Master of Public Health Student Reports and Theses

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Open Access
The healthy summer challenge: a community nutrition initiative
(2025) Best, Sarah
This integrated learning report provides a comprehensive review of my educational experience completing my Applied Practice Experience (APE). I completed this project with Utah State University (USU) Extension Create Better Health, the SNAP-Ed program for the state of Utah. Create Better Health’s goal is to help low-income families learn how to cook healthy meals on a budget, understand food nutrition facts labels, and promote other positive lifestyle changes. The program offers free online nutrition classes for adults and youth along with many other services. For this APE I designed and implemented a nutrition-based community health initiative, the “Healthy Summer Challenge,” for participants at the Summer Food Services Program for the Logan City School District in Logan, Utah. The goal of this project was to promote healthy eating behaviors in families, to recruit participants for Create Better Health’s SNAP-ed classes, and to increase nutrition knowledge of those who joined the challenge. Additionally, I created promotional materials, designed pre- and post- surveys, and put together an educational table display each week. The table display included physically active games for youth, nutrition education posters, a MyPlate display, healthy recipes, and samples from the recipe of the week. Parents or guardians were invited to fill out surveys, make healthy recipes at home with their families, and to attend Create Better Health SNAP-Ed classes. I offered two in-person class series: Create Better Health for adults, and Food, Fun, and Reading for youth. Online classes for Create Better Health for adults were also offered. To incentivize participation, participants were given raffle tickets for completing tasks in the challenge. Raffle winners were provided with gift cards which were donated by a local grocery store. After the challenge was completed, I used systems thinking tools to analyze ways to improve this project for future programming. I also presented the results to the Create Better Health leadership team to share insights into areas to improve for future implementation. This experience helped build my skills in program design, resource management, promotional material creation, data collection, communication, and utilization of systems thinking tools.
Open Access
Advancing Safety through Collaboration: Developing Public Health Education in Research and Laboratory Safety for Campus, Government, and Industry
(2025) Weiderman, Rachael
Research and laboratory program outcomes reflect institutional safety initiatives and safety culture. The Applied Practice Experience, “Advancing Safety through Collaboration: Developing Public Health Education in Research and Laboratory Safety for Campus, Government, and Industry,” identified safety outcomes by analyzing reported incidents in research and laboratory environments, designing and implementing data-informed biannual collaborative education and training events, and proposing long-term, sustainable, tiered curriculum in research and laboratory safety for the campus community, government, and industry professionals. Through interdisciplinary and multisectoral collaboration, Kansas State University has integrated safety principles into institutional frameworks, mitigating risks, fostering professional development, and strengthening research integrity. The findings and methodologies outlined in this report may serve as a model for academic institutions to enhance their safety training programs and promote improved risk reduction through proactive institutional safety culture.
Open Access
REDUCING CANCER DISPARITIES IN KANSAS: THE ROLE OF POLICY, PREVENTION, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS
(2025) Waren, Olivia
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is actively working to improve cancer prevention and treatment across the state, particularly in rural communities. Through initiatives like the Kansas Cancer Prevention and Control Plan, KDHE is increasing access to cancer screenings, promoting public awareness, and supporting healthcare providers. However, despite these initiatives, rural cancer disparities remain a significant challenge, as shown by the fact that patients in these areas experience higher mortality rates and poorer health outcomes compared to those in urban areas. These disparities are caused by a multitude of factors, including geographic isolation, limited access to specialized care, and financial barriers. Many rural residents live hours away from the nearest cancer center, making it difficult to receive timely treatment or participate in clinical trials. Additionally, financial constraints, such as higher rates of uninsured individuals and the lack of Medicaid expansion in Kansas, limit access to early detection and preventive care. Healthcare workforce shortages further worsen the problem, as fewer oncologists and specialists are available in rural areas, which leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Addressing these disparities requires an interdisciplinary approach. Expanding the role of Community Health Workers has shown promise in improving screening rates and connecting patients with culturally sensitive resources. Increased investment in rural cancer research can ensure rural communities benefit from advancements in precision oncology. And finally, policy changes, including the Rural Hospital Support Act and Medicaid expansion, have the potential to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure and improve healthcare access. Moving forward, the future of rural cancer care in Kansas will depend on investment in prevention, research, and policy reform. By addressing the disparities in rural healthcare, Kansas can work toward a future where all residents—regardless of where they live—have access to the cancer care they need.
