, Office of Women’s Health, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Office provides leadership and subject matter expertise through policy, program and outreach and education specific to women and girls across the lifespan who are geographically isolated, economically or medically vulnerable. Between 2010 and 2015, I worked on the Text4baby program that gave pregnant women and new mothers free, evidence-based health-related text messages. I enjoy spending time with my husband and rescue dog, Belle, reading, and volunteering for Martha’s Table, a non-profit organization serving low-income and homeless families.

Current Research

Integration of screening and counseling for IPV in community health centers. Addressing sex and gender disparities for preventable diseases

Ivan G. Most, ScD, MS

(207) 838-8646

imost@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

ScD, Work Environment
University of Massachusetts, Lowell

MS, Mechanical Engineering
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

BS, Mechanical Engineering
University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Biography

The intersection of engineering and public health is not often considered but is very important in preventing serious injury and illness.

Current Research

Machine Guarding and Safety, Cultural Issues in Manufacturing as it Affects Safety.

Rachaline Napier, DrPH, MPH

(614) 499-0015

rnapier@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

DrPH, Epidemiology
Capella University

MPH, Epidemiology
The Ohio State University

BS, Biology
City College of the City University of New York

Biography

I have been in public health for over 10 years and have a BS in Biology, an MPH and a DrPH with emphasis in Epidemiology. I view the field of public health as one of service. Since receiving my MPH, I have worked at both state and local public health agencies holding such positions as Environmental Health Epidemiologist, Communicable Disease Epidemiologist, Public Health Program Manager, Bioterrorism Coordinator for the City, Research Specialist, Public Health Program Evaluation Coordinator and Adjunct Professor for Community and Public Health courses. As an Epidemiologist, I have also had the opportunity to investigate many foodborne illness and communicable disease outbreaks, which included working with the CDC on a large scale communicable disease outbreak.

I am happy to share my experiences and expertise with future public health practitioners whose aim is to contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community they serve.

Current Research

I am currently assisting with a research project HCV.

Liam O'Brien

Liam O'Brien, Ph.D.

(207) 859-5838

lobrien5@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Biostatistics
Harvard University

BS, Engineering Physics
Colorado School of Mines

BS, Applied and Computational Mathematics
Colorado School of Mines

Biography

Liam O’Brien’s expertise is broadly in the areas of biostatistics and epidemiology.  He provides a wide array of biostatistical support for researchers in the medical and public health fields.  His statistical methodological interests are in longitudinal data particularly as they relate to applications in psychiatric epidemiology and maternal and child health. Liam also has an interest in psychometric applications and methods.  

Liam received his doctoral degree in biostatistics from the Harvard School of Public Health.  He also holds bachelor of science degrees in engineering physics and mathematical sciences from the Colorado School of Mines. His primary appointment is Associate Professor of Statistics at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.

Liam’s collaborative research career began in neuroimaging in 2000, when he served as a project biostatistician for the Massachusetts Mental Health Centers program in schizophrenia.  He has since continued collaborative research with autism researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital. He began working in the public health field in Maine in 2003, consulting for the Maine Center for Public Health. Since then he has worked on a wide variety of projects in collaboration with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Muskie School of Public Policy, Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, the Maine-Dartmouth Rural Residency Program, the University of Southern Maine, and the University of New England.

Current Research

I currently work on projects involving the evaluation of public health interventions. I also am researching methods for permutation- or randomization-based testing when standard hypothesis testing assumptions are not met.

clara-omogbai

Clara Omogbai, DrPH, MPH, MLS

comogbai@une.edu

Off Campus, Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

DrPH, Health Promotion and Education
Loma Linda, University School of Public Health

MPH, International Health and Development
Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine

MLS, Library and Information Science
University of Ibadan, Faculty of Education

BS, Human Kinetics and Health Education
University of Ibadan, Faculty of Education

Biography

My professional and educational background consists of both international and domestic experience in Public Health Practice. These experiences have provided me with the opportunity to develop quantitative and qualitative skills needed to design, implement, monitor and evaluate behavior change interventions on various Public Health programs. All of my work experiences have involved direct contact in the capacity of serving, problem solving and building trust relationships. My future goal is a world free of health disparities and equality for all.

