Temple University: Epidemiology & Biostatistics Department

In this article, Kirsten E. Wiens, PhD, Assistant Professor, helps separate fear from fact by providing expert insight on hantavirus transmission, outbreak risk, and public health preparedness, putting a rare cruise ship outbreak into context.

Separating Fear from Fact: CPH Expert Explains the Rare Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak May 27, 2026 Share on Socialshare on socialFacebookTwitterLinkedIn A hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship has drawn international attention, but infectious disease expert Kirsten Wiens of Temple University’s Barnett College of Public Health says the risk to the general public remains low......

Santhi Chandrasekaran, an alumna of Public Health Beyond Borders, has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to teach in Spain! Santhi completed our PHBB undergraduate courses, PHBB International Community Projects (EPBI 3377) and PHBB International Travel Experience (EPBI 3387), and participated in the Spring 2025 trip to Peru with faculty mentor Dr. Graciela Jaschek. Santhi was also a recipient of the department’s Hope Travel Award, established in 2024 through the generosity of alumni, family, and friends of PHBB to support student travel experiences as part of EPBI 3387.

When asked how her experience in Public Health Beyond Borders helped her move forward with her Fulbright application, Santhi said, "My experience with Public Health Beyond Borders sparked my interest in working abroad and gave me the confidence to apply for this Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship. As part of the trip to Peru in 2025, I had the opportunity to use Spanish in real-life contexts through translation and in-country communication and develop evidence-based activities that were responsive to community needs. The trip also gave me a valuable global experience that strengthened my ability to adapt, communicate across cultures, and engage thoughtfully in international settings. These experiences not only built my confidence but also helped me develop skills and perspectives that made my Fulbright application stronger. Altogether, PHBB played a big role in shaping my interest in global work and encouraged me to take this next step."

Congratulations, Santhi! This is a huge accomplishment!

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics held our Ninth Annual Awards & Recognition Event at the end of April. During this celebration, we recognized the incredible achievements of our students, faculty, and staff. We also proudly honored our community preceptors and adjunct faculty for their invaluable contributions and dedication to our students. Congratulations to all of our award recipients! We are proud to celebrate the meaningful contributions each of you makes to public health!

Academic Excellence Award: Michelle Botyrius, Birat Raj Kafle, Savitri Aninditha Nandula
Outstanding Poster Award: Shalina Joshi, MD, for her poster "Association Between Poor Sleep and Disease Progression in Patients with Indolent Blood Cancers"
Outstanding Student Citizen Award: Tugce KINIK YURDAL, PhD(c)
2026 Faculty Teaching Award: Kirsten E. Wiens, PhD
Student-Selected Undergraduate Teaching Award: Graciela Jaschek, PhD, MPH
Student-Selected Graduate Teaching Award: Sezgin Ciftci, PhD
Junior Faculty Service Award: Sezgin Ciftci, PhD
Mid-Career and Senior Faculty Service Award: Jingwei Wu, PhD
Faculty Mentor Award: Hoda Jradi, PhD, MPH
Diamond Key Contributor Award: Aimee Palumbo, PhD, MPH
Outstanding Administrative Staff Award: Stephanie Morawski, MEd
Outstanding Research Staff Award: Kristin Skiendzielewski, LSW, MPH

Our faculty are so excited to celebrate all of our graduates today at Temple University Barnett College of Public Health graduation!

This year is especially meaningful as it marks the first graduation that Drs. Allison R. Casola and Melissa (Ji Won) Kang will attend as faculty.

Fun fact: Dr. Casola is one of the outstanding alumni of our PhD in Epidemiology program, where she was mentored by Dr. Resa M. Jones. Today, they return to graduation side by side, not as mentor and student, but as faculty colleagues in the department.

Congratulations Class of 2026!!

Congratulations to our incredible Class of 2026!

We are so proud of all that you have accomplished and the dedication you’ve shown throughout your journey. Last night’s graduation reception was a wonderful celebration of your achievements and a great time filled with laughter, connection, and well-deserved recognition of your hard work.

As you move on to your next chapter, we look forward to seeing the meaningful impact you will make in public health and beyond. Your work is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see the difference you’ll make!

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is proud to announce Kristin Skiendzielewski as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Research Staff Award. This award recognizes a research staff member within the department who has demonstrated exceptional contributions to research, innovation, collaboration, or mentorship. Kristin is consistently thoughtful, always willing to collaborate, and brings a deep commitment and passion to her work and research.

Congratulations! This award is well deserved!

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is proud to announce Stephanie Morawski as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Administrative Staff Award. This award recognizes an administrative staff member within the department who has demonstrated exceptional contributions to the department's operations and success. Stephanie's attention to detail, responsiveness, and steady support create an environment where all faculty, staff, and students can succeed. She is the backbone of our operations and carries out her role with care and consistency.

Congratulations! This achievement reflects your dedication and service to our department.

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics hit the lanes for our annual New Beginnings event! We enjoyed a day of bowling, bringing together PhD students, faculty, and staff for some friendly competition and even better company.

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is proud to recognize Aimee J. Palumbo, PhD, MPH, as the recipient of the second Diamond Key Contributor Award. This award is a special commendation, given at the discretion of the Chair, to honor an individual’s exceptional and sustained contributions. Dr. Palumbo has been with the department since 2018 and has served as Graduate Program Director since 2020. Her dedication and commitment to the success of our students are truly unmatched, and her impact on our community is profound. We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Palumbo as both a faculty member and a colleague.

Congratulations, Dr. Palumbo. We are extremely honored to have you in our department and at Temple University.