Open Access
BUILDING A NUTRITION COACHING FRAMEWORK WITHIN A COLLEGIATE RECREATION CENTER
(2025) Rojas, Mitzie
My applied practical experience (APE) consisted of building a nutrition coaching framework within a collegiate recreation center. The aim of this project nutrition was to develop a nutrition coaching framework within a collegiate recreation center to support student health and well-being through evidence-based nutrition education and personalized coaching. Based on collegiate student national data and university data, the nutrition coaching framework was designed to address college students' unique needs by integrating tailored coaching to better provide guidance for behavior change strategies. This nutrition coaching framework fulfilled at least 6 master’s in public health (MPH) competencies by assessing population needs, designing a coaching structure, building partnerships, and building tools to help with implementation. My coursework along with my products met several learning objectives by applying public health principles to program creation, professional development, implementation, and assessment. This framework also has the potential to contribute to the Health Promoting University areas of focus related to social connection and university engagement. Overall, this nutrition coaching framework can potentially establish a model for integrating nutrition coaching into a collegiate recreation setting, a place that students are familiar with and complements their physical activity levels.
Open Access
The Power of Protein
(2025) Katt, Megan
Protein intake plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of cancer patients, supporting muscle maintenance, immune function, treatment tolerance, and recovery. Adequate protein consumption is particularly important for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, as they often experience increased protein and energy needs due to the effects of the disease and its therapies. Research has shown that higher protein intake can help preserve lean body mass, promote wound healing, and enhance the body's ability to withstand treatment-related side effects (Baracos et al., 2018). One of the challenges cancer patients face is meeting their protein requirements, especially when experiencing side effects such as reduced appetite, taste changes, or gastrointestinal distress. Studies indicate that many oncology patients fail to consume enough protein to support optimal health during treatment, which can contribute to muscle loss, fatigue, and decreased treatment tolerance (Bauer et al., 2011). While cancer cachexia—a syndrome characterized by muscle wasting and weight loss—is a concern for some patients, the benefits of protein intake extend to all individuals with cancer, regardless of their specific diagnosis or nutritional status (Arends et al., 2017). A high-protein diet, combined with targeted nutritional support, has been shown to improve clinical outcomes by reducing the risk of malnutrition and enhancing overall recovery (Weimann et al., 2017). Given the essential role of protein in healing and resilience, integrating protein-focused nutrition strategies into cancer care can support patients in maintaining strength, improving quality of life, and optimizing their response to treatment. The initiative consisted of weekly sessions, each dedicated to a specific aspect of protein’s role in cancer care: (1) muscle maintenance and cachexia, (2) immune function, (3) wound healing, and (4) nutritional support for treatment tolerance and recovery. Learning objectives for participants included understanding the importance of protein in cancer treatment, identifying protein-rich food sources, and implementing strategies to increase protein intake despite treatment-related challenges. The program was delivered through multiple educational formats, including dietitian-led presentations, informational handouts, interactive educational booths, and recipe demonstrations. Key resources developed for the initiative included a Protein Food and Drink Handout, a Dietitian Info Card, and a Power of Protein presentation, which collectively provided practical dietary recommendations tailored to cancer patients’ nutritional needs. Research supports that providing clear, visually engaging educational materials can improve dietary adherence and patient outcomes (Bauer et al., 2011). Additionally, an educational booth was set up at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center to engage both patients and healthcare providers, increasing awareness of the importance of protein in oncology nutrition. The initiative also incorporated recipe demonstrations and food sampling to encourage patients to incorporate high-protein foods into their diets, acknowledging the common barriers of fatigue and lack of appetite that can impede proper nutrition (Mann et al., 2013). Registered dietitians (RDs) play a crucial role in addressing the nutritional challenges faced by cancer patients. Studies indicate that individualized nutrition care from RDs can improve patient outcomes by managing treatment side effects, reducing hospitalizations, and enhancing quality of life (Weimann et al., 2017). By integrating nutrition education into oncology care, The Power of Protein initiative sought to bridge the gap between dietary recommendations and practical application, ultimately empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to meet their increased protein needs during cancer treatment.