Current Research

My most current research focuses on breast cancer disparities. At a time when Black women’s breast cancer incidence rates have reached that of white women, mortality rates are higher and average age of breast cancer onset lower. Growing evidence suggests that breast cancer in Black women is different and why this is the case continues to be largely unknown. Given recent findings that hair products may be part of a multi-faceted equation leading to breast cancer in Black women, we used qualitative research methods to explore Black women’s perceived risk for breast cancer and hair products using the tenets of the Health Belief Model.

patricia-poteat

Patricia A. Poteat, Ed.D., M.S

ppoteat@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Healthcare Administration, Health Informatics, Public Health
Education

Ed.D. Higher Education Leadership, Concentration in Program Evaluation
University of Rochester

M.S., Health Systems Administration
Rochester Institute of Technology

B.A, Community Medicine
University of Rochester

Biography

Working in public health offeres opportunities to conduct research, get involved in public policy, and work with people. Working in the health fiels is rewarding as one is able to improve the health of groups of people. Given my education and work experience, I evaluate healh programs providing stakeholders with important information to aid their decision making efforts.

Andrew Pritchard, MPH

(248) 891-1860

apritchard@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

MPH, Health Management and Policy, Global Health
University of Michigan School of Public Health

BA, Political Science, Medical Anthropology
University of Michigan

Biography

My public health training was focused on health management and policy, global health, and program evaluation, and most of my professional experience has been in program evaluation and health service research. My program evaluation experience has enabled me to help stakeholders working on statewide, regional, and local public health programs understand how their efforts are impacting population health, and consider how that impact can be maximized. In my current position at Eastern Maine Medical Center, I am also working closely with clinicians and system administrators to design, fund, and implement health service and implementation-oriented studies.

Current Research

Some of the things I am currently working on include an ongoing health service study looking at strategies to improve antibiotic stewardship in outpatient settings, and a study focused on the effectiveness of a primary care food security screening and referral model for connecting people experiencing food insecurity with local food resources. I am also working on evaluations of a home health tele-monitoring program, and a program designed to expand access to self-management education for patients with chronic disease.

Nicole Rankine, PhD, MS

nrankine@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Community Health Education
Walden University

MS, Public Health
Walden University

MS, Biology
Georgia State University

BS, Biology
University of Georgia

Biography

My professional experience expands over fifteen years of scientific research, eight years of quality management in public health, five years of community health education, and two years as an online adjunct professor. I have conducted research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies (USDA and EPA) and academic institutions. My professional objective is to promote health education through disease prevention in order to increase the overall health and well-being of the public. My personal interests are with HIV/AIDS and STD research, education, and prevention, adolescent health and wellness, quality management as well as program development, implementation, and evaluation. I am also a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team, where I aid youth and college students with their personal growth and leadership development to equip, inspire, and empower them to reach their full potential.

Current Research

The Association Between Online Risk Behaviors and Real Life Behaviors Among Adolescents.

Monae L. Raphael, DrPH, MPH, MBS

mraphael@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

DrPH
New York Medical College, School of Health Sciences and Practice, Department of Health Policy and Management,
2013

MBS
The University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
2008

MPH
Morgan State University
2004

BA, Biology and Psychology
Loyola University Maryland
2002

Biography

I have a multidisciplinary perspective that is informed by my time working as a researcher at Johns Hopkins University and the National Institutes of Health, as a Medical Writer in the Pharmaceutical Industry, and as a grant writer for health system clients. 

My other professional experiences involved assisting the Deputy Regional Health Secretary (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, New York) implementing nutrition and obesity prevention efforts for the First Lady’s Let’s Move initiatives in New York City (2011), lobbying and writing policy position papers as a Fellow on Capitol Hill (2012), and joining a team of facilitators for a federally funded youth risk-prevention program in New York City (2012-2013).

