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Articles by Jessica Drouet
From septic to sewer, Key Biscayne is helping to protect our Biscayne Bay
Just as a new roof, updated appliances, or a swimming pool can increase the property value of a home – so can connecting to a municipal sewer system, which alleviates the risk of septic tank failure and eliminates harmful environmental impacts from wastewater. The Village of Key Biscayne is grateful to Miami-Dade County for its leadership and guidance as the community finalizes converting to full sewer integration.
Discrimination on social media results in higher depression, anxiety among minority males
Credit: CC0 Public Domain Exposure to ethnic discrimination on social media is associated with higher symptoms of depression and anxiety among young Hispanic males, according to a study by researchers at Florida International University's Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work.
New program to allow students to pursue both medical and public health degrees
FIU and American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA) have partnered to offer AUA students a way to earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from FIU’s Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work. As part of the new agreement, AUA students and graduates will be able to apply to the MPH program at Stempel College and receive priority admission review. In addition, the agreement recognizes predetermined courses taken by medical students.
Minority males face depression, anxiety from discrimination on social media
Researchers at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work have found that exposure to social media discrimination is associated with higher symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly among male Hispanic young adults.
My internship as a child and family social worker
Name: Alicia Sibila Hometown: Miami, FL Major: Master of Social Work (MSW) Where did you intern? I interned at His House Children’s Home, where I was able to shadow clinical therapists in two departments: residential foster care and with unaccompanied alien children. I am very grateful to have been able to experience working with youth in the foster care system from beginning to end because I now have a broader understanding of the child welfare process and its effects on individuals and families.
Alumna focuses on community health in Afghanistan during COVID-19
Fatima Arifi ’20 is among the first women in her family to attend school and the first to have gone abroad to study for her master’s degree. Now, Arifi—who is from the Ghazni province and lives in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan—works at the World Health Organization (WHO) as an international health regulations officer.
Meet a rising champion for public health in the developing world
Twelve years of serving as a physician in his African homeland convinced Dr. Donald Yanogo that he needed to earn another degree—this time at FIU. Already entrenched in the medical system of Burkina Faso, where he worked as an endocrinologist and a nutritionist, Yanogo did his homework and applied as a Fulbright scholar to Miami’s public research university, some 8,000 miles away.
From water crisis in Flint to cadaver dogs at mass graves, alumna helps identify hazards in the field
Alexis Jones '20 always says yes to an opportunity, even if she isn’t entirely sure what she is getting herself into. Saying yes led her to Flint, Michigan, in the midst of the water crisis, to hiring cadaver dogs, and to her Master's of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration on environmental health sciences from the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work. Jones works as an industrial hygienist at a private, public health consultancy firm.
My social work internship with NeighborhoodHELP
Name: Carl-Ashlie Michel Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida What degree are you pursuing? Master of Social Work. (As an undergrad, I majored in pyschology and criminal justice and earned an FIU degree in 2017.) Where did you intern?
My internship with the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center
Name: Aida Margarita Ramon Hometown: Miami, FL Major: Master of Public Health, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention with a certificate in Maternal and Child Health Where did you intern: I interned at the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center in Wilton Manors, Florida. I got into my internship because I met Andrew Ruffner, director of Education for the museum, during a World AIDS Day event at FIU.
Research study to examine why financial program for children with disabilities is underutilized
Since 2014, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act allows states to create tax-advantaged savings programs for eligible individuals with disabilities. While many families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) disproportionately live with financial hardship and in poverty, the ABLE Act, which has the potential to address financial distress and improve life outcomes, has been underutilized.
My practicum at the Healthy Start Coalition of Miami-Dade
Name: Osmari Beatriz Novoa Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Degree: Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health Where did you do your practicum? Prior to COVID-19, I was supposed to complete my practicum at the Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista in Lima, Peru. I was going to work on a research study that looked at HIV/AIDS among immigrant populations there.
