USF College of Public Health Monday Letter, October 27

Features

The USF College of Public Health is headed to Washington, D.C.!

Your COPH colleagues are excited to see you at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. We want to celebrate with all of you participating in the largest gathering of public health scholars and professionals in the country!

Open enrollment to marketplace insurance is soon, here are the changes you should know

Nov. 1 marks the start of open enrollment for marketplace plans and the Covering Florida Navigator Program is urging consumers to prepare.

From confusion to confirmation: My journey in public health

Inspired by the pandemic’s challenges, USF MPH student Arya Mhatre turned uncertainty into purpose. Read how her journey in public health transformed from questions to action.

In memoriam: Dr. Vicki Luna

The USF College of Public Health shares the passing of Dr. Vicki Ann Luna, a microbiologist and educator whose career spanned both academia and public health laboratories. Luna specialized in molecular microbiology and parasitology, contributing to advances in pathogen identification and public health research.

Research

USF professor addresses distortions in asylum law and safety

If someone crosses the border into the United States, they might be described as a migrant, an immigrant, an illegal immigrant, a refugee, an alien or an asylum seeker. Are these distinctions important in shaping public opinion? Do they play a part in how these individuals are treated both personally and legally?

COPH researcher studies link between red tide and risk of gestational hypertension

Those who live along Florida’s west coast know better than to swim in the Gulf during a red tide outbreak, as the smell, stinging eyes and countless dead fish on the beach warn residents to stay away. But what about people who reside nearby, especially pregnant women who might be vulnerable to airborne toxins?

Accolades

Dr. Judith Rijnhart recognized with Early Career Award from the American College of Epidemiology

Dr. Judith Rijnhart has been honored with the 2025 Early Career Epidemiologist Award from the American College of Epidemiology (ACE).

Grads Made Good

COPHers are forever green and gold

The USF College of Public Health (COPH) alumni community showed their Bull pride during a week packed with energy, connection and celebration as part of USF’s 61st Homecoming. The COPH community came together to make memories and celebrate what it means to be a Bull.

Take Note

Featured Media

Leaders in Online Education

Pursuing public health isn’t just a career choice. It’s a commitment to a healthier, more resilient future for all. It saves lives on a global scale, ensures everyone has access to the foundations of a healthy life, combats the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, offers interdisciplinary opportunities and career flexibility, and empowers the next generation to lead the charge.

Now more than ever, the world needs public health and public health needs you.

Tune in and then apply to the University of South Florida and help advance the public's health!

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Upcoming Events

COPH Recruiting: This is Public Health (TIPH) Virtual Fair

Tuesday, October 28

COPH Recruiting: USF Tampa - Connections & Opportunities in Health

Wednesday, October 29

COPH Recruiting: New College of Florida Graduate & Professional School Expo

Wednesday, October 29

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Student Association's Operation Outbreak

Thursday, October 30