Josh Castelveter, MPH 2019 (Environmental Health and Occupational Health Concentration)
After graduating from Slippery Rock University with my Bachelor's, I decided to continue my education at Slippery Rock by pursuing a Master of Public Health degree in the Environmental and Occupational Health concentration. Slippery Rock University's MPH program provided me the opportunity to network with a variety of organizations and professionals in the Public Health field. Through connections I have made in the public health field, I completed my practicum experience with the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) where I lead and conducted a research study on the evaluation of pharmaceuticals and steroids in the wastewater system.
My practicum experience at ALCOSAN allowed me to develop and enhance skills with data collection, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation. I collaborated with federal and state agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Environmental Protection. Furthermore, I worked with various departments within ALCOSAN including, Residuals, Industrial Waste, the Lab, Operations, Engineering, Scholastic Outreach, and Administration. From this experience, I practiced teamwork skills and observed how one department feeds into the other. Through multi-departmental collaboration, I received firsthand experience working with ALCOSAN'S wastewater treatment process from start to finish. Not only did I lead and conduct a research study, I represented ALCOSAN at their annual open house event where I worked at their residuals tent by educating Allegheny County citizens about the procedures for ALCOSAN's Residuals program. At the end of my practicum experience I delivered a presentation to lead executives from multiple departments to summarize my research findings about pharmaceuticals and steroids in the wastewater system.
After graduating from Slippery Rock University's MPH program, I obtained a job with the Allegheny County Health Department in Food Safety where I conduct inspections and investigations to assure compliance with environmental health policies and regulations.
Shelby Conn, MPH, 2018 (Health promotion and Wellness Concentration)
I began my journey at Slippery Rock University in 2012 when I enrolled in the Exercise Science and Physical Activity & Fitness Management undergraduate programs. I continued with SRU through my graduate studies in the Masters of Public Health program.
I worked full time as the Health and Wellness Director at a local YMCA while completing the course requirements of the program. As I progressed, I noticed the alignment between my coursework and the health promotion programs I was occupationally responsible for. From weight loss and diabetes prevention to tobacco cessation, I was simultaneously learning and applying the fundamental practices of the public health field. The relevance of the coursework to my portfolio was astonishing.
The MPH program at Slippery Rock was instrumental to my professional development. I began my journey in rural Pennsylvania, but took the leap to NYC, where I work as the Director of Sports and Healthy Lifestyles at the YMCA of Greater New York, Flushing. It helped me develop the skills to translate the fundamental practices from familiar, rural communities to my new, urban home.
Julian Randall, MPH Class of 2019 (Health Promotion and Wellness)
I am from the great city of steel, Pittsburgh, PA. I attended Slippery Rock University for my undergraduate degree studying Physical Activity and Fitness Management between the years of 2013 to 2017. After I received my bachelors degree I continued my education at Slippery Rock university obtaining my Master's in Public Health Degree in 2019. I also had the privilege while obtaining my MPH to serve as the Graduate Assistant working under Dr. Joseph Robare and the Public Health Department. During my time as the Graduate assistant I was able to sharpen my research, analytical, survey development, as well as my professional skills. I also had opportunities to collaborate with the office for students with disabilities, the Community Counseling Center of Mercer County, and the program director on various different projects.
The skills and lessons that I have learned through the MPH program at SRU has allowed me the opportunity to work with Central Outreach Resource and Referral Center as a Ryan White program Medical Case Manager here in Pittsburgh, PA. My position grants me the ability to assist patient from all walks of life, who are HIV positive. I collaborate with Central Outreach Wellness Center on providing my services to their patients. I also work with the Jewish Health Foundation, which provides funding to my organization, and communicate with them on a quarterly basis. I plan on possibly continuing my education to receive a fellowship to obtain doctorate degree in nutritional science. I valued my time at SRU, however, I believe that the faculty were the unsung heroes of the program. Even after graduation I have kept in touch with some of the faculty and still ask for their opinions on projects and ideas. Thanks to MPH program and faculty I feel equipped to reach my career goals.
Mark Tripson, MPH 2018 (Environmental and Occupational Health Concentration)
I was in the first cohort that went through the newly developed master of public health program at Slippery Rock University. Although both concentrations looked promising, I chose the environmental and occupational health route. Overall, the program allowed me to develop an appreciation for public health, while giving me the tools necessary for success. I was given a strong foundation in biostatistics, toxicology and epidemiology that helped me reach my goals.
I am a PhD candidate in Pharmacology & Toxicology at The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. I am a in a molecular neuropharmacology lab and my thesis focuses on the concept of neuroplasticity. Specifically, the mechanism of synaptogenesis within neural circuitry associated with learning and memory. Our lab developed a model of neuroprotection through modulation of the Endocannabinoid system and changes in LTP/LTD, and DSI/DSE.
Cassidy Wright, MPH 2018 (Health Promotion and Wellness Concentration)
Born and raised in Flint, home of the Great Lakes, a true Michigander. In the Fall of 2012, my collegiate academic career started at The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff studying, Rehabilitation Services minoring in Business Marketing while playing Division 1 women's basketball.
After graduating from UAPB, I pursued my Master of Public Health degree at Slippery Rock University, where I have had the opportunity to obtain a graduate assistantship position with the Director of Public Health. By being a graduate assistant, I was able to strengthen and develop new skills with analytics and creating experimental surveys and need assessments.
As an MPH student, there were tones of opportunities to network and learn about the different programs happening throughout the State of Pennsylvania through seminars and conferences. After graduating from SRU, I was able to serve as an AmeriCorps Vista member as a Hunger & Health Coordinator at the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank. As a coordinator, I was able to research, convene, and create a pilot program connecting the Ohio healthcare system to the Foodbank to increase access to nutritious food for patients who were food insecure. After serving a year as an AmeriCorps member, I accepted a Public Health Fellowship position with the Michigan Fitness Foundation. As a fellow, I was able to gain additional skills by evaluating and analyzing different public health programs throughout the State of Michigan, while pitching an innovative program to address food waste.
Currently, I have started a Financial Management Analyst position with the Department of Defense using all my experience with program planning, evaluating and interpreting data, and effectively communicating with various program teams to help me grow professionally.
