Master of Public Heath at Azusa Pacific University

🎓 Faculty Spotlight: Diane Newman, MPH Adjunct Faculty 🎓

We are proud to highlight Diane Newman, adjunct faculty member in the Master of Public Health program at Azusa Pacific University, who presented her research proposal at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Her presentation, “Developing a Culturally Sensitive, Community and School-Based Curriculum to Prevent Teen Dating Violence in Azusa,” addresses one of today’s most pressing issues affecting adolescents nationwide. 💔

Diane’s research emphasizes the urgent need for early, culturally relevant interventions that promote healthy relationship skills, strengthen parental and community engagement, and foster collaboration across schools and local organizations.

Her findings highlight how public health education can serve as a powerful tool in preventing relationship violence, advancing emotional wellness, and creating lasting systemic change in our communities.

Currently pursuing her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at Claremont Graduate University, Diane continues to inspire APU MPH students through her dedication to applied research, community engagement, and culturally sensitive public health practice. 🌿

🐍 Student Spotlight: Ebrima Jobarteh 🐍

MPH student Ebrima Jobarteh had his research presented in a poster at APHA 2025 in Washington, D.C. titled “Management of Snake Envenomation in Resource-Limited Settings: A Pediatric Case Study.”

Ebrima’s case study highlights the power of compassionate, protocol-driven care in treating snake bites in low-resource environments—showing how medical expertise, teamwork, and family education can save lives and restore hope. 💚

His research sheds light on a neglected public health challenge and offers a framework for improving emergency toxicology care in similar settings around the world. 🌍

🌍 Student Spotlight: Janna Grigorieva 🌍

MPH alum Janna Grigorieva was featured at this year’s APHA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. for her research, “Plastic Neurotoxicity in Vulnerable Populations.” 🧠

Her international health policy brief calls attention to the growing risks of plastic exposure and neurotoxicity, especially among children in underserved and low-income communities. Janna’s work challenges policymakers to prioritize environmental protections and promote health equity on a global scale. 🌎

We’re so proud of Janna for representing APU Public Health and advancing research that protects our planet’s most vulnerable populations. 💪

🌿 Student Spotlight: Kearstin Williams 🌿

At this year’s APHA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., MPH alumni Kearstin Williams presented her poster, “CAM and Herbal Medicine on Chronic Diseases.” 👏

Her research explores how complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and herbal therapies can help manage chronic conditions—highlighting the power of integrative, holistic approaches to improve health outcomes and quality of life. 🌱

We’re so proud of Kearstin for representing APU Public Health with passion and purpose, and for contributing to the growing conversation around whole-person health in public health practice. 💪
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✨ Student Spotlight: Melinda Talavera Gonzalez ✨

At this year’s APHA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., MPH alumni led a powerful roundtable titled “The Power of the Pews: Enhancing Cervical Cancer Prevention through Church-Based Initiatives.” 🙌

Her research highlights how faith-based organizations can play a vital role in promoting women’s health and advancing cervical cancer prevention in underserved communities. By bridging spiritual care and public health, Melinda’s work demonstrates how churches can become trusted spaces for health education, screening, and empowerment. 💪💒

We’re so proud of Melinda for representing APU Public Health and leading conversations that inspire change at the intersection of faith, equity, and health. ❤️

The MPH program is on Cougar Walk at APU today. Come see us and learn about public health!

🌟 Meet the MPH Team! 🌟

We’re proud to introduce the incredible faculty and staff who make the Master of Public Health program at APU such a dynamic and supportive place to learn, grow, and lead in public health. 💙🌍

👩‍🏫 Dr. Marissa Brash – Department Chair & Professor
Guiding the MPH program with vision, passion, and a commitment to health equity.

👩‍🔬 Dr. Teresa Dodd-Butera – Associate Dean of Research & Professor
Leading with expertise in research and advancing public health scholarship.

🌏 Professor Koy Parada – Assistant Professor
Championing global health initiatives and hands-on learning experiences abroad.

📚 Professor Brianna Pack – Assistant Professor
Dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation of public health leaders.

🗂️ Stephanie Morales – Program Manager
Supporting our students every step of the way and ensuring smooth program operations.

Together, this team is committed to preparing students to make an impact in communities near and far. 💪🌱

🚨 Last Chance for $21,000 MPH Scholarships! 🚨

Join us TOMORROW for our Master of Public Health Same Day Admissions Event and take the first step toward your future in public health!

📅 Wednesday, August 13, 2025
🕔 5:00 – 7:00 PM (Online via Zoom)

💡 Here’s why you don’t want to miss this:
✅ Up to $21,000 in HRSA Scholarships still available for students starting in the 2025–2026 academic year.
✅ This scholarship program (and many others) has been discontinued nationwide—but APU is still able to fund YOU.
✅ Apply, interview, and receive a conditional admissions offer all in the same evening.
✅ No application fee + No essay for attendees!

This is the best time to apply—secure your spot and your funding before it’s gone!

This week, MPH Department Chair Marissa Brash represented Azusa Pacific University’s public health leadership at a 3-day FEMA training on Multi-Hazard Emergency Management for Higher Education, held at the CSU Chancellor’s Office in Long Beach.

As the public health representative on APU’s Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT), Dr. Brash plays a key role in our university’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during disaster activations. Her participation in this training ensures that public health principles like risk communication, population health equity, and coordinated response are central to campus emergency planning and recovery efforts.

We’re proud to see public health at the forefront of crisis preparedness and resilience in higher education. 💪🏽🛡️📚

🌼 Wellness Wednesday in Action! 🌼

MPH student Christina Walls proudly represented Azusa Pacific University at Sierra High School’s Pop-Up Wellness Wednesday event! 🙌

She connected with students and staff to provide health education, shared tips for wellness, and handed out healthy snacks to promote nutrition and well-being. 🍎💬

Thank you to Christina for modeling what it means to lead with heart and purpose in public health!

🌿💪 Promoting Health Where It Matters Most! 💪🌿

Today, our amazing MPH students represented at the City of Azusa’s Outdoor Recreation and Eco Fair! 🎉

They led an interactive booth focused on diabetes prevention, healthy nutrition, and physical activity for children, offering screenings, tips, and fun resources to support our community in living healthier lives. 🥗🩺🧃⚽

We’re so proud of our students for turning classroom knowledge into real-world impact! 💚 Thank you to and for including us in this meaningful event.

Excited to announce that the MPH program at APU is officially CEPH accredited!!!