Public Health News

Article Listing

Filter By

Submit

Viewing items with Category: All Categories, Year: All Years

woman at podium

Honoring changemakers and innovators at the Health and Well-Being Coaching Conference

COPH’s Dr. Jennifer Bleck was recognized for her contributions to health and well-being coaching at the 2026 Health and Well-Being Coaching Conference in San Diego. The event celebrates changemakers and innovators who are helping advance the field and improve health and well-being.

October 26, 2026Awards and Honors, Community Health Sciences

two women

USF student documents the effects of polluted well water in Florida community

Graduate student Emily Walsh is exploring the experiences of residents in Osceola County’s Whitted Historic Community, where an abandoned landfill has raised concerns about environmental exposures. Through oral histories and archival research, Walsh aims to document the community’s experiences and preserve its history.

October 7, 2026Community Health Sciences, Research and Innovation, Student Life

group

USF students shine in presentations at state-wide public health conference

Students and faculty from the COPH made a strong impression with their ideas about the future at the 2026 Florida Public Health Association Educational Conference in Orlando, which featured the theme “Committing to Excellence Through Collaborations and Continuity.”

September 8, 2026Community Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Research and Innovation, Student Life

group in front of poster

USF students present the case for healthier diets in underserved communities

A team of students from the COPH and Judy Genshaft Honors College offered plenty to digest at an international conference on nutrition science, where topics ranged from ultra-processed foods to obesity medications.

September 8, 2026Community Health Sciences, Student Life

woman

USF’s Dr. Heewon Gray receives mid-career award for contributions to nutrition education and behavioral science

Dr. Heewon Gray, associate professor at the COPH, received the Mid-Career Professional Achievement Award from the Nutrition Education and Behavioral Science Research Interest Section of the American Society for Nutrition, recognizing her contributions to research, teaching, mentorship and leadership in the field.

September 8, 2026Awards and Honors, Community Health Sciences

handing a check over

Donations help USF’s Harrell Center support victims of family violence

The USF College of Public Health’s Harrell Center for the Study of Family Violence received a $75,000 matching gift challenge from Meredith Harrell, supporting its mission to strengthen the health care workforce’s response to family violence.

August 24, 2026College News, Community Health Sciences

man

After decades of advancing quantitative methods and mentoring students, Dr. Jason Beckstead retires from USF

After nearly three decades at USF, Dr. Jason Beckstead will retire Aug. 13 after a career dedicated to teaching, research and advancing quantitative methods across the health sciences.

August 7, 2026College News, Community Health Sciences

Marcela Muñoz (Photo by Fredrick Coleman)

Translating passions

When Marcela Muñoz arrived in the U.S., she wasn't planning on pursuing public health. In fact, her journey to USF’s College of Public Health (COPH) has taken her across countries, careers and academic disciplines, each experience building on the last to shape the public health professional she is becoming today.

August 3, 2026Alumni and Development, Community Health Sciences, Student Life

Corridor Initiative research students attending a panel.

USF research initiative serves as springboard for advancing young careers

To reach a goal in life, a person sometimes needs to walk down the right corridor and open a door at the end.

July 27, 2026Community Health Sciences, Research and Innovation, Student Life

Dr Powis and Ms. Doggara

USF students learn real-life scenarios through innovative classroom game

What does a role-playing game have to do with improving the health of mothers and their children?

July 20, 2026Community Health Sciences, Global - Environmental - Genomic Health Sciences, Student Life

building

COPH names new academic and research leaders

The COPH is welcoming several leadership transitions this summer as faculty members take on new roles across the college and USF Health. The appointments recognize years of service to the college while supporting its continued focus on education, research, faculty development and community engagement.

July 13, 2026Biostatistics and Data Sciences, College News, Community Health Sciences, Global - Environmental - Genomic Health Sciences, Sten Vermund

two women and an award

USF genetic counseling program director receives FLAGC Impact Award

The COPH's Dr. Deborah Cragun, professor and director of the USF Genetic Counseling Program, has received the Impact Award from the Florida Association of Genetic Counselors.

July 13, 2026Alumni and Development, Awards and Honors, Community Health Sciences

About Department News

Welcome to the USF COPH news page. Our marketing and communications team is entrusted with storytelling. Through written stories, photography, video and social media we highlight alumni, faculty, staff and students who are committed to passionately solving problems and creating conditions that allow every person the universal right to health and well-being. These are our stories.