News and Announcements - 3/27/20 PBHL Newsletter

The Public Health Program here at CU Denver has been an incredible journey to take part in for my four years here. Now that I am graduating this Spring of 2020, I find myself reflecting on the wonderful courses, inspiring professors, and valuable experiences that Public Health has provided me to continue my education into graduate school. Not many people realize the social determinants of health we live in affect our well-being which can be long-term. Being able to guide others that are vulnerable in gaining access to care is one where this program helped me achieve. Going into Public Health has taught me that through education, empowerment, and advocacy, the world can be a place where health disparities are sparse, and health equity can be achieved for all.   

My experiences in the public health program here at the University of Colorado Denver have been great and have allowed me to grow as a PBHL student, researcher, and innovator. By taking an interdisciplinary course load and approach in my undergraduate studies, I've been challenged to expand my skills and ways of thinking. I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to study under professors in our department with really amazing experiences which informed their teaching. I've also had the privilege of working as a research assistant with Dr. Yeatman and her team, an experience that's reshaped the way I think of community partnerships within public health. I'm thankful for my time in the program and look forward to my next steps as I complete my degree this spring.

The public health program at CU Denver has opened my eyes to an entirely different perspective on healthcare and the actions we can take to better the lives of many. I'm thankful for the opportunity I was given when I transferred to CU Denver and hope to make an impact for good with my degree in public health. I couldn't have done it without the support of my teachers, peers, family, and savior Jesus Christ.

I am so thankful to be been selected as a finalist for the 2020 Spring Outstanding Undergraduate in Public Health Award, the public health faculty and curriculum has contributed so much to my advancement as a public health student and researcher. Our public health curriculum encouraged me to apply my learning into community health action and to show responsibility for the health of our own Colorado communities. I deeply thank Dr. Yeatman, Marisa Westbrook, and Dr. Scandlyn for being amazing mentors for me during my time at UC Denver and the best support system I could ever ask for.

Check out the excellent 2020 Spring Departmental Newsletter written by PhD student and frequent TA Shawna Bayerman, which includes spotlight interviews with current students, alumni, and faculty. Read the newsletter on our website. Please let us know if you are interested in being featured in future newsletters. 

• PBHL 4021 Community Health Assessment Tu and Th 10:30a-1:00p 6/9-7/30 Westbrook 

• PBHL 4200 The Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic Tu and Th 1:15p-3:45p 6/9-7/30 Chamberlin 

• PBHL 2052 Global Health and Demography ONLINE 6/8-8/1 Ramirez  

Reach out to your PBHL advisors, Ryan O’Connell and Marisa Westbrook with any questions regarding enrollment.  

April 3rd: Deadline to submit your abstract to present at the Public Health in the Rockies conference in Keystone this August. There are funding opportunities available from both the department and the college for students presenting at the conference. 

April 1: Submit your abstract for the 2020 Research and Creative Activities Symposium (RaCAS). The event will be held virtually this year for the safety of its participants. To learn more and apply, visit the RaCAS website.

During the campus closure, academic advising will be offered remotely Mondays & Wednesdays 8-9:15 and 11-3, and Thursdays 10-3. Please copy both Marisa and Ryan on any emails so whomever is available during office hours can respond. Alternately, leave a message at 303-315-7151 and they will return your call during advising hours. In all communication with advisors, please include your name, student ID, question. If you would like a return call, include your phone number and the best time to reach you during office hours. If they are unable to reach you via phone, they will follow up with an email to your university email address.