APHA-SA: Biosketch Kristy A. Siegel

Involvement in APHA-SA: Programming Committee Chair (Jan. 2005 - Dec. 2005, Dec. 2005 - Nov. 2006, Nov. 2006 - Nov. 2007)

School: University of South Florida

Degree Program: Disaster Management; applying to Industrial Hygiene program

Practice/Research Interests: My preliminary interest is in maternal and child health (MCH). However, having certificates in both Environmental Health and Health Promotion, I would like to develop the link between the two fields as they relate to MCH. I currently work for a non-profit organization that conducts screening and education-prevention for childhood lead poisoning. We plan to increase our scope into childhood obesity as a result of the built environment, environmental justice concerns relative to toxic waste sites and childhood development, mercury poisonings of children and pregnant women, and pesticide exposure of children in and around the school environment.

Plans after school:
My goal is to complete a PhD in public health. After such time, I would like to become a professor and continue my research in the hybrid Environmental-Health Promotion field within MCH issues.

Personal Statement about APHA-SA:
As a student, I have had a few experiences in which I felt voiceless. One such experience is in submitting abstracts to conferences. Many organizations encourage abstracts from students but student presentations ultimately only make up a miniscule proportion of the agenda space. Nonetheless, I have had the opportunity to be able to present at two APHA meetings, in addition to other professional meetings. There is a need to have a strong representation of presentations from the student population because they will be the next public health workforce. Many students in my program do not feel they have the expertise to present at a conference. I always try to rally my fellow classmates to submit because they do have a special expertise—a fresh, student perspective that is unique to them. I have enjoyed my experiences at my presentations. They have allowed me to receive instant feedback to my research, and have given me the confidence to know that I do have a particular expertise. All students should have such an opportunity and I would like to be a part of it.

Email Kristy.

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Last Update 03/02/2008