Insights on Internship: Interview with Serena De La Cruz

Serena De La Cruz is one of our recent graduates. Serena graciously took time out of her busy schedule to  share her experience during her internship as well as advice for future interns. 

Can you tell us a bit more about your internship?

I completed my internship with the Area Agency on Aging in Northwest Arkansas. My job was to work with multiple senior activity and wellness centers in Northwest Arkansas. Every month, I would develop an interactive presentation on one of the monthly health observances and present these at each of the center's throughout the month. In addition, I wrote an article for the monthly newsletters.  I was also fortunate enough to be able to develop my own semester long project. I conducted needs assessments in the senior centers, took that data to find the most needed topic of education, and used that to develop a final event for the seniors. I found a dietitian to come and talk to seniors during a lunch and learn. She covered nutrition specifically for seniors and answered questions. I took what I learned from program planning through evaluation to do this. I was very fortunate to have such a wonderful educational background that prepared me for this activity.

Which Health Studies class has been the most useful during your internship?

It's hard to choose just one class that was the most helpful. I really feel like I used all of my classes combined! If I had to choose one that was specifically helpful during internship, it would be Health Communications. I was working with a population of adults over the age of 60 so how you present the information was crucial. Everything from best format and clear speaking to determining health literacy levels had to be just right in order to reach this population.

What piece of advice do you think is most important when looking for an internship?

Find a place that works with a population that you are passionate about working with. I have always enjoyed working with the elderly and therefore knew that I would wake up every morning excited for my day. I found a site that also allowed me to really take control of my experience and I think that doing so made a huge difference for me. I was able to develop my own activities while also working closely with my preceptor on things that she felt would be helpful to me.

What piece of advice is the most important during the internship?

Network, network, network. This is your chance to meet and develop relationships with others in our field. They will be your "in" after graduation. Take advantage of any opportunity because you never know who you will meet. I got my first job through a woman that I met while attending a class that my preceptor couldn't make it to. She emailed me about 3 months after I graduated with a job posting forwarded from one of her acquaintances. One month later I had a job as a project coordinator for the Northwest Arkansas Tobacco and Drug Free Coalition.

Can you tell us what you are doing now as a Health Studies graduate?

As mentioned previously, I found a job as a project coordinator pretty much straight out of school. I had a wonderful 8 months working in the non-profit world and managed a tobacco grant through the Arkansas Department of Health. I have to say, I would not have been able to do that job without the grant writing class. I had to write a grant proposal to get re-funded!

 In March, an opportunity presented itself that I couldn't pass up. I am now working for TrestleTree (a health transformation company) as a health coach. Every day I get to help people with everything from tobacco cessation to weight loss and stress. I am fortunate because I get to see my work make a direct impact in people's lives.

How did your internship help you in obtaining a job and prepare you for your job?

In terms of obtaining a job, I would have to go back to the networking piece. I really do believe that getting out there and meeting new people is key. I came across my current employer through an informational interview that I set up during my internship. When I think back to how my internship prepared me for my job, I feel that it all comes down to personal and professional development. The time that I spent actually implementing what I learned in my classes was both gratifying and encouraging. I went into my first job very confident that I had the skills to do great work.

*One last piece of advice: Sit for the CHES exam before you graduate if you can. The information is fresh in your mind and it is becoming more and more important to have when applying for jobs!

You might also like:

Insights on Internship: Interview with Cheyenne Peluso

Spotlight - Interview with Kurt Krause, Coordinator of Experiential Learning at the Pioneer Center for Student Excellence

Thank You

Whether you are a Health Studies student, staff, faculty, alum, a member of the TWU community or part of the larger public, we wanted to take a moment and say thanks for being part of our online community here on our blog, newsletter,  Facebook, and/or our LinkedIn group! We appreciate the time you spend with us.

THANK YOU!

