School of Public Health
University of Memphis School of Public Health Hosts Second EMPOWER Summer Initiative Cohort
Saturday, 20 June 2026
During the week students engaged in classroom instruction, expert lectures, field experiences and collaborative research projects focused on real-world health challenges. They learned from the School of Public Health faculty, healthcare providers, researchers, educators and community leaders while exploring healthcare access, healthy food systems, public health storytelling, cancer prevention and global health.
The week began with orientation activities, a University of Memphis campus tour, team assignments and an introduction to public health concepts. Students were challenged to think beyond individual health behaviors and examine how factors such as healthcare access, nutrition, community environments, policy and social determinants influence health outcomes.
Students participated in a session with SPH Dean, Dr. Ashish Joshi and attended presentations from Dr. Ashraf El-Metwally on public health in the 21st century, Dr. Jose Florez-Arango on research and storytelling in public health and Dr. Ricky Leung on artificial intelligence and public health. Additional workshops, led by Dr. Lori Ward and Michelle Jeu, MPH, introduced students to principles of human-centered design, systems thinking, innovation and implementation, encouraging them to explore root causes and consider how solutions can be designed to create meaningful and sustainable impact.
Experiential learning opportunities included visits to Church Health, The Works, Inc. Urban Farms and South Memphis Farmers Market and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
At Church Health, students met with Jenny Bartlett-Prescott, Chief Operating Officer; Kecia Cooper, RN, Clinical Director for the Medical Department; Randy Kostiuk, Community Engagement Director; Joel Finley, MD, Medical Director and Physician; and Erica Perkins, MPH, Volunteer Coordinator. Through discussions and a facility tour, students explored how Church Health's integrated model of whole-person care connects medical care, behavioral health, nutrition, movement, faith and community support to improve health outcomes for uninsured and underinsured populations.
At The Works, Inc. Urban Farms and South Memphis Farmers Market, students harvested produce alongside Jari Head, Agricultural Sales Technician, participated in a cooking demonstration led by Karen Bernard, Food and Wellness Manager and learned about food access, community development, sustainability and neighborhood revitalization. The experience highlighted the relationship between food security, nutrition and community well-being.
Students also visited St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where they learned about the Global Health Program from Michael McNeil, MD, MPH, the HPV Cancer Prevention Program from Andrea Stubbs, PhD, and STEMM Education and Outreach initiatives from Robyn Pennella, MPH. Additional tours and discussions were facilitated by Kyle Bischel, PhD, Lisa Laurent and Jordan Beard, PhD. Students explored childhood cancer, survivorship, prevention, workforce development and global health while examining the importance of community partnerships, capacity building and sustainable approaches to improving health outcomes.
The week concluded with a public health career panel featuring UofM SPH alumni Dr. Krubah Sisuse, Dr. Clarion Harris, Dr. Cardella Leak-Cook, and Caprisha Davis, MPH who shared insights into educational pathways and professional opportunities across the field of public health.
Students then presented audience-centered public health infographics developed through a human-centered design process that incorporated lessons learned from lectures, field experiences, research activities and community partnerships throughout the week. Projects addressed HPV vaccination awareness and cancer survivorship focusing on access to care and the importance of long-term surveillance and follow-up care after treatment.
By the end of the week, students had a full picture of what the field of public health had to offer.
The EMPOWER Summer Initiative reflects the School of Public Health's commitment to experiential learning, workforce development, innovation and community engagement while helping prepare the next generation of public health leaders.
Students tour the Church Health Center with Randy Kostiuk, Community Engagement Director
EMPOWER Participants Engage in a Cooking Demonstration Led by Karen Bernard
SPH Faculty, Staff and EMPOWER Participants at St. Jude Research Hospital
EMPOWER Summer Initiative Participants Receive Participation Awards, Accompanied by SPH Faculty and Staff
The Office of Communications at The University of Memphis School of Public Health