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The COPH takes on San Antonio at the 2026 APHA conference
The USF College of Public Health (COPH) brought its public health community together in San Antonio during the 2026 American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting & Expo. From student research presentations and professional development opportunities to reconnecting with alumni, faculty and public health advocates at the college’s annual reception, COPHers showcased their passion, expertise and commitment to advancing public health.
November 5, 2026Alumni and Development, Awards and Honors, College News, Student Life
How public health shaped a career and a life of service
As a child growing up between Jamaica and Central Florida, Dr. Atalie Ashley West dreamed of one day becoming Jamaica's Minister of Health. Surrounded by public health nurses, including a great aunt who was among the Windrush nurses who helped establish England's National Health Service, she developed an early appreciation for the role public health plays in improving lives. Years later, that passion found its home at USF’s College of Public Health, where an unexpected class would shape the course of her career.
November 5, 2026Alumni and Development
Medicine was the start, public health the destination
As an alumnus of the USF’s College of Public Health, Lucas “Luca” Hicks has built a career focused on improving the health of communities. While his academic focus initially pointed toward medicine, his experiences outside the classroom reshaped his trajectory.
November 5, 2026Alumni and Development, Community Health Sciences, Research and Innovation
COPH Outstanding Alumni Award winner Malinee Neelamegam connects research and global health
For Dr. Malinee Neelamegam, public health is about more than data. It is about the people behind it, the communities that inspire change and ensuring their voices are heard. A graduate of the USF College of Public Health (COPH), Neelamegam has built an academic career focused on healthy aging, brain health and health disparities while creating opportunities for communities to share their knowledge and shape research.
October 23, 2026Alumni and Development, Awards and Honors, Epidemiology
COPH Outstanding Alumni Award winner Aditi Desai created a career of passion and pivots
USF College of Public Health (COPH) alumna Aditi Desai joined a growing list of alumni recognized for their exceptional service and dedication to public health. She was one of two awarded a 2026 COPH Outstanding Alumni Award, presented on October 15 as part of the COPH Award and Recognition Ceremony.
October 23, 2026Alumni and Development, Awards and Honors, Global - Environmental - Genomic Health Sciences
Dean Vermund celebrates a year of growth and achievement in annual State of the College Address
There was plenty to celebrate at the COPH as Dean Sten Vermund highlighted a year of remarkable growth, achievements and new opportunities during the annual State of the College Address.
October 9, 2026Alumni and Development, Awards and Honors, College News, Research and Innovation, Sten Vermund, Student Life
An MCH scholar’s road forward
USF’s College of Public Health alumna Morgan Brown has built her career around using data and evidence to advance maternal and child health, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights around the world.
September 25, 2026Alumni and Development
USF College of Public Health Alumni News Fall 2026
The USF College of Public Health Alumni Newsletter for Fall 2026.
August 24, 2026Alumni and Development
Orlando alumni stay connected around FPHA conference
Orlando-area alumni and friends of the USF College of Public Health had two opportunities to connect during the week of the Florida Public Health Association (FPHA) Conference.
August 24, 2026Alumni and Development
Uncovering the hidden impacts of a hurricane on food supply
When Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck in 2024, the storms not only left behind a trail of destruction but also exposed an often-overlooked challenge for local emergency responders: How hurricanes can disrupt the food system and make it harder for residents to access it when they need it most.
August 6, 2026Alumni and Development, Research and Innovation
Student projects take center stage at summer research symposium; alumna’s gift creates endowment for undergraduate research
COPH alumna Alondra Velez developed a reminder and tracking system at USF’s BRIDGE Healthcare Clinic that helped more than 90% of referred patients complete colorectal screening. She is turning her findings into a research manuscript and will begin a master’s program in medical sciences at USF this fall.
August 6, 2026Alumni and Development, Research and Innovation
Same fire, different year: Why we struggle to learn from our mistakes
We already know the dangers associated with freelancing, fatigue, poor command, among other key challenges - so why don’t we change?
August 6, 2026Alumni and Development, Global - Environmental - Genomic Health Sciences