Laura Valentino Selected as 2nd Recipient of the Williams Health Education Teaching Fellowship

Laura Valentino with Dr. Roger Shipley
at the Spring 2014 Internship Fair

On behalf of TWU Health Studies and the Fellowship Committee, we would like to announce the recipient of the 2^nd Janice Williams Health Education Teaching Fellowship is Laura Valentino.  She will receive $7500.00 for the 2014-2015 academic year.  Laura is part of the Fall 2013 doctoral cohort. In addition to teaching HS 4121 Internship Preparation, Laura currently serves as Vice President Public Relations for the Pioneer Power Speakers (Toastmasters International) club, is the president-elect for TSOPHE (Texas Society for Public Health Education), a member of the TWU Graduate Student Council, and is the founding president of the TWU chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda.

Laura had this to say:

I was excited to open my mail recently and find that I had been awarded the Janice C. Williams Fellowship for the 2014-2015 school year. I had to read the letter twice to make doubly sure of what it said. I am so grateful to have received the fellowship because it gives me a chance to teach a variety of courses and to prepare for my career as a tenured professor in health studies. Receiving the fellowship is a great honor as I know it was highly competitive. I am grateful to Dr. Janice C. Williams for the opportunity to be able to teach while completing my doctorate and for my mentors who have encouraged me along the way.  

Dr. Janice C. Williams graduated from Texas Woman's University with a Ph.D. in Health Studies in 1973. After she graduated, she taught public school in Texas and Louisiana. She developed health teaching programs for Texas State University, Virginia Tech University and Texas A&M-Kingsville. Dr. Williams passed away in 2011. She generously left $340,000 to the Department of Health Studies and Dance Department to develop fellowships. The Williams Health Education Endowed Teaching Fellowship supports doctoral students in the TWU Health Studies Department with a teaching fellowship.

You might also like:
Inaugural Recipient of the Williams Health Education Teaching Fellowship
Interview with Health Studies Alum Dena Jackson, Ph.D.

Inaugural Recipient of the Williams Health Education Fellowship - Megan Johnson

Dr. Larry LeFlore, Phil Trammell, Megan Johnson, Dr. Jennifer Martin, Dr. Jimmy Ishee

Dr. Janice C. Williams graduated from Texas Woman's University with a Ph.D. in Health Studies in 1973. After she graduated, she taught public school in Texas and Louisiana. She developed health teaching programs for Texas State University, Virginia Tech University and Texas A&M-Kingsville. Dr. Williams passed away in 2011. She graciously left $340,000 to the Department of Health Studies and Dance Department to develop fellowships. The Williams Health Education Endowed Fellowship supports doctoral students in the TWU Health Studies Department in a teaching fellowship. Megan O. Johnson was selected to be the first recipient for the fellowship. She will receive an award of $7500 for the 2013-2014 academic year. Megan shared with us her experience of receiving the fellowship:

Few of us know what it feels like to be the first at something, to do something, or to receive something. I am fortunate to be one of those few.  On June 5, 2013, I was notified that I would be receiving the first-ever award for the Williams Health Education Endowed Fellowship. Two weeks later, I was presented with the official certificate at a special, memorable ceremony. My sole purpose for applying for the fellowship was because I wanted to teach again. After a year hiatus, I have been itching to get back into a classroom and in front of students again. To receive this fellowship has been remarkable but to be the first to receive it has been an honor. It is an unbelievable feeling to be recognized by others for your hard work and dedication to the field of health education. I look forward to making a positive difference in the lives of my students and to making Dr. Janice Williams proud by fulfilling her legacy. I am grateful to everyone who helped make this fellowship possible for future health educators like myself to pursue their dreams of teaching. 

Forever thankful,

Megan O. Johnson, M.S., C.H.E.S.

Learn about other TWU Health Studies scholarships.

You can give to Williams Health Education Fellowship and other Health Studies scholarships by clicking here, https://pof.twu.edu/. 

Under Designation choose Other. Then type in the name of the scholarship you want to fund:

• Williams Health Education Fellowship (a teaching fellowship for doctoral students in Health Studies)
•  Anita Jill Coyle Scholarship Endowment
• Mary Lynn Walker Drews Endowed Scholarship for graduate students in Health Studies
• P.C. & Josephine Del Barto Endowed Scholarship for undergraduate students majoring in health studies, nursing, and education
• Jacinda Simone Kennedy Endowed Memorial Scholarship for undergraduate students majoring in Health Studies

Dean Ishee officially presents the fellowship to Megan Johnson.