Epidemiology student awarded grant to study the impact of neighborhood on sustained HIV viral suppression
People with HIV today can likely live as long as those without the virus by achieving HIV viral suppression. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking prescribed antiretroviral medications, which not only suppress the virus but also lower the risk of transmission, are key.
School of Social Work ranked No. 2 in Florida by SocialWorkDegree.org
SocialWorkDegree.org, a comprehensive guide that enables students to compare all online and campus-based social work programs in the U.S., ranked two Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work among the top degrees in Florida for 2020. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree ranked 2nd best in the state, while the Master of Social Work (MSW) ranked 3rd.
Educating public health professionals
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the role of public health practitioners to the forefront – and the way communities and businesses operate will never be the same. “Public health professions often go unseen. These are the people who are keeping us safe and preventing illness before it happens,” said Deidre A. Okeke '17, public health admissions coordinator at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work.
FIYou: Andria Rusk
Name: Andria Rusk Hometown: Houston, Texas Job title: Assistant Professor of Research When did you begin working at FIU: December 2018 What do you do in your role? In a nutshell: Completing global health research projects for the Global Health Consortium and the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work What project or projects are you working on?
Leading the way through disaster management
Having graduated with a degree in biochemistry and a minor in biology, Hugo Duenas ’19 was applying to medical school when he realized something was missing. “I had done my research, hours of shadowing and checked every single box but I felt that I wasn’t ready for medical school. I was looking for something that wasn’t there yet,” Duenas said.
FIU researchers inform Miami-Dade policymakers with COVID-19 tracker
Researchers from FIU’s Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work have launched the Miami-Dade COVID-19 Trend Tracker, a website dedicated to monitoring the long and short term trends of COVID-19 and its impact on local hospitals. “We began this project looking to create forecasting models, but we learned it is easier to predict hurricanes than the spread of COVID-19 due to many dynamic factors that change constantly,” said Zoran Bursac, chair of the Department of Biostatistics.
Anxiety and depression are up, expert shares how to find help
According to the Census Bureau, which began a weekly emergency survey of more than 42,000 households in April, 24 percent of the respondents showed signs of major depressive disorder three months into social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 30 percent of respondents indicated some generalized anxiety disorder. Jennifer Abeloff, clinical instructor and associate director for FIU's School of Social Work, talks about anxiety and how to find the right mental health professional.
Stempel College rises to the challenge during COVID-19
As news of a novel virus began spreading throughout the world, faculty at FIU’s Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work tracked it and prepared for its impact on local communities.
Back for good: how the COVID-19 pandemic brought one graduate back to public health
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, FIU alumna Lillie Garvin ’18 responded to the State of Florida’s call for epidemiologists, and it has changed her life. “This virus is like nothing we have ever seen before and the unknown can be scary—especially when we see the unfortunate end result in some cases,” Garvin said.
Study finds young people who smoke e-cigarettes more likely to transition to regular cigarettes
Researchers at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work have found that young people who smoke e-cigarettes are more likely to become regular cigarette smokers. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, confirms concerns that e-cigarettes can be a gateway to traditional cigarette smoking. The study found that young people who were using e-cigarettes were five times more likely to be regular cigarette smokers a year later.
Nutritional recommendations to boost the immune systems of frontline workers
Credit: CC0 Public Domain Cristina Palacios—associate professor in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work—and a team of international experts recently released a nutritional guide for the Latin American Society of Nutrition (SLAN) that offers recommendations to frontline workers on how to boost their immune systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.
#CoronaCurious: Nutritional recommendations to boost the immune system of frontline workers
Cristina Palacios—associate professor in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work—and a team of international experts recently released a nutritional guide for the Latin American Society of Nutrition (SLAN) that offers recommendations to frontline workers on how to boost their immune systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.
WIN family balance during the pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents have had to balance the stresses of working from home and becoming full-time caretakers and teachers to their children. Now, as the academic school year comes to an end and summer camps remain mostly closed, parents are wondering how they can continue to support their children’s development while keeping them safe and happy. “Resetting the ‘new normal’ has become a moving target as things continue to shift from day to day.