Arduizur Carli Richie-Zavaleta, DrPH, MASP, MAIPS

(760) 310-4426

arichiezavaleta@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

DrPH, Community Health and Prevention
Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health

MASP, Master of Arts in Sociological Practices
California State University, San Marcos

MAIPS, Master of Arts in International Peace Studies and Conflict Management
Universidad Para La Paz, Costa Rica

BA, Sociology
California State University, San Marcos

Biography

My journey into public health began when conducting an exploratory research project in San Diego, CA, which delved into the issue of human trafficking. Its finding pointed to the fact that in order create effective evidence-based preventive strategies to social perils, I needed tools from the field of public health. Today, public health along with human rights and sociological approaches, continue to deepen my understanding of how to partner in the prevention and intervention of complex social challenges such as gender violence and child abuse. Additionally, the field of public health has clarified for me the great need for advocacy and policy in order to create social change. Although social injustice continues to surface all around us, we have great tools to begin fighting these complexities. Together, we can create social change and achieve the wellbeing of our communities and society at large!

Current Research

My dissertation focuses on the intersection of sex trafficking survivors’ experience in healthcare settings and their recommendations for better identification protocols within the United States. Currently, within an academic research-based hospital, I am involved in the training and evaluation of a healthcare provider pilot whose goals are to increase awareness and introduce protocols for the identification of potential victims of human trafficking in their emergency department.

Tia McGill Rogers, PhD, MPH

(617) 528-9691

trogers5@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Behavioral Science
Georgia State University

MPH, Behavioral Science
Emory University

BA, Psychology
Spelman College

Biography

I have worked in various capacities in the field of public health including direct service provision, training, and research — all towards the goal of advancing the knowledge base and service availability for children and families across the globe. My work focuses on mixed methods approaches to understanding the mechanisms through which adverse life experiences impact trajectories for children, adolescents, and families, with a specific focus on promoting resilience and coping. I am currently a research fellow, with a joint appointment in the departments of epidemiology and social and behavioral sciences, at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. I work on several projects investigating trauma epidemiology, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk and resilience, behavioral epidemiology, and behavioral epigenetics. Upon completing my PhD, I completed a one year Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development postdoctoral research fellowship, in the department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where I investigated key factors related to religious coping with violence exposure (including IPV) among war exposed adults, as a part of a prospective longitudinal/intergenerational study of war-affected youth in Sierra Leone.

Current Research

Mental health, intimate partner violence, and the transition to parenthood among former child soldiers in post-conflict Sierra Leone.

Coping with Concentrated Adversity: Examining the role of religiosity and the intimate partner relationships in coping with war-related trauma among former child soldiers in Sierra Leone.

Exploring epigenetic markers of environmental stress and trauma in the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Joanna Rosebush, PhD, RD, LD

jrosebush@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Applied Nutrition, Public Health
Education

PhD, Food and Nutrition Sciences
University of Maine

MS, Food Science and Human Nutrition
University of Maine

BS, Human Nutrition and Foods
University of Maine

BA, Zoology
University of Maine

Biography

Joanna Fichthorn Rosebush PhD, RD, LD has worked in the field of nutrition for over fifteen years. Dr. Rosebush has served as adjunct faculty at the University of Maine and Husson University and has conducted continuing education seminars for healthcare professionals. Dr. Rosebush has conducted nutrition and wellness seminars for employees of various local businesses, including hospitals and gyms. She worked as a licensed provider for a web-based nutrition and wellness consulting company and has appeared as a nutrition expert in a weekly series for a local media outlet. She serves as an Advisory Board Member for Cura Weight Loss. Her extensive experience in clinical nutrition has led to a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of making wellness a part of everyday life to reduce the risk of chronic health conditions and is employed by the University of Maine System as the Manager of Health Improvement.

Dr. Rosebush earned a Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition and a Ph.D. in Food and Nutrition Sciences with a special skill requirement in physiology from the University of Maine. Her undergraduate programs of study include a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology and Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Maine.  She is a Registered, Licensed Dietitian and has been an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics since 1995. In 2006 she was awarded the Maine Dietetic Association Emerging Dietetic Leader of the Year. She is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer.

Barbara Shaw

(207) 780-4015

shaw@maine.rr.com

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health

Eric R. Shropshire, DHSc, MPH

(202) 503-9384

eshropshire@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

DHSc, Health Systems Strengthening, Training & Workforce Development – Health Education
Nova Southeastern University
2016

MPH, Health Education and Promotion, and Health Management and Policy
Benedictine University
2012

BA, Sociology and Anthropology
University of the District of Columbia
2004

Biography

One of my teaching philosophies is “teach one, reach one and they will lead”. As a leader in the field of health care, one of my goals is balancing the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the human race. My general focus is health equity and equality among communities, especially among disadvantaged populations. One component of this objective is to ensure that all citizens are fully educated and aware of proper and proficient health care practices and increased wellness activities, ensuring better outcomes for building healthier communities. In order to meet this challenge, educators and institutions must train and produce the best and brightest health professionals that can supply quality care delivery and support services to empower communities to secure great health. As an educator, my purpose is to further create other agents of change to cultivate communities in order to transform the personal lifestyles and outcome measures for better health.

