USF College of Public Health Monday Letter, July 13

Features

Intern spotlight: Reflecting on my practicum experience

COPH MPH student Sarah Savage reflects on her International Applied Practice Experience with Lake Health and Wellbeing in St. Kitts and Nevis, where she supported projects focused on health accessibility and community health.

COPH names new academic and research leaders

The COPH is welcoming several leadership transitions this summer as faculty members take on new roles across the college and USF Health. The appointments recognize years of service to the college while supporting its continued focus on education, research, faculty development and community engagement.

Research

USF research highlights inconsistencies in state laws on adolescent consent after sexual assault

COPH's Dr. Katherine Drabiak’s new research explores how consent laws for adolescent sexual assault care vary across all 50 states.

USF team strives to build stronger networks in treating opioid use disorder in pregnancy

Pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder (OUD) are among the most vulnerable and underserved populations in our health care system − but they can greatly benefit from a more connected system of support and treatment.

Public health student stresses need to improve lactation room access across USF campus

Let’s say you’re a young mother attending classes at USF and your newborn is hungry. Where do you go to breastfeed or pump? A student researcher at the COPH hopes to make the choice more convenient by increasing the number of campus lactation stations and enhancing their access and quality.

USF doctoral student employs AI in fight against parasites

Every year around the world, more than 750,000 people die from parasite-borne diseases such as malaria and those linked to contaminated food and water. Doctoral student Calvin Lung wants to reduce these numbers by using artificial intelligence as a tool in fighting what scientists say could and should be preventable illnesses.

Accolades

USF genetic counseling program director receives FLAGC Impact Award

The COPH's Dr. Deborah Cragun, professor and director of the USF Genetic Counseling Program, has received the Impact Award from the Florida Association of Genetic Counselors.

Grads Made Good

Medicine was the start, public health the destination

As an alumnus of the USF’s College of Public Health, Lucas “Luca” Hicks has built a career focused on improving the health of communities. While his academic focus initially pointed toward medicine, his experiences outside the classroom reshaped his trajectory.

Take Note

Featured Media

USF COPH: MHA degree capstone experience

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.

In their final semester at the University of South Florida College of Public Health, master of health administration students put everything they've learned into action through capstone projects.

Tune in as students and preceptors share their experiences tackling real challenges inside health care organizations.

Ready to lead in health care? Learn more about the MHA program then apply to the University of South Florida and help advance the public's health!

View all COPH videos

Upcoming Events

Summer Session D classes begin

Monday, July 13

Diplomado de Investigación en Salud

July 13 – September 14

COPH Recruitment: 2026 NACCHO360 Conference

July 14 – 17

Strengthening Safety in Action Summit

Wednesday, July 15

Employer Spotlight Information Session

Wednesday, July 15

COPH Alumni Society Planning Retreat

Saturday, July 25

COPH Orlando Alumni Reception

Tuesday, July 28

In Your Neighborhood: Orlando

Wednesday, July 29

COPH Recruitment: 2026 FPHA Annual Educational Conference

July 29 – 30

Developmental Deficits in Offspring of HIV-1–Mothers: Bridging the Known and the Unknown

Thursday, July 30

COPH Graduate Graduation Celebration

Friday, August 7

Summer Commencement

August 8-9

Fall classes begin

Monday, August 24

This Is Public Health Graduate School Fair at the USF COPH

Wednesday, October 14

COPH Recruitment: APHA Annual Meeting

November 1-4

View all events

Public Health Matters | The Magazine

Check out the inaugural issue of Public Health Matters The Magazine, featuring stories that showcase the impact of public health across the COPH and beyond.

Media Mentions

8 Snacks That Offer as Much Protein as Cottage Cheese—Plus Dietitian Tips

Verywell Health - June 6, 2026

State data on infant formula safety raises questions following expert review | FOX 13 Tampa Bay

Fox 13 - June 8, 2026

Warning about an unusually active tick season

WFTS (ABC) - June 9, 2026

Temple Terrace looks into fixing levels of 'forever chemicals' in its water system

WUSF - June 9, 2026

Is your bread safe? Here’s what to know after Florida study finds pesticide in store-bought bread | FOX 13 Tampa Bay

Fox 13 - June 9, 2026

Expert warns of ethical concerns over Title 42 order - WMNF 88.5 FM

WMNF 88.5 FM - June 10, 2026

Class Notes

Cara de la Cruz, PhD, MPH, is a senior public health analyst in the Maternal and Child Health Bureau for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Gabriella Lugo, MHA, CPH, is an administrative fellow at Gastro Florida.

Gabriela Moore, MPH, CPH, earned the rank of lieutenant colonel as a public health officer in the U.S. Air Force.

Alexis (Lexi) Robinson, MPH, is a health resource coordinator at Senior PharmAssist.

Click here to submit a idea for consideration in a future newsletter!

University of South Florida College of Public Health

13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56 | Tampa, FL 33612