Stempel College dean to be inducted into the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida
Tomás R. Guilarte—dean of the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work and professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences—will be inducted into the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida (ASEMF) Nov. 7. “It is an honor to be recognized by this esteemed organization,” Guilarte said.
Many female undergrads unaware of risk factors for cervical cancer, skip Pap tests, researchers find
Credit: CC0 Public Domain Most female undergraduate college students surveyed by Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work researchers were not familiar with risk factors for cervical cancer and had not had a Pap smear—the screening procedure for the disease. Nasar U.
Many female undergrads unaware of risk factors for cervical cancer, skip Pap tests, Stempel researchers find
Most female undergraduate college students surveyed by Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work researchers were not familiar with risk factors for cervical cancer and had not had a Pap smear – the screening procedure for the disease. Nasar U.
Researcher looks at the roles genes, age and sex play in brain inflammation
Currently, in the United States, an estimated 5.8 million individuals age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and this number is projected to increase drastically to 14 million by 2050. At the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, researchers are looking to better understand how certain genetic risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease modify the brain’s response to an inflammatory stimulus.
Stempel College’s Online Master of Public Heath ranked 10th in the country
PublicHealth.org, an online resource that gives users “the tools to research careers and degree programs…in this growing sector of the healthcare industry,” ranked the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work’s online Master of Public Health No.10 in the country amongst the Best Online Programs for 2020. PublicHealth.org's ranking process considers program appeal, student success and affordability.
Stempel College’s online Master of Public Heath ranked 15th in the country by Guide to Online Schools
Guide to Online Schools, a free and comprehensive guide that gives students the opportunity to compare all online colleges, ranked Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work’s online Master of Public Health 15th in the country, based on return on investment. “This ranking highlights the value of our online program, which offers students the opportunity to receive a quality education–equal to our on-campus programs–along with the flexibility of online learning,” said Tomás R.
On the front lines: Epidemiology students tackle COVID-19
As communities around the globe try to better understand COVID-19, epidemiologist far and wide are working to understand that effects of the outbreak by monitoring its spread and trying to understand when life might possibly return to normal. For students at the Robert Stempel of Public Health & Social Work, that means being on the frontlines at the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Broward County.
Virtually unchanged: Social workers continue to help during social distancing
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many people live and work, including the way social workers help their clients. “We are all suddenly thrust into this new way of working overnight. It’s a big change for our clients who depend on social workers and social services,” says Lourdes Martin, clinical assistant professor in the School of Social Work and Social Work Supervisor for the Green Family Foundation’s NeighborhoodHELP program.
Stempel College student shares his experience working at the CDC during COVID-19
By Aaron Borrelli The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put public health squarely in the spotlight. As public health professionals, we are always on the frontline of emerging health issues.
#CoronaCurious: Mental health at home
Social distancing for many may trigger feelings of insecurity, depression or isolation. FIU News interviewed Mark Macgowan—associate dean of academic affairs at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work and a licensed clinical social worker, who serves on one of Florida’s Federal Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, FL-5—to ask him some questions that many of you have been asking.
Lead exposure early in life alters brain opioid system, may lead to mental disorders
Damaris Albores-Garcia working in Dr. Tomás R. Guilarte's lab. Credit: Florida International University While the exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown and much research has focused on genetics, researchers at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work are one step closer to understanding one pathway that may result in this long-term mental disorder: environmental factors.
Lead exposure early in life alters brain opioid system, may lead to mental disorders
While the exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown and much research has focused on genetics, researchers at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work are one step closer to understanding one pathway that may result in this long-term mental disorder: environmental factors.
#CoronaCurious: Smart eating while staying home
FIU News interviewed Catherine Coccia, associate professor in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, to ask her some questions that many of you have been asking about eating healthy during this time.
Stempel College dean honored with career achievement award by Society of Toxicology
Tomás R. Guilarte, dean of FIU’s Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work and professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, is the recipient of the 2020 Metal Specialty Section Career Achievement Award by the Society of Toxicology (SOT). The Society of Toxicology is the largest professional organization of toxicologists in the world with members from over 60 countries.