  

Dr. Gay James with Megan Johnson at the fellowship reception.

Dr. Kimberly Parker with Megan Johnson at the fellowship reception.

Faculty Showcase: Interview of Dr. Julio Guerrero

Dr. Julio Guerrero

As many of you already know, Dr. Julio Guerrero is the newest faculty member of the TWU Health Studies Department family. He became our new assistant professor in August of 2012. We were able to interview him to gain some insight into his life. 

1). Where did you receive your education? 

“I just earned my PhD in Health Education from Texas A&M in December 2012.  I defended my dissertation in August and walked the stage in December.  Prior to that, I earned a master's degree in Applied Exercise Science from Oklahoma State in 2007, and a bachelor's degree in Health & Physical Education from Northwestern Oklahoma State in 2003.”

2). What are your current research projects?

“My research focus is metabolic syndrome prevention among Mexican-Americans.  Currently, I am examining the relationship between acculturation and chronic diseases.   I am involved with the health disparities research group on campus, and we are in the process of developing collaborations with Latino-serving communities in the DFW area.  Eventually, we would like to start conducting studies that examine how particular aspects of acculturation affect health outcomes among Mexican-Americans.”

3). What made you decide to go into the health studies field?

“A lot went into my decision to go into health studies.  First, I had wanted to become physician when I started college, so I focused on completing the pre-med curriculum.  But I was also an athlete, which prevented me from completing the pre-med courses while I played.  So I was forced to change majors for the time being, and decided on Kinesiology.  However, I completed the pre-med curriculum and applied to medical school after I completed my athletic career.  I didn't get accepted the first round, so I decided to pursue a master's degree to strengthen my applications for the next year.  I was accepted into the Applied Exercise Science program at OSU.  I learned how exercise and nutrition affected the body and prevented disease.  However, my research lab was only involved in performance improving projects among elite athletes.  I simply felt I wasn't doing enough by helping elite athletes become better; I felt could have more of an impact working with a different population, one that actually needs help.  So I developed an interest in health promotion and education, especially among my fellow Latinos who often complained about not knowing how to engage in healthier behaviors.  So when I decided to pursue a PhD, I applied for Health Education programs and got accepted by Texas A&M.  During my doctoral years, I learned how to work with individuals, communities, organizations, and policymakers to develop health improving strategies that positively affect Latino and impoverished communities.”

4). Why did you decide to start teaching health studies?

“I wanted to teach for two reasons: 1) teaching gives me an opportunity to develop community relationships that allow me to engage with individuals and communities regarding health.  2) teaching allows me to directly impact future health professionals.  I had my share of great AND poor professors throughout my academic career, and I just wanted to make sure that current students had a chance to be guided by another good professor who has genuine passion for health and for professionally developing future health professionals.”

5). If you could give any advice to current or future health studies students what would it be?

“I have the same advice for students of any discipline: 1) have passion - be genuine and sincere in what you do and success will happen.  2) be ambitious - take pride in what you do and fulfill your potential. 3) be determined – always realize the greatest rewards come at the greatest costs, so don't let adversity define your life or your career.”

6). What are your most recent publications about and who are the co-authors?

“I'll be submitting two manuscripts from my dissertation with my doctoral advisor, Dr. Ranjita Misra.   I also plan to collaborate with Dr. Abraham Wang in Family Sciences.  Eventually, I will publish results from my research team's health disparities project.”

Later, Dr. Guerrero explained that the health disparities project is a collaborative project with group on campus that consists of several TWU departments. It is a detail extensive research project and he hopes to gain some insight about how acculturation affects factors for metabolic syndrome and other chronic diseases. Good luck, Dr. Guerrero! We are glad to have you as part of the Health Studies Department.

Interview with Alum Barbara Barton, PhD, MPH, RN, CHES

Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Dr. Barbara Barton via email. She is PhD alum from the TWU Department of Health Studies. She gave us insight on her new position at State University of New York (SUNY), College at Cortland. We are thankful that she took time out of her busy schedule to respond to our questions.

