Student Public Practice Showcase

Photography: Joshua Franzos

Spotlight | Student Public Practice Showcase

The objective of first place winner Gloria Akhadelor-Job's community-engaged research project investigates the support needs of Black families in high infant mortality rate neighborhoods. Her goal is to assess knowledge gaps around neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU) doula care, and the need to develop NICU-specific curriculum to provide culturally responsible care. 

In Akhadelor-Job's research project, main findings from a listening session on three topics—NICU experience, postpartum support and mental health—revealed emerging themes of targeted areas in need of support. 

Excellence on Display

Sixteen graduate students from four departments at the School of Public Health took part in the first-ever Student Public Health Practice Showcase. Posters highlighted work that students completed in collaboration with community partners and awards were presented to students, faculty and community partners. Presenting the awards were Tina Ndoh, PhD, associate professor of environmental and occupational health; Lina Dostillo, EdD, Pitt vice chancellor for engagement and community affairs; Tracey Conti, MD, Andrew Mathieson Professor and chair, Department of Family Medicine; and Elizabeth Miller, MD, PhD, Edmund R. McCluskey Professor of Pediatrics Medical Education, both School of Medicine; and Dean Maureen Lichtveld, MD, MPH. 

Oasis Farm, A Homewood urban farm and greenhouse project associated with the Bible Center Church, was named an Emerging Community Partner. Farm Manager Ash Chan and colleagues accepted on behalf of Oasis. 

Congrats to the Student Winners!

First Place

Gloria Akhadelor-Job, MBBS (MPH, EPI '25)

Community-Engaged Research to Develop a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Doula Program for Black Women in Pittsburgh's Priority Neighborhoods

Second Place

Alyssa Arreola (MPH, Hugen '25) and Claire McLean (MA, Linguistics, A&S '25)

The Healthy Communities, Services and Lifestyles (HSCL) Project: Elevating Community Voices to Shape Future Health in the Hill District

Third Place

Ian Jacobs (MS, BIOST '24); PhD, EPI '28)

Evaluating Surveillance Trends in Environmentally Influenced Cancers in Southwestern Pennsylvania Counties as Compared to State and National Rates

Also Presenting Were

Chinmayi Bethanabatla, Epidemiology
Analysis of Stimulant Prescriptions and Fatal Overdose Risk Among Persons Receiving Buprenorphine/Suboxone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Sophia Garvin, Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
The Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation Housing Initiative's Impact on Social Determinants of Health in the Latino Population in Pittsburgh

Patsy Holtz, Human Genetics
Providing Quality Diabetes Prevention Education in Rural Maryland

Elora Kalix, Epidemiology
Community Perceptions of Childhood Lead Exposure in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Damaris Kyem, Epidemiology
Hazlewood Girls Empowerment Program: A Community-Based Mentorship Curriculum

Brooke Ludwig, Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Vitality at Vintage: Promoting Health Prioritization Through a Wellness Challenge

Melina Martin, Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Process of Evaluation of Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh

Cindy Pan, Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Implementing a Community-Informed and Equity-Centered Postpartum Care Model for Black Birthing People in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

Joslyn Rodell, Health Policy and Management
Hazlewood Girls Empowerment Program: A Community-Based Mentorship Curriculum

Niyati Savur, Human Genetics
Shamrock Pocket Park: A Bridging the Gaps Project

Hannah Williams, Epidemiology
Mapping the Action: An Asset-Based Approach to Perinatal Health and Lead Prevention in Pittsburgh