Open Access
MOVE MORE DOUGLAS COUNTY: MOVING THROUGH STAGES OF CHANGE TOWARD DIABETES PREVENTION & MANAGEMENT
(2025) Alamos, Cristina
Type 2 diabetes is a major public health issue affecting millions in the United States, with many more at risk due to prediabetes. If left unaddressed, prediabetes often progresses to type 2 diabetes, further exacerbating this trend. In Kansas, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes highlights the urgent need for intervention. Symptoms, such as excessive thirst, hunger, dry skin, slow wound healing, and blurry vision, can develop gradually over years, often going unnoticed and leading to worse health outcomes. Regular screening is crucial for early detection and management to prevent serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision loss. Beyond physical health, unmanaged diabetes can reduce quality of life and social well-being. However, with proper management through medication adherence, healthy dietary habits, and regular physical activity, individuals can lead full, healthy lives. Move More Douglas County, launched by LiveWell Douglas County in 2024, leverages the power of exercise in diabetes management. Guided by in the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (TTM), the program increases access to physical activity opportunities for individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Through a physical activity prescription from their healthcare provider, participants gain access to group fitness classes and personal training at local recreation centers at no additional cost. They also receive educational resources to support them through behavior change, habit formation, and progression through the stages of the TTM. By fostering sustainable physical activity habits, Move More Douglas County aims to improve diabetes management and overall health outcomes in the community.
Open Access
FEED THE WORLD: WORKING TO END HUNGER IN VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
(2025) Vann, Aline
I completed my internship at Convoy of Hope, located in Springfield, Missouri. Convoy of Hope is a humanitarian, faith-based organization. Their goal, according to their website, is to “serve people who are impoverished, hungry, and hurting.” Their international initiatives include Children’s Feeding Services, Women’s Empowerment, Disaster Relief, Community Events, Agriculture, and Rural Initiatives. During my time at Convoy, I worked in the Global Programs Department which encompasses Children’s Feeding, Women’s Empowerment, and Agriculture. My assigned mentor was Melanie Morgan, R.D.N./Nutritionist. Ms. Morgan was initially the lead nutritionist for Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, but due to a resignation during my internship, she became the only Nutritionist for the entire feeding program. She has been employed with Convoy of Hope since 2021. During my internship, I created an 8-lesson Nutrition Curriculum for Roma youth in Slovakia, assisted with a Latin American countries’ Youth Sports Initiative, drafted a Women’s Health Initiative Proposal for a group of clinics in Tanzania, and assisted in evaluating whether a garden’s produce provided sufficient calories and macros to feed a family of four for a year. I also helped calculate and analyze anthropometric data for some of the feeding centers Convoy of Hope has worldwide. I later created a project board, using Monday.com, an online platform, to provide an easy to read, high-level overview of nutrition data. I served on a Wellness Fair Planning Committee and worked during the event with my team. Finally, I presented a culminating presentation of my time at Convoy to members of the Global Programs team.
Open Access
BROADCASTING BETTER HEALTH: HEALTH PROMOTION AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES AT A NONPARTISAN INSTITUTION
(2025) DeWeese, Karsen
Background: Health promotion is an important skillset in the field of public health, and physical activity is a health behavior that provides an excellent example of why it is important. Health communication is a developing aspect of health promotion and education that requires specific knowledge and expertise. Health literacy ties into both health communication and health promotion due to the need for audiences to understand the messages professionals give, and health literacy rates are extremely low in the United States. Finding ways to be innovative, change messaging, and ensure audiences understand health promotional or educational material is imperative to the public health mission. Utilizing theories such as the Health Belief Model and the Social Cognitive Theory are great options to tackle this knowledge and perception challenge. Methods: The Applied Practice Experience was completed at the nonprofit, nonpartisan institution of the Kansas Health Institute during the Summer of 2024. Working with both project staff and the communication team, Karsen produced three distinct products discussed in this report. Results: The three products that were produced over the course of the Applied Practice Experience were two podcast episodes, quantitative data analytics combined with qualitative interview transcripts, and a resource guide for closed captioning and transcription processes for the Kansas Health Institute staff members. Discussion: This project paired with the previous coursework undertaken and extra experiences throughout the graduate student experience developed professional skills in the field of public health as well as communication. Limitations include the fact that some of the practices are not necessarily innovative, but the approach behind them is what is new to the field. Helping a nonpartisan institution such as the Kansas Health Institute produce high-quality products that educate the public pushes public health forward.
