https://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/Recent posts from Public Health Newsen-usTue, 12 May 2026 17:13:47 -04:00http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssOmniUpdate (OU Publish)https://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2026/usf-researchers-shed-new-light-on-recurring-birth-defects-in-families.aspxIf you have a child born with a birth defect, what are the chances it will happen again with your next baby?Kurt LoftTue, 05 May 2026 13:14:18 USF researchers shed new light on recurring birth defects in familiesIf you have a child born with a birth defect, what are the chances it will happen again with your next baby?A couple's hands holding up ultrasound scans.https://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2026/usf-researchers-shed-new-light-on-recurring-birth-defects-in-families.aspxCommunity Health Sciences,Epidemiology,Research and InnovationAdvanced Practice Leadership,Genetic Counseling,Jason Salemi,Jean Paul Tanner,Russell Kirbyhttps://www.usf.edu/world/news/2026/global-excellence-awards-gea-2026.aspxThe COPH's Dr. Gillian Stresman is advancing the fight against malaria through innovative research that helps countries measure and achieve elimination. Her work is shaping international health policy and earning her recognition as a 2026 Global Excellence Award recipient.External ArticleTue, 05 May 2026 11:52:34 USF presents 2026 Global Excellence Awards honoring international impactThe COPH's Dr. Gillian Stresman is advancing the fight against malaria through innovative research that helps countries measure and achieve elimination. Her work is shaping international health policy and earning her recognition as a 2026 Global Excellence Award recipient.womanhttps://www.usf.edu/world/news/2026/global-excellence-awards-gea-2026.aspxAwards and Honors,EpidemiologyGillian Stresman,USF Worldhttps://youtu.be/0FWKI1s7mKA?si=EZZ2ahyCAgNHwHZ1Dr. Judith Rijnhart has been honored with the 2026 Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Valerie D. Riddle, MD Award in Health. With an interdisciplinary background spanning nursing, prevention and public health, and epidemiology, her research focuses on the mechanisms contributing to dementia and late-life cognitive decline.External ArticleMon, 27 Apr 2026 11:34:02 COPH’s Dr. Judith Rijnhart receives Women in Leadership & Philanthropy health awardDr. Judith Rijnhart has been honored with the 2026 Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Valerie D. Riddle, MD Award in Health. With an interdisciplinary background spanning nursing, prevention and public health, and epidemiology, her research focuses on the mechanisms contributing to dementia and late-life cognitive decline.women with awardhttps://youtu.be/0FWKI1s7mKA?si=EZZ2ahyCAgNHwHZ1Awards and Honors,EpidemiologyJudith Rijnharthttps://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2026/usf-student-advocates-for-tuberculosis-funding-at-national-level.aspxSpuritha Bhandaru never imagined she would appear before members of Congress in Washington, D.C. to talk about her passion for health care. So, when the invitation arrived, she embraced a rare chance to make a difference.Kurt LoftThu, 19 Mar 2026 11:13:36 USF student advocates for tuberculosis funding at national levelSpuritha Bhandaru never imagined she would appear before members of Congress in Washington, D.C. to talk about her passion for health care. So, when the invitation arrived, she embraced a rare chance to make a difference.Spuritha Bhandaru and colleagues at a tuberculosis research event. https://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2026/usf-student-advocates-for-tuberculosis-funding-at-national-level.aspxAwards and Honors,EpidemiologyBenjamin Jacobhttps://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2026/usf-researcher-strives-to-de-bug-parasitic-problem-in-florida.aspxMost of us have a healthy fear of bugs, at least those for whom a nasty toxin, sting or bite can mean a trip to the hospital.Kurt LoftThu, 05 Mar 2026 00:42:01 USF researcher strives to de-bug parasitic problem in FloridaMost of us have a healthy fear of bugs, at least those for whom a nasty toxin, sting or bite can mean a trip to the hospital.Three kissing bugs.https://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2026/usf-researcher-strives-to-de-bug-parasitic-problem-in-florida.aspxEpidemiology,Research and Innovationhttps://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2026/turning-an-internship-into-a-career.aspxFor Danielle DeNofrio, public health became a calling while discovering how health extends far beyond the walls of a clinic, which was a realization that ultimately led her to USF’s College of Public Health (COPH), and her first professional job in public health at the Global Virus Network (GVN), with international headquarters at USF.Liz Bannon, College of Public HealthTue, 27 Jan 2026 13:30:35 Turning an internship into a careerFor Danielle DeNofrio, public health became a calling while discovering how health extends far beyond the walls of a clinic, which was a realization that ultimately led