Public Health

Remarks

erika ziller, chair of public health

Graduation is always bittersweet for the Public Health faculty as we say goodbye to students, yet are confident in the knowledge that they will make critical contributions to the health of Maine and beyond. Under COVID-19, the edges of these emotions are even sharper. We are deeply saddened that we can’t celebrate this important achievement directly with you and your loved ones right now. At the same time, we are inspired by your resilience and tenacity during this crisis. You have continued to show up, learn in unexpected formats, and expect the best we can teach you—all while exercising remarkable compassion for us and each other. While it’s hard not to be anxious about the future, I rest much easier knowing that each of you will be out there, becoming tomorrow’s public health leaders.

To our second cohort of undergraduates: you picked quite the time to study public health! Thank you for powering through the fledgling BSPH degree and bringing your unique gifts to our program. To our graduate students: thank you for the wisdom and experience you’ve contributed to classroom discussions, community projects, and faculty research. Thank you all for being part of our learning community—we are so proud of you!

special Recognitions

outstanding
student

outstanding
capstone

outstanding capstone

Courtney Ampezzan

Courtney's MPH degree will be her second from USM, having previously earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) here in 2014. This educational trajectory has been motivated by a life-long drive to improve the well-being of Maine's citizens, particularly those who are inadequately served by the health care system. Faculty and students who have had the opportunity to learn with Courtney admire her acerbic wit and are grateful for her generous heart. A fierce advocate for public health, Courtney played an active role in Maine’s recent referendum to improve vaccination rates, juggling this critical community service with a full day of work and classes. She has demonstrated this commitment within the Public Health program as well by engaging in numerous informal opportunities to support the department and improve students’ experience. The faculty are delighted to present Courtney with this award and wish her every future success. Congratulations Courtney!

Jessica DiBiase

Jessica DiBiase tied for Outstanding Capstone based on her project: A Preliminary Analysis of Emergency Department Physician Well-Being. Working with a team at MaineHealth, Jess channeled her long-standing interest in provider burnout into a study examining the wellbeing of emergency department providers during the current public health emergency. The faculty were particularly impressed with Jess’ attention to detail, analytic skills and the professionalism of her Capstone presentation and paper. Congratulations Jess!

Mike Flaherty

Michael Flaherty tied for Outstanding Capstone based on his project: Differences in Rural vs. Urban Injury Hospitalizations and Access to Care in Maine (2015 – 2020): Statistical and Geographic Perspectives. Mike combined the experience he gained using health care data during his Field Experience with GIS skills to examine injury-related hospitalizations in Maine, particularly in rural areas of the state. Mike demonstrated sophisticated mapping abilities and a nuanced understanding of the risks facing our rural populations. Congratulations Mike!

graduates

Master of Public Health

Jennifer Alexander

My time in the MPH program at USM was full of valuable experiences. Each course and conversation was an educational experience. I not only learned from my professors, but from my classmates as well. I have made many personal and professional connections that I will continue to carry with me.


Lynda M Morgan-Moore

In addition to my MPH I also completed the Master in Applied Medical Science (a defunct program) with a concentration in Epidemiology. The MPH faculty, Deans in STEM, Pres. Glen Cummings and the Maine Law faculty/staff were instrumental in all working together to assure my Thesis/Capstone met the rigors of both programs. It was a marvel of collaboration and personal support. I grew immensely from this experience. Words of wisdom: Never be afraid to push back.



Elora Way

A class I took with Dr. Kate Ahrens opened up a whole new world of research for me which ultimately lead to a very meaningful research collaboration and set me off in a new professional direction.

More about Jennifer


Plans for after graduation:

I plan to grow my professional career while continuing my education.


Favorite professor or course:

I can honestly say I loved all of my professors.


More about Lynda

Plans for after graduation:

Hopefully, pursuing a career in legal environmental epidemiology or Public Health law.

Favorite professor or course:

Favorite course was Health Law and Ethics. Favorite professor was Maine Law Professor Donald Zillman

Michael Flaherty

My time as a graduate assistant for the MaineCare Cooperative Agreement has without a doubt helped jump start all of my technical abilities. Thank you to Carolyn, Yvonne, Kim, Zach, Cathy, Sara and Deb for allowing me to participate in all aspects of the project and helping me grow!



Kristina Stewart

Not only did I find my advisor, Judith Tupper, to be an incredible and valuable asset, I also found my field experience to be one that led me to my position at MaineGeneral Medical Center. My field experience was at the Maine CDC, focused on hospital acquired infectious disease. I learned so much that expanded on, and built upon what I had already gained in my understanding of public health at USM.



Courtney Ampezzan

All of the staff within my program were incredibly supportive and compassionate as I worked towards my goal of graduation




More about Michael


Plans for after graduation:

Public Health Analyst for the Vermont Department of Health


Favorite professor or course:

Dr. Katherine Ahrens

More about Kristina

Plans for after graduation:

I will be attending Walden University pursuing my Doctorate in Public Health.


Favorite professor or course:

Brenda Joly, undoubtedly the best professor I had!

More about Courtney

Plans for after graduation:

I plan to continue my work with MaineHealth


Katharine S.F. Knight

I have appreciated how the Muskie School has incorporated different but important topics and aspects within their public health program. The faculty continuously encouraged students to improve performance to push their personal limits. The graduate assistantship positions provided a chance for students to develop professional experience. I am very grateful to USM and the public health faculty for their guidance, mentorship, and opportunities.



shannon roche

Working with Jamie Picardy, the Food Studies professor was an amazing connection which led to great research and policy experiences.




More about Katharine

Plans for after graduation:

After graduation, I am going to work for the Cutler Research Institute as a Research Analyst.


Favorite