Open Access
Bridging research, leadership, and advocacy: A systems approach to tackling food insecurity
(2025) Ramirez, Jessica
This report summarizes my Applied Practice Experience (APE), which encompassed four distinct but interconnected initiatives: The Cats’ Cupboard (Kansas State University’s on-campus food pantry), the Alternative Breaks Program in Garden City, the Rural Grocery Initiative and Kansas Healthy Food Initiative, and the development of a SNAP Outreach Program for K-State students. Over the course of 240 applied practice hours, I gained invaluable experience in public health practice, particularly in five core competencies: leadership, governance, and management; systems thinking; structural analysis of health disparities; and data-driven program development and biostatistical analysis. These competencies provided a framework for my engagement in direct service, community-based research, policy advocacy, and leadership in public health initiatives. While these four competencies were central to my experience, in the following sections, I will also highlight how other of the 22 foundational public health competencies were addressed throughout my work. Throughout this experience, I worked under the mentorship of four key preceptors, each playing an essential role in my learning and making contributions across these projects. Shelly Williams, Director of ‘Cats Cupboard, guided me in food pantry operations, resource management, and program expansion to address food insecurity on campus. Tamara Bauer, Director of the Alternative Breaks Program, supported my facilitation of immersive student learning experience in Garden City, where I led discussions on food systems, labor, and public health. Dr. Leah Tsoodle, an agricultural economist, provided mentorship in research design and data analysis for the Rural Grocery Initiative, where I examined food access and grocery sustainability in rural communities. Dr. Kara Ross, also an agricultural economist, played a pivotal role in supporting my efforts to develop a SNAP Outreach Program for K-State students—a project that marks the first university-led SNAP outreach initiative in the state of Kansas. The primary objectives of my APE were to design and implement public health interventions that address food insecurity, apply systems thinking tools to analyze food access challenges, develop leadership and advocacy skills, and engage in data-driven decision-making to inform policy and program development. Through these four experiences, I was able to work at the intersection of research, community engagement, and policy to advance food security in meaningful ways. As part of my contributions to these initiatives, I facilitated strategic planning efforts for ‘Cats Cupboard, expanding its services and reducing stigma associated with food assistance; conducted research and data analysis for the Rural Grocery Initiative and Kansas Healthy Food Initiative, contributing to policy recommendations aimed at strengthening rural food systems; and initiated the process of establishing a SNAP Outreach Program at K-State, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to secure funding and develop a strategic plan for implementation. This program represents a groundbreaking effort, as no other university in Kansas currently has an official SNAP outreach initiative. This culminating Applied Practice Experience allowed me to engage in impactful public health work across four different but interconnected settings, each contributing to my professional development. In the forthcoming sections of this report, I provide an in-depth examination of each organization and project, detailing my responsibilities, the public health competencies I applied and strengthened, and the broader implications of my work. As will be evident, my experience across these four sites enabled me to develop expertise in leadership, systems thinking, structural analysis of health disparities, and data-driven program development—while also practicing additional competencies in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and program evaluation. These experiences have prepared me to continue addressing food insecurity and public health challenges through research, policy, and community-driven action.