Dr. Barton is currently an Assistant Professor at SUNY, College at Cortland in the Health Department. She teaches various courses, both online and face-to-face. She also develops course materials in the Health Department at SUNY Cortland and advises students as they progress through their courses to obtain their degrees. She also has research responsibilities that she attends to.

What is your research topic of interest?

Dr. Barton’s research topics of interest are as follows:

·         College health promotion and using community-based participatory research in the college setting

·         Mental health: anxiety and depression among college students

·         Interface of family caregivers of Alzheimer's patients with community services

·         Needs assessment & Program evaluation focusing the services rendered

What inspired you to get your degree in Health Studies?

“I wanted to pursue a HS PhD to complement my degrees in nursing and public health.  I was looking for a program that would provide a health promotion and teaching focus and TWU was a good match.”

What courses in the Department of Health Studies helped you the most with your current job?

“Really, all of them!  What was most helpful was the teaching experience, both in the classroom and online, that I was able to get while at TWU.” Dr. Barton explains that the experience she gained from TWU to develop and plan courses continually informs her teachnig for online courses and face-to-face course. She explains, “I also have more online experience than most of my colleagues, which is helpful as we transition our programs here in that direction.”

If you could give any advice to current or future health studies students what would it be?

“You can do it!  Stay organized, be positive and get everything you can out of each and every class.  Don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't be afraid to stretch yourself.  You will get out of your educational experiences only as much as you put into them.  I strongly believe that stretching yourself at TWU will come back to you with positive benefits ten-fold in the future.”

State of the Department 2012

State of the Department 2012

Each year the President of the United States gives a State of the Union address. Following that tradition we would like to share some significant events in TWU Health Studies.  Here is a small glimpse of what took place in 2012.

Grant Participation:

Assistant Professor, Dr. Mandy Golman is serving as the program evaluator of a teen pregnancy prevention program with Girls Inc. in Dallas. This health intervention study received a $720,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. The grant will fund a three year health promotion project entitled “Girls Get Ready.” We look forward to learning of the progress Dr. Golman makes with the health intervention and the pursuit for finding evidence-based model for decreasing adolescent pregnancy.

Alumni Success:

Allyse Severn is one of our alums. She graduated in August 2011 with her BS and passed the Certified Health Education Specialist Exam the following October. She works for Reliant Rehabilitation as the Wellness Director in Plano, TX. She is creating a program for chronic disease management to educate therapists about chronic diseases so they will be equipped to teach patients. The main focus of the first program is Type 2 Diabetes Management. She is currently working on applying for a Health and Human Services grant for her job as well. What great achievements she has accomplished.

Dena Jackson, Ph.D.

Dena Jackson, Ph.D. is one of our doctoral alumni. After graduating from TWU she held a variety of positions and later became the Assistant VP of Research Development for The University of Texas at Dallas. Dr. Jackson helped coordinate multi-institutional and multi-national grant submissions for National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and Department of Justice. She is currently the Vice President for Grants and Research at the Dallas Women’s Foundation. In her current role, one of her tasks is to evaluate the processes of the grantees and the foundation mission activities overall. To read the entire interview with Dr. Jackson click here.

Fellowship Gift:

Dr. Janice C. Williams graduated from TWU with a Ph.D. in health studies in 1973. After she graduated, she taught public school in Texas and Louisiana. She developed health teaching programs for Texas State University, Virginia Tech University and Texas A&M-Kingsville. Dr. Williams passed away in 2011. She graciously left $340,000 to the Department of Health Studies and Dance Department to develop fellowships. The Williams Health Studies Fellowship will support doctoral students in the TWU Health Studies Department in a teaching fellowship. More information about the Williams Health Studies Fellowship will be available soon.

Going the Distance with Learning:

Our online program director, Heidi Ashbaugh and graduate academic advisor, Morgan O’Donnell both presented at the annual Texas Distance Learning Association meeting. Ms. Ashbaugh presented information on professors using electronic discussion boards in various formats to encourage collaborative learning. Ms. O’Donnell’s presentation focused on how to use humor to better engage distance students.