Kenyatta W. Stephens, Ph.D.

kstephens2@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Epidemiology
Walden University

BS, Biology, Minor in Chemistry
Howard University

Biography

For several years, I worked as a Senior Research Scientist (Molecular Biologist/Geneticist) at Emory University School of Medicine My research areas included neurodegenerative disorders, breast cancer, and cervical cancer as they relate to mitochondrial mutations. My cervical cancer research led to studying HPV which sparked my initial interest in Public Health. I went on to use my molecular biology skills to develop assays for several potential bioterrorism threat agents at the CDC, while building public health experience. I have enjoyed my work in epidemiology in various areas at the CDC.

Current Research

My current research interests surround the resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases, future epidemiologic trends, and potential outbreak implications.

Nang H. Tin Maung, Ph.D., M.P.H

(207) 221-4952

ntinmaung@une.edu

On Campus, Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

Ph.D.
University of Massachusetts Medical School, 2011

MPH
Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2015

Graduate Certificate, Health Informatics
University of New England, 2017

Biography

My first introduction to public health came during a Medical Anthropology class in college. For my PhD, I focused my research on Streptococcus pneumoniae, a pathogen that remains a significant public health threat around the world. After a few years of conducting experiments in a laboratory, I decided to make a full career transition into public health. I went back to school for a Master of Public Health in Global Health, and upon graduation, joined UNE.

My research in public health focuses on health and wellbeing among refugees/new Americans. As an Albert Schweitzer Fellow, I worked to develop leadership skills among young refugees living in Worcester, MA. I also collaborated with other researchers at U.Mass Medical school to study factors that facilitate targeted health promotion in refugee populations.

Raegan A. Tuff, Ph.D., MPH

(770) 481-8324

rtuff@une.edu

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Health Promotion and Behavior
University of Georgia

MPH, Social and Behavioral Health
Morehouse School of Medicine

BS, Health and Science Exercise
Furman University

Biography

The problem of chronic diseases such as obesity in minorities, women, and adolescents is not easy to solve. Collaboration among public health agencies is a key element in preventing and controlling disease progression. Identifying and developing promising solutions requires thought leaders to partner across various sectors and disciplines to exchange their collective assets, resources, and knowledge. Web-based collaboration tools have been developed to help manage partner interaction and engagement. It is important to understand the pros and cons of the tools in supporting public health practice as well as organizational context such as capacity and readiness for implementing the tools.

Current Research

The impact of novel social collaboration tools on public health practice.

Kathleen Welch, PhD, MPH, MA

(504) 301-1912

kwelch2@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, International Health, Sociology and Epidemiology
Tulane University

MPH
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine

MA, Education
The Ohio State University

BA, Russian Language and Literature
The Ohio State University

Biography

My career in public health started when I worked for CARE in Moscow, Russia, where I led a survey team to conduct nutritional surveys on the elderly, pregnant women and children under two. I continued my education at Tulane University in New Orleans where I obtained an MPH and PhD. I have an interdisciplinary PhD in global health, sociology and epidemiology. I am also an Adjunct Professor for the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. I am very excited to be an Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Association where I work as an advocate to promote increased funding and research for this disease.

Current Research

Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment, the use of humor and the arts in promoting mental health and reducing substance use.

Leah Wentworth, PhD, MPH

(207) 831-6707

lwentworth@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Occupational and Environmental Health
University of Iowa
2016

MPH, Health Policy and Management
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
2010

BA, Community Planning
University of Massachusetts, Boston

Biography

I am a public health professional with approximately 10 years of experience managing and evaluating public health and injury prevention programs, with service in both local and state government. I have worked on a variety of federally funded injury and violence prevention programs, including New York State’s Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Program and Core State Violence and Injury Prevention Program (Core SVIPP), and the University of Iowa’s Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Program. I have particular interest in evaluating primary prevention strategies for injury and violence, including sexual violence, intimate partner violence, suicide, and non-suicidal self-injury. I am also broadly interested in college health and occupational health, recognizing that school or work settings can contribute tremendously to health outcomes. Finally, I am committed to translating research to practice in the public health setting, recognizing the dynamic, reciprocal relationship between effective practice and meaningful research.