Open Access
Bridging housing & health: a toolkit for local public health action
(2025) Van Brunt, Anna
Health and housing are inextricably linked. An individual or family can't be their healthiest and contribute to their community in the highest capacity if the space they are living in is hazardous to their health. Alternatively, it is difficult to invest in one’s health if they are spending most of their income on housing costs, creating an inability to save for the future or breaking cycles of poverty that dramatically influence health. These systems are marked by inequalities that are not the fault of individuals or communities, but inequities brought about by systems that were set up to harm communities of color and those with other historically marginalized backgrounds from our country’s founding. At the local level, many public health interventions stem from Community Health Assessment (CHA) or Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) data that demonstrates residents' health is being impacted by their housing quality and costs. In the Kansas City area, these results have led public health departments and health systems to prioritize housing in their Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs). Most public health practitioners, however, are not trained in the housing system and lack the knowledge on successful interventions that address housing costs. This Applied Practice Experience included three one-on-one interviews with these public health practitioners whose experience doing this work and six relevant meetings which ultimately informed the creation of a guide for public health action in housing solutions. This Applied Practice Experience was completed in early 2025 at the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) in Kansas City, Missouri. MARC is the metropolitan Planning Organization and Council of Governments for the Kansas City region and provides a variety of services and programs to residents and communities. Counties include Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, and Miami in Kansas and Ray, Clay, Jackson, Cass, and Platte counties in Missouri.
Open Access
Improving Maternal Health Literacy in Kansas: Curriculum Adaptation of Becoming a Mom Through a Public Health and Equity Lens
(2025) Jonak, Carissa
This Integrated Learning Experience report describes a graduate internship conducted at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, specifically within the Bureau of Family Health. The focus of the internship was the adaptation of the Becoming a Mom prenatal education curriculum to improve health literacy, cultural responsiveness, and accessibility for diverse and historically underserved populations in Kansas. The project aimed to address persistent maternal and infant health disparities by ensuring that prenatal education materials are written at or below a sixth-grade reading level, follow plain language principles, and incorporate inclusive images and content that reflect the lived experiences of pregnant individuals across the state. Key activities included reviewing and revising curriculum content, applying evidence-based communication strategies, and integrating stakeholder feedback gathered through Health Equity Opportunity Project workgroup meetings and collaborative partnerships. The project also involved supporting grant-related documentation, attending Title V MCH and Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative meetings, and preparing the curriculum for field testing. As part of this process, the intern developed a style guide, revision tracking system, and recommendations for future updates to supporting materials, including the slide deck used in live and virtual BaM sessions. This work contributed to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s mission to improve perinatal health outcomes through equitable and community-centered interventions. While reviewing and drafting updates to the Becoming a Mom curriculum, principles of reproductive justice, intersectionality, and inclusive representation in health education were applied to ensure the content reflected participants' diverse identities and experiences. By revising the Becoming a Mom curriculum to use plain language, reduce medical jargon, and include diverse imagery and culturally affirming content, the project actively challenged assumptions about who maternal health education is for and how it should be delivered. These changes were designed to better serve participants across lines of race, language, socioeconomic status, and education—core concerns that acknowledge how intersecting identities affect access to care. Field testing and further review of accompanying teaching tools will inform continued improvements. This project represents a practical application of public health and principles of reproductive justice, intersectionality, and inclusive representation in action, supporting better maternal health outcomes and a more just, inclusive model of prenatal care.
Open Access
Strengthening Communicable Disease Response: Developing Quarantine And Isolation Policies And Training For Disease Investigations In Jackson County
(2024) Willis, Reese
This Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) report details my Applied Practice Experience (APE) at Jackson County Public Health (JCPH) in Missouri, focusing on strengthening the county’s response to communicable disease outbreaks. The primary objectives were to assist in developing a comprehensive Quarantine and Isolation (Q/I) policy and to create a Professional Development Day (PDD) training module on communicable disease investigation for public health staff. The development of the Quarantine and Isolation policy involved creating essential materials, such as detailed flowcharts for managing vaccine-preventable and non-vaccine-preventable diseases, a tracking sheet for monitoring individuals in quarantine and isolation, and a reference report outlining legal frameworks and support services. Jackson County previously lacked a formal system for managing quarantine and isolation, and this policy is intended to transition into a county ordinance. By providing structured procedures and data tracking capabilities, the policy equips JCPH with an organized and legally sound framework to manage future outbreaks more effectively. The Professional Development Day training module was designed to enhance staff capacity by educating over 60 JCPH employees on key public health topics, including epidemiology, disease surveillance, and contact tracing. The training included a comprehensive lecture and an interactive case investigation activity, where staff simulated investigating outbreaks of diseases like Salmonella, Pertussis, and Legionella. This hands-on approach aims to equip the entire staff with essential skills for managing outbreaks, improving coordination and efficiency. By applying Master of Public Health (MPH) foundational competencies, such as epidemiological methods, communication strategies, and systems thinking tools like process mapping, this project significantly strengthened JCPH’s preparedness for future outbreaks. These initiatives contribute to a more robust public health infrastructure in Jackson County, ensuring effective response capabilities for communicable disease control.
