APHA-SA: Biosketch Lavonza Holliman

School: University of Florida Department: Behavioral and Community Health

Degree Program: MPH in Social and Behavioral Science

Practice/Research Interests: Understanding the biological, behavioral, and social components of nicotine dependency. In addition, creating and implementing policies to alleviate nicotine dependency in minority populations.

Other Leadership Activities: Website Liaison of the Florida Public Health Association (2012-present) Plans after school :Upon completion of my MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences, I aspire to enter into an doctorate program specializing in Health Behavior and Health Policy. I hope to later join a federal organization in which I can analyze, and implement intervention for nicotine dependent populations.

Personal Statement about APHA-SA:
My first semester as an MPH student has been one of the most exciting semesters thus far. Generally speaking, I knew I wanted to make a difference in society concerning public health. I wanted to be a part of an organization that worked together as a unit and provided services to the masses. I am a firm believer that public health disparities will continue to thrive unless we all come together. APHA-SA is that organization that is taking the steps in the right direction. I love the diversity of fields, concentration and degrees because we all can learn from each other. With one common goal we can decrease the rate of health disparities. Being apart of such a prestigious organization is my way of not only giving back, but being able to learn from past, present and future APHA-SA members.