her to USF’s College of Public Health (COPH), and her first professional job in public health at the Global Virus Network (GVN), with international headquarters at USF.Danielle DeNofrio smiling in a blazer.https://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2026/turning-an-internship-into-a-career.aspxAlumni and Development,Epidemiologyhttps://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2025/usf-scientist-publishes-report-on-how-to-take-the-bite-out-of-malaria.aspxInfectious diseases don’t recognize borders and despite international health care efforts, the mosquito-borne parasite Plasmodium falciparum remains a lethal scourge as it spreads malaria across the globe.Kurt LoftThu, 11 Dec 2025 13:52:19 USF scientist publishes report on how to take the bite out of malariaInfectious diseases don’t recognize borders and despite international health care efforts, the mosquito-borne parasite Plasmodium falciparum remains a lethal scourge as it spreads malaria across the globe.A close-up image of a mosquito.https://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2025/usf-scientist-publishes-report-on-how-to-take-the-bite-out-of-malaria.aspxEpidemiology,Research and InnovationEpidemiologyhttps://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2025/naccho.aspxThe COPH's Disease Intervention Specialist Training Academy (DISTA) addresses workforce development challenges while equipping people with the skills that ultimately can save lives.Kurt LoftThu, 06 Nov 2025 14:25:54 USF team equates a well-trained workforce with a healthier publicThe COPH's Disease Intervention Specialist Training Academy (DISTA) addresses workforce development challenges while equipping people with the skills that ultimately can save lives.Three public health professionals at NACCHO 2025.https://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2025/naccho.aspxAlumni and Development,Epidemiology,Research and InnovationASPPH,DISTA,NACCHOhttps://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2025/judith-rijnhart-recognized-with-early-career-award-from-the-american-college-of-epidemiology.aspxDr. Judith Rijnhart has been honored with the 2025 Early Career Epidemiologist Award from the American College of Epidemiology (ACE).Caitlin KeoughFri, 24 Oct 2025 11:34:35 Dr. Judith Rijnhart recognized with Early Career Award from the American College of EpidemiologyDr. Judith Rijnhart has been honored with the 2025 Early Career Epidemiologist Award from the American College of Epidemiology (ACE).womanhttps://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2025/judith-rijnhart-recognized-with-early-career-award-from-the-american-college-of-epidemiology.aspxAwards and Honors,EpidemiologyJudith Rijnharthttps://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2025/usf-epidemiologist-dr-jason-salemi-honored-for-excellence-in-mentorship.aspxDr. Jason Salemi has been recognized with the Outstanding Mentorship Award from the American College of Epidemiology. The national award honors epidemiologists who demonstrate exceptional commitment to guiding and supporting the next generation of professionals in the field.Caitlin KeoughFri, 10 Oct 2025 00:45:32 USF epidemiologist Dr. Jason Salemi honored for excellence in mentorshipDr. Jason Salemi has been recognized with the Outstanding Mentorship Award from the American College of Epidemiology. The national award honors epidemiologists who demonstrate exceptional commitment to guiding and supporting the next generation of professionals in the field.manhttps://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2025/usf-epidemiologist-dr-jason-salemi-honored-for-excellence-in-mentorship.aspxAwards and Honors,EpidemiologyJason Salemihttps://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2025/mcdonald.aspxHeather McDonald’s path to USF’s College of Public Health (COPH) began in semi-rural Odessa, Fla.Liz Bannon, College of Public HealthThu, 24 Jul 2025 14:47:19 Side effects may include: a career in public healthHeather McDonald’s path to USF’s College of Public Health (COPH) began in semi-rural Odessa, Fla.a woman smilinghttps://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2025/mcdonald.aspxEpidemiology,Student LifeDelta Omega,MSPHhttps://theconversation.com/we-surveyed-1-500-florida-kids-about-cellphones-and-their-mental-health-what-we-learned-suggests-school-phone-bans-may-have-important-but-limited-effects-256970Dr. Chighaf Bakour co-authored a study of 1,500 Florida middle schoolers, revealing that how kids use their phones may matter more than whether schools ban them.External ArticleFri, 11 Jul 2025 11:23:50 Survey suggests school phone bans may have important but limited effectsDr. Chighaf Bakour co-authored a study of 1,500 Florida middle schoolers, revealing that how kids use their phones may matter more than whether schools ban them.kids and cell phoneshttps://theconversation.com/we-surveyed-1-500-florida-kids-about-cellphones-and-their-mental-health-what-we-learned-suggests-school-phone-bans-may-have-important-but-limited-effects-256970Epidemiology,In the Media,Research and InnovationChighaf Bakour