Open Access
Development of a wellness program and supporting materials for Rise up scholars
(2024) Wilcox, Harold
Sedentary behavior has become a significant public health concern in America, contributing to the rise of obesity and a host of negative health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues. As more adults adopt sedentary lifestyles due to the nature of their work, these behaviors not only affect their health but also place a growing burden on the healthcare system. Addressing these behaviors early, before they solidify into adulthood, is critical to preventing long-term health complications. One potential intervention point is during the college years, where students are transitioning into adulthood and are particularly open to learning new habits that can shape their future behaviors. College students are often vulnerable to adopting sedentary lifestyles due to academic pressures, lack of resources, and limited health education. The college setting provides a unique opportunity to introduce positive health behaviors that can counteract the sedentary tendencies many students may face as they transition into the workforce. This is particularly important for business students, who are likely to enter office jobs that often involve long hours of sitting and little physical activity. By instilling healthier habits during their college years, students can be better prepared to manage their well-being in their future careers. My Applied Practical Experience with the Rise Up Wellness program at Kansas State University aimed to address this issue by targeting a cohort of College of Business students, a population that is especially susceptible to sedentary behaviors. Through the program, I designed and implemented a series of wellness activities and educational sessions that emphasized the importance of physical and mental wellness, with the goal of preparing students for healthier, more productive lives both during and after their academic careers. The program sought to reframe health behaviors as professional skills that can enhance quality of life and performance in the workplace. The goals, activities, and products developed during my APE were guided by my educational background in kinesiology and public health. My educational coursework, literary review, and semester projects such as the ones completed in KIN 610 and KIN 805, provided the foundation for understanding the complex relationship between sedentary behavior, health outcomes, and the workplace, while my practical experiences allowed me to apply this knowledge in a real-world setting. The creation of program materials, such as the syllabus, evaluation tools, and partnership strategies, allowed me to refine my skills in program planning, evaluation, and communication. These experiences not only contributed to the creation of the Rise Up Wellness program but also enhanced my development as a student and public health professional, preparing me for future roles in promoting wellness in diverse settings.
Open Access
ADDRESSING MATERNAL MORTALITY IN KANSAS: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF HEALTH DISPARITIES AND STATE INITIATIVES
(2024) Gregory, Anna
The way we intervene, educate, and provide maternal care has a profound impact on public health. Access to high-quality maternal healthcare and education is essential for maternal well-being. However, significant health disparities, such as disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality, continue to exist in many communities, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. These disparities are often driven by social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, geographic location, systemic barriers to care, and more. Despite advancements in medical knowledge and technology, many women still struggle to access comprehensive prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum care. Addressing these gaps requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy changes, community engagement, healthcare provider education, and targeted interventions to reach underserved populations. Several initiatives, such as the Fourth Trimester Initiative, the MAVIS Project, and collaborations between the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and various health committees, have been established to address the maternal mortality rate and its contributing factors in Kansas. These efforts focus on improving maternal health outcomes through enhanced screening, provider education and training, and addressing social determinants of health. This project was conducted at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment - Bureau of Family Health and involved surveying Maternal Health Innovation Task Force members. Additionally, two infographics were created for information sharing in future Maternal Health Innovation Task Force meetings and the future published (2016-2022) Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee report. These projects focused on education, advocacy, and decision-making efforts to improve maternal health outcomes in Kansas.
Open Access
Analysis of dog serologic data reveals critical insights into the epidemiology of human coccidioidomycosis, 2012-2023
(2024) Sykes, Jane
I completed my Applied Practice Experience (APE) at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) under the supervision of Gail Sondermeyer-Cooksey, MPH. My work was conducted in collaboration with graduate students at the University of California-Berkeley School of Public Health. The CDPH conducts surveillance, investigation, control, and prevention of important infectious diseases in California, and consists of 4 sections: Disease Investigations (DIS), Vector-Borne Disease (VBDS), Veterinary Public Health (VPHS), and Surveillance and Statistics (SSS). Coccidioidomycosis is one of the most common infectious diseases reported to the agency (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/SSS.aspx). Gail Cooksey has been with the Branch since 2012 and has an MPH from the University of California, Berkeley with an emphasis on infectious diseases and vaccinology.
