COPH goes national: Bulls lead the conversation at APHA 2025

The USF College of Public Health (COPH) took center stage at the 2025 American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting & Expo, held Nov. 2–5 in Washington, D.C. Faculty, staff, students and alumni from the college gathered alongside thousands of professionals from across the nation to advance the year’s theme, “Making the Public’s Health a National Priority.”

From film screenings and book signings to student spotlights and alumni engagement, COPH’s presence at the country’s largest public health conference highlighted the college’s leadership in advocacy, education and innovation.

The conference also marked a proud moment for the COPH community as Dr. Deanna Wathington, affiliate professor of community and family health and former associate dean for academic and student affairs, successfully concluded her term as president of APHA, closing a year of influential national leadership focused on equity, prevention and community partnership.

Advocacy in action: Activist Lab film featured at APHA Film Festival

Among this year’s major honors was the selection of the COPH Activist Lab's short documentary “Under the Florida Sun” for the APHA Film Festival. The film examines how rising temperatures and climate change endanger Florida’s farmworkers, while emphasizing the importance of advocacy programs such as the Fair Food Program that have improved protections for outdoor laborers.

“I can say that having the film in the festival was so rewarding and a testament to the hard work of the Activist Lab in creating the film,” said Dr. Karen Liller, professor and director of the Activist Lab. “We hope the film educates everyone who views it about the dangers of heat and changes to our climate for farmworkers.”

Liller said the recognition reflects both the mission and spirit of the Activist Lab.

“I couldn’t be more proud that the film now has a broader global audience and that the strong role for advocacy for outdoor farmworkers is shown,” she said.

Faculty authors celebrate national release of second edition CPH exam guide

In addition to the film’s success, Liller and Dr. Jaime Corvin, professor and director of MPH programs, participated in a book signing for the newly released CPH Exam Review Guide, 2nd Edition. The text, written and edited by COPH faculty, serves as a key resource for professionals preparing for the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam, the only credential that demonstrates mastery of the field’s core competencies.

“We hope that what is learned through the book grows the number of those individuals certified and therefore enhances the pride and respect of public health professionals,” said Liller.

Originally developed under former Dean Donna Petersen, Liller spearheaded the first edition and designed its case-study format, while Corvin played an instrumental role in shaping both editions.

As Liller noted, “Whether through research, teaching or advocacy, every part of what we do at COPH is about advancing public health for all—and it’s inspiring to see our students and faculty leading that work on the national stage.”

Igniting professionalism and purpose

COPH’s dedication to developing emerging leaders was also evident through the participation of graduate students D’Ajonae Jayawardana and Kaniz Angel, winners of the college’s fourth annual Ignite Passion for Professionalism competition. Sponsored by the BullPEN and Academic Affairs teams, the event invites students to deliver three-minute talks on what professionalism means in public health.

“Every year, I am excited and humbled by the work and the words of our competing students,” said Corvin. “They talked about trust and accountability, ethics and integrity, and avoiding systems failures. One student said, ‘Speak plainly and stay accountable, because when time is short, all this silence costs lives. I choose plain truth over perfection. Professionalism earns trust. Trust drives action and actions save lives.’ This is why we do what we do.”

Jayawardana and Angel were awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to attend APHA 2025, where they joined faculty and alumni in representing USF on the national stage.

“I felt very blessed and grateful to attend APHA,” said Angel, a master’s student in public health practice. “Whenever I told someone that I won the Ignite Passion for Professionalism at USF, I suddenly didn’t feel out of place anymore. These people that I had just met were so proud of me and wanted me to continue putting myself out there.”

Angel said one of the most powerful moments came during the conference’s closing session, when Tennessee Representative Justin Jones delivered an address on advocacy and the nation’s health. “You could feel the shift in the room,” she said. “The way he presented himself with so much passion made me feel like I could make an impact on the field as someone who just entered it.”

Between sessions, the students joined USF representatives at the expo hall, where they spoke with prospective students about their experiences.

“When I tabled for USF and interested students came up asking questions, I proudly presented my own experiences at USF during undergrad and grad school,” she said. “USF always saw the potential in me, so it was easy to portray my love for the school and all the good things I had to say about it. We are the #1 public health program in Florida, after all!”

Bringing together Bulls in public health at annual reception

At the COPH’s annual reception, faculty, alumni, students and public health advocates gathered over tasty appetizers and a private bar.

Dean Sten Vermund opened the evening by sharing updates and highlights from the college with an overview of the newly re-established departments before focusing on two inspirational student success stories. He then wrapped up by sharing opportunities to support the college and advancing the COPH's mission.

Following the remarks, COPH alumni officer Liz Bannon took the stage to share exciting updates for alumni and future alumni. She announced that the COPH Alumni Society is celebrating its 35th birthday and previewed a year filled with opportunities for connection and celebration.

“The board leaders have a packed calendar to mark this milestone,” Bannon shared. “We’re planning a mix of events—much like this reception where appetizers and drinks are covered—as well as community service projects, wellness initiatives and professional development opportunities. There will be something for everyone, with local, regional and virtual events to keep our Bull alumni connected wherever they are.”

Bannon then shared a message with alumni, “We are especially happy to announce our next Alumni Career Tune-Up webinar, which is a series to support our alumni no matter where they are in their public health journey. Whether you’re actively job hunting or simply ready for a refresh, this free series will help you tune-up your career with fellow COPH alumni.

Bannon closed with a message to emphasize her commitment to supporting their interests and needs as alumni, encouraged them to complete the Stay Connected survey to help strengthen the COPH network and reminded attendees that nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Award are due by December 1.