Current Research

I am currently principal investigator on a CDC-funded research project evaluating the effectiveness of a strengths-based curriculum with at-risk boys in western New York. The impact of the program on a number of outcomes will be examined, including sexual assault perpetration, bystander behavior, attitudes related to gender roles and acceptability of sexual violence, interpersonal relationships, and youth-adult connectedness. Factors that may impact the implementation of the program will also be assessed, and results will be used to inform future work within New York State and nationally. This grant award period is 09/16 – 09/20.

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/fundedprograms/Research_Awards.html

Mollie Williams, DrPH, MPH

(504) 252-2312

mwilliams40@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

DrPH, Health Management and Policy
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

MPH, Health Behavior and Health Education
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

BA, Studio Art
The University of Texas at Austin

Biography

Mollie Williams has dedicated her career to solving complex public health problems because she believes that everyone should have access to health and health care. Mollie currently serves as the Executive Director of The Family Van, a mobile clinic that provides preventive health care and education in underserved Boston neighborhoods. She also leads the organization’s efforts to strengthen the mobile health sector nationally through the website mobilehealthmap.org. Previously, Mollie was a Senior Director at Planned Parenthood Federation of America where she led a special initiative to improve access to sexual and reproductive health care in the southern United States. Thanks to Mollie’s strategic leadership, the team built over a dozen new health centers, trained more than 500 staff and volunteers, and grew the number of local donors six-fold. In her nearly twenty years as a public health professional, Mollie has had the opportunity to travel to Central America, Africa, Central Asia, Australia and India to participate in public health efforts in rural, low-resource communities.

Current Research

Evaluation of a comprehensive program to increase access to sexual and reproductive health care in nine southern states. Evaluation of community outreach and education in South Florida to prevent the transmission of the Zika virus.

Maureen A. Wimsatt, PhD, MSW

mwimsatt@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

PhD, Human Development, Specialization in Developmental Science
University of Maryland

MSW, Specialization in Rural Social Work Practice
Eastern Washington University

BA, Psychology, Minor in Applied Statistics
University of Michigan

Biography

I have 15 years of experience working on community-based and academic data projects in human development and public health, including research and evaluation projects that intersect with Epidemiology, Child and Human Development, and other areas of Social Science research. In addition to work on longitudinal research projects, I have used observational, quantitative, and qualitative cross-sectional studies to inform community prevention and intervention efforts. I am currently working in health promotion, disease prevention, and health literacy, as well as studying the prevalence of birth defects, dysmorphology, and developmental disabilities in children exposed to anti-epileptic drugs in utero. I am also involved in several studies related to better addressing the needs of the disabled during Emergency Preparedness and Response.

Current Research

My current research involves constructing epidemiology-focused health profiles for community populations. I am also working on a community-based participatory research study involving diabetes prevention, an oral health intervention project, and several large-scale evaluations of community wellness programs.

Joseph Zamboni, Esq., JD, MPPM, Ombudsman

(207) 318-6158

jzamboni@une.edu

Teaching Online

Department(s)
Public Health
Education

JD
Maine Law

MPPM
USM, Muskie School of Public Service

Biography

Professor Zamboni is currently the Regional Ombudsman for Long-Term Care Program in Maine; in this position, he oversees long-term care facilities in Southern Maine, educates the Maine Legislature and general public about elder issues and responds to complaints about healthcare facilities. The Ombudsman for Long-Term Care is a position created by the federal government and supported by all 50 states. Professor Zamboni also works on the Maine Medical Malpractice Screening Panel and the Maine Financial Abuse Specialist Team. He volunteers his time with various boards and committees around the State including the Portland Zoning Board of Appeals and the Deaf Senior Housing Committee.

Current Research

Elder Abuse and Neglect, Financial Exploitation of Dependents, Power of Attorney/Guardianship and Abuse Issues.

 

Questions?

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