  
Go Red for Women:

February 2012, TWU Health Studies partnered with other departments and organizations to help launch the first Go Red for Women campaign to promote the awareness of heart disease among women. What a success! The Denton, Dallas and Houston campuses all participated. Students, faculty and staff wore red to show their support. Departments, dorms and apartments were decorated in red and heart health information to win a contest. A lunch along with a showing of “Just a Little Heart Attack” kicked off the event. Later a discussion panel about heart health was open to everyone who attended.

Several departments and staff gave feedback which made the 2013 Go Red for Women an even larger success! Each TWU campus had a photo taken of all of those who participated in the events.

New Member:

Our newest member of the TWU HS faculty and family is Assistant Professor, Dr. Julio Guerrero.  He started in August 2012 after completing his graduate studies in Health Education at Texas A&M.  He has taught several HS courses since and is working to establish his research agenda, which focuses on Latino health disparities and chronic disease prevention among Mexican-Americans.  Dr.  Guerrero also hopes to become engaged with organizations that promote professional development and academic advancement among Latinos. 

Outstanding Staff:

Our graduate advisor, Morgan O’Donnell was nominated by the staff for TWU’s Outstanding Achievement Award. A committee selected Morgan for one of two TWU employee awards. She received the Outstanding Achievement Award in 2012 because of her outstanding service to TWU and her outstanding achievements. Congratulations, Morgan, and thank you for all of your service in the Health Studies Department!

Faculty Publications and Pursuits:

Dr. Katie Crosslin and Dr. Dr. Kristin Wiginton published an article in Gender Medicine entitled "Sex Differences in Disease Severity Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus" (Vol. 8, No. 6, 2011). To view their full abstract click here. You can also access the full article at the TWU Library.
Dr. Kimberly Parker was presented with a Resolution during the Dallas County Commissioner’s Court for the Community Mobilization and Empowerment Conference. During the Commissioner’s Court session, she spoke about the HIV/AIDS among African American women in the nation and in Dallas County. Dr. Parker’s purpose was to inform attendees that if the community provides necessary tools, skills and resources to mobilize around HIV/AIDS that the residents will address influence that increase HIV/AIDS transmission. To read more about Dr. Parker’s pursuit click here.

Student Achievements:

Dr. Shelby Garner (recent Ph.D. graduate in August 2012) & Dr. Mary Ann Faucher (Ph.D graduate in 2002) received a grant for $5000 from Baylor University's Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Achievement Program. The grant is to be used for a Photovoice study entitled "The Use of Photovoice to Illustrate Challenges and Supports of Caregivers of the Elderly:  A Qualitative Participatory Study".  The study began in fall 2012 with culmination of an art exhibition to show photos of the participants and analysis will occur in the spring of 2013. During the research process, Ms. Garner and Dr. Faucher will be mentoring four nursing students from Louise Herrington School of Nursing. To read more about the Photovoice study, click here.

Caroline Roffidal-Blanco is one of our doctoral students and the Registered Dietitian for Metro Health’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant. The grant was awarded to the 2011 San Antonio Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award by the San Antonio Dietetic Association. She effectively organized the Healthy Schools Initiative in alliance with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools. Caroline also serves as a registered dietitian for ¡Por Vida! healthy restaurants program. To read more about Caroline and her journey, click here. 

The following students were selected for Who's Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges for 2012!

Ms. Carol Creech, PhD student in Health Studies

Ms. Cassity Gutierrez, PhD student in Health Studies

Ms. Kimberly Mory, PhD student in Health Studies

Ms. Lona Sandon, PhD student in Health Studies

Ms. Lindsey Peddicord, MS student in Health Studies

Congratulations to all of our students’ success stories!

Are you an HS student, faculty or alumni and have a success story or achievement you want to share? Want to contribute a post for the blog? Contact Morgan O’Donnell at modonnell @ twu.edu.

Compiled and written by Amanda Hinson-Enslin