Libraries are often on the front line of homelessness and mental illness. FIU social workers enlist to help
Libraries traditionally provide access to the resources and programs that we are accustomed to: books, computers, wi-fi and access to endless amounts of physical and digital content. But libraries are also rising to the challenge of working with patrons who are in need of varying social services. Today, the library system is consistently working with patrons who experience issues such as homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, food insecurity, education needs and parenting needs.
Cleaner hands make healthcare healthier
Credit: CC0 Public Domain One of the simplest and most effective health measures that can prevent illnesses from spreading is basic hygiene, such as handwashing. Hand hygiene prevents the spread of germs and bacteria through person-to-person contact but also keeps them off items like door handles and phones that are often touched.
Cleaner hands make healthcare healthier
One of the simplest and most effective health measures that can prevent illnesses from spreading is basic hygiene, such as handwashing. Hand hygiene prevents the spread of germs and bacteria through person-to-person contact but also keeps them off items like door handles and phones that are often touched.
A life reinvented: from addict to clinician
On any given day, alumnus Barry Ladis can be seen counseling a patient or talking to one of the residents at the sober living community that he owns and operates. His goal: to help addicts and their families understand that recovery is possible and offer them hope for a successful future in recovery. “Addiction is a family disease. The entire family gets sick when one family member is addicted.
Professor's research, a lifesaving option for pediatric cancer patients
A little girl has late-stage Rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer that forms in the muscles. A board of specialists in emergency medicine, radiology, oncology, surgery, pathology, infectious diseases and pharmacy unite to understand the treatment options and decide on a plan. This is standard course of action when a child is diagnosed with cancer— an all-hands-on-deck approach to provide the best opportunities for the health and survival of a child diagnosed with cancer.
Tourism may lead to health risk for industry workers, new study finds
Credit: CC0 Public Domain Touristic escapism is a term FIU researchers have developed to refer to the time when tourists—away from their homes, cultural norms and daily life –take a break from their reality, which may lead to behaviors beyond their daily routines or lives. This could be anything from windsurfing, hiking or skydiving for the first time to engaging in risky behaviors like taking drugs or having unsafe sex.
Tourism may lead to health risk for industry workers, new study finds
Touristic escapism is a term FIU researchers have developed to refer to the time when tourists - away from their homes, cultural norms and daily life –take a break from their reality, which may lead to behaviors beyond their daily routines or lives. This could be anything from windsurfing, hiking or skydiving for the first time to engaging in risky behaviors like taking drugs or having unsafe sex. Researchers from FIU’s Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center (LACC), Steven J.
International journalists learn about global health from FIU experts
The Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work and FIU's Global Health Consortium in partnership with College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts recently hosted the workshop, Global Health for Journalists. The goal of the three-day workshop was to increase overall knowledge of trending global health topics such as nutrition, diabetes, vaccination and anti-microbial resistance among the media who report on the topics.
Stempel College hosts first community day, comes together for greater good
More than 60 students, alumni, faculty and staff gathered recently for the first Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work community day. Held at Camillus House, the event was an opportunity to give back to the community. Camillus House, a partner of the college, is a nonprofit agency that provides humanitarian services to poor and homeless people in Miami.
My internship at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Name: Tanjila Taskin Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh What is your major? Ph.D. in public health with a concentration in epidemiology Where did you intern? During Summer 2019, I got an opportunity to do an internship with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) in Seattle. I worked with the strategy planning and management team of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Department (MNCH SPM). My manager was Manpreet Singh who is a great mentor. How did you get your internship?
Empowering Latin American municipalities to eliminate malaria
There are more than 200 million cases of malaria a year worldwide, and it is estimated that a child dies of malaria every two minutes. One quarter of these cases occurs in Latin America. Transmitted person-to-person through the bite of an infected mosquito, malaria is considered one of the world’s most preventable killers.
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