Open Access
Summer nutrition program with USD 320 Wamego School District
Daniels, Elizabeth
The Applied Practice Experience (APE) was conducted in coordination with School Food Service Manager Laura Fails, USD 320 Wamego School District. The work centered around the Summer Nutrition Program and providing an educational experience that coincided and complimented this established program. This applied learning experience was completed between May 2023 and September 2023 with a minimum of 180 hours spent in engagement with the creation of the portfolio products listed below or in-person site work.
Open Access
Administering and analyzing the community needs assessment required for the Dallas Area Agency on Aging
Marstall, Kendra
I completed my Applied Practicum Experience at the Community Council of Greater Dallas, specifically with the Dallas Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) in Dallas, Texas. During this time, I supported the team in various formats. My primary responsibility was administering and analyzing the community needs assessment required for the submission of the agency’s Area Plan to state for government funding. I helped distribute the survey at a variety of community events and over the phone. Additionally, I completed data entry of over 500 surveys, and performed part of the data analysis for the final plan submitted to the state. I tabled at the annual DART Information and Health Fair held in May in celebration of Older Americans Month and worked in the community by visiting retirement communities and senior centers. During these visits, I would discuss services offered through the agency and distribute educational pamphlets. I also participated in delivering the National Diabetes Prevention Program alongside a trained staff member to seniors in the community. Topics discussed included the benefits of balanced diet, regular physical activity, and tips on how to establish healthy habits. I aided my preceptor in case organization, delivery of services, and administration of agency assessments. I also attended site visits alongside my preceptor. Lastly, I performed a retroactive analysis of caregiver coping mechanisms for stress. The final report from the analysis was submitted as an abstract to the annual Texas Public Health Association Conference, and it was accepted for an oral presentation. I worked in a collaborative environment and gained skills in communication, leadership, ethics, data analysis, service delivery, and health education.
Open Access
ENERGIZING PUBLIC HEALTH INVOLVEMENT IN THE ENERGY SECTOR: ASSESSING WIND ENERGY IMPACTS IN KANSAS COUNTIES
Uridge, Emma
How we obtain, produce, store, and use energy profoundly influences the health of the public. Stable access to efficient, abundant, and clean energy in an increasingly electricity- dependent societal “ecosystem” is fundamental for human well being; however, the traditional public health sector often remains disconnected from the energy sector. This leads to community leaders failing to advocate for this critical need; unfortunately, it leads to a missed opportunity to connect how our energy infrastructure influences community health. With some energy sources being finite, renewable alternatives such as wind and solar energy hold promise in meeting electricity demands. Despite this, wind energy continues to be a controversial issue among Kansas counties (with solar also following this trend of criticism and dispute). Local government officials make decisions about local policies (e.g., ordinances, regulations, permits) regarding wind turbines, and ultimately decide whether a project can occur in their county. Recent federal incentives and national initiatives aim to expand upon existing renewable energy infrastructure and reach specific climate-related milestones to reduce the impacts of climate change. Achieving this goal is contingent on local governments being able to work with their communities and wind project developers to allow projects in their counties. If a county issues a moratorium on wind projects, it is not a permanent ban. That county is expected to work toward policies and provisions for future wind projects that would fit the county’s needs and mitigate negative impacts. This project was conducted at the Kansas Health Institute (KHI) in partnership with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and involved surveying county commissioners that has either allowed or considered allowing a wind project with at least five turbines in the past five years, or has a policy related to wind energy. Additionally, a policy scan was completed to identify how health impacts are considered and/or addressed in local wind policies. This integrated learning experience (ILE) report and its associated products provide understanding of county decision-making processes, local government policy development, wind projects and the expertise involved, and the impact of wind projects on communities.
