APHA-SA: Biosketch Jillian Penrod

Involvement in APHA-SA: Opportunities Committee Co-Chair (2009-2010); Student Member since 2008

School: University of South Florida, College of Public Health (COPH)

Department: Community and Family Health

Degree Program: MS in Public Health, concentrations in Socio-Health Sciences and Urban Planning

Practice/Research Interests: My primary interest is to study the relationship between the urban built environment and health.  Specifically, I’m interested in developing effective interventions for urban populations using the life-course perspective to effectively address food insecurity, domestic violence, and transportation issues.

Plans after school: I plan to finish my Master of Science in Public Health by August 2010.  I would like to work for a year or two in an innovative research capacity to advance my research skills.  Then, I would like to apply to an interdisciplinary public health doctoral program.

Personal Statement about APHA-SA: The APHA-SA is in an incredible platform for professional development, legitimization and networking.  The Assembly provides a national forum to encourage student involvement and persistence in public health.  In addition, the APHA-SA is in a position to further legitimize the multi-faceted discipline of public health to communicate with the public.  From H1N1 to domestic violence, global climate change to peanut butter recalls, public health students are able to interpret and elaborate on national headlines to their classmates, families and laypersons—an integral part of the “public” side of public health.  Technology is important to our organization’s development.  Smart phones, e-mail and social networking tools provide instant information exchanges necessary for efficient and effective correspondence.  As an Opportunities Co-Chair, I take on the challenge of bringing APHA-SA to date with Web 2.0 tools for young professionals and investigate interdisciplinary opportunities for all aspects of public health.

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Last Update 01/05/2010