Raquel Marion,
M.P.H. (2010)
Raquel Marion accepted a new position as a Scientific Recruiter for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Landrus Burress,
M.S., M.P.H. (Class of 2009)
Landrus is currently pursuing a Dr.P.H. at the University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston. In addition to his doctoral award, Landrus has been offered a position as a Research Associate for the Center for Healthcare Quality & Safety at UT-Memorial Hermann Hospital. His research position is with the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

Anitha Nair,
MPH Graduate, (December 2009)
Anitha has accepted a position as Data Analyst with the Epidemiology Section of the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department.

 
Patricia C. Schroeder,
MPH Graduate, University of Memphis
May 2009
Patricia C. Schroeder has taken a new position as Research Analyst with L.C. Williams & Associates, a PR firm in downtown Chicago. Her research will focus on internal communications and employer relations.


LaRonia D. Hurd-Sawyer,
MPH Graduate, University of Memphis
May 2009
LaRonia D. Hurd-Sawyer’s abstract titled “Knowledge, Perceptions/Attitudes, and Experiences of Incarcerated Men at Memphis and Shelby County Correctional System about HIV/AIDS Testing and Risks” was presented at the 2010 National African American MSM Leadership Conference on HIV/AIDS and other Health Disparities in Atlanta, GA.

From 2008-2009, through a partnership among the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department, Bloomfield Urban Ministries, and the University of Memphis Public Health Program resulted in the successful recruitment, implementation, and graduation of 170 Black women ages 18-44 in the 38109 zip code through the SISTA 38109 HIV/AIDS Project. LaRonia D. Hurd-Sawyer and Ursula Martin were the SISTA facilitators that implemented and recruited the ladies for the intervention. The United States Conference of Mayors funded the project and the ladies offered confidential and free HIV/AIDS counseling and testing to all of the participants. The women have been awarded funding from the Tennessee Department of Health to continue the SISTA project with addition of the D-UP! (Men Who Have Sex with Men) intervention.

In September of 2009, LaRonia Hurd-Sawyer along with mentor Shanell McGoy and Project HOPE/St. Andrew AME Church Community Life Center applied for and received funding to administer free and confidential HIV/AIDS testing at the Southern Heritage Classic and Club 901 Gay Club during untraditional testing hours. There were a total of 1000 people reached and 241 people tested that day. CDC through GEARS Behavioral Assessment and Rapid HIV Testing (BART) funded the event.

Also as part of her employment with Project HOPE/St. Andrew AME Church, she worked during National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2010 to test a total of 357 people in one weekend! Pictured from left to right: Dr. Kenneth Robinson (MSCHD Medical Officer), LaRonia Hurd-Sawyer, Sharron Moore-Edwards (Director of Community Life Center), Stan Bell (V103)

Ms. Sara Jacob
MPH Graduate, University of Memphis
December 2008

The MPH program at the University of Memphis offers an expansive curriculum and provides a hands-on experience for students. The program actively participates in research activities at the University and in the Mid-south community and provided me with ample opportunities to present my work and interact with experts and practitioners in the field. My classmates were incredibly talented and dynamic and came from diverse backgrounds. The faculty members are great resources and are ever willing to help. One of the most beneficial and exciting opportunities I experienced as a student was the Practicum (internship) experience at the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department. The Practicum experience developed me professionally and encouraged me to critically evaluate my skills and career goals.

Following graduation, Ms. Jacob accepted a position with ASTHO (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials) as Senior Analyst - Tobacco and Chronic Disease Policy.

MPH Graduates May 2009

We are proud of our graduates! Congratulations!

(From left to right)
Ms. Patricia Schroeder, Ms. Krubah Sisuse, Mr. Landrus Burress, Ms. Sara Jacob, Ms. Laronia Hurd-Sawyer.


Information on Student Presentations