Open Access
IDENTIFYING A ROLE FOR GENOMIC EPIDEMIOLOGY IN POST-PANDEMIC INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE IN KANSAS
King, Cole
I completed my Applied Practice Experience (APE) at the Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) office in Topeka, Kansas. At KDHE, I completed a three-phase project to identify opportunities and challenges for implementing a genomic surveillance program for influenza in Kansas. Genomic epidemiology is an emerging field in public health, in large part due to the vast amount of genomic data made available during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Now that infrastructure exists to generate genomic surveillance data, an open question remains about how best to use these resources to monitor other infectious diseases now that the peak of the pandemic has subsided. Therefore, the main goal of my APE was to review the current literature on influenza and SARS- CoV-2 to understand their genomic epidemiology, analyze the current limited genomic data for influenza in Kansas as a pilot case, and conduct system-level analysis of the U.S. influenza surveillance network to identify a role for genomic epidemiology at the state level. The first phase of the project was a literature review on the genomic epidemiology of influenza viruses, namely regarding how the novel genomic epidemiology tools from the SARS- CoV-2 pandemic can be used to monitor influenza. From this literature review, I wrote two short, plain-language articles describing the genomic epidemiology of both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza (products 1 and 2) for inclusion in training materials for epidemiologists unfamiliar with genomic epidemiology. The article focuses on the nomenclature and designations of the two viruses and includes information on how genomic epidemiologists surveil them. The literature review highlighted transmission between animals and humans and informed the direction of my phylogenetic analysis of influenza A sequences from Kansas to include humans and non-human animals. Following the literature review, the second phase of the project analyzed influenza A genomes collected in Kansas by the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories (KHEL) and genomes obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. From these data, I made phylogenetic trees to visualize the evolutionary relationships between the viruses sampled. These trees were annotated with metadata, including host species, genome subtype, and date of collection for the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes (products 3 and 4). Notably, some samples from different hosts clustered phylogenetically and temporally on the hemagglutinin tree for the H1 subtype, suggesting possible transmission events between humans and non-human animals. In the final phase of the project, I conducted systems-level analysis of the U.S. influenza surveillance system. First, I completed a process map to identify key players and systems involved in the complicated and often uncoordinated U.S. influenza surveillance system (product 5). Secondly, I created a causal loop diagram to identify the dynamics of the system and to identify challenges brought about by the disjointed system, particularly how they may lead to unrepresentative data collection and, therefore, bias decision making (product 6). Lastly, I utilized system archetypes to identify dynamics that influence public perceptions and how those perceptions feed back to influence the availability of resources for influenza surveillance (product 7). Following the analysis, I compiled my findings into an oral presentation which I delivered to epidemiologists at KDHE at the conclusion of the APE (product 8).
Open Access
A STEP-BY-STEP OVERVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY’S FOOD INSPECTION PROCESS IN FT. RILEY, KANSAS
Deya, Fredrick
This report summarizes my Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) at the Public Health Department in Fort Riley, Kansas. The experience lasted for two months, during which I had the opportunity to touch upon every section within the department. My emphasis was on food safety management systems, which are practices implemented by food establishments to ensure that food does not harm consumers along its supply chain. Food contamination occurs due to physical, chemical, and biological hazards such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, harmful substances (e.g., sanitizers, refrigerant gases), and physical particles (e.g., plastics, wood). These contaminants are often introduced during the receiving, processing, storage, preparation, and serving stages of food distribution. Contamination can result from improper hygiene, sanitation, temperature checks, and cross-contamination caused by food handlers. Consumption of contaminated food can lead to illnesses and fatalities, including salmonellosis (foodborne infection caused by Salmonella spp.), Clostridium perfringens, and Clostridium botulinum, among others . Several studies have proposed different approaches to managing food contamination. At the federal level, key agencies involved in advancing food safety regulatory activities include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). These federal agencies collaborate with state and private institutions to promote food safety goals. For instance, the FDA's Food Code provides scientific benchmarks and suggestions that states and local administrations can adopt to improve food safety in restaurants and institutional food settings. The code delineates temperature standards for cooking, cooling, refrigerating, reheating, and holding food. Additionally, it advocates for regular inspections of restaurants, recommending a frequency of visits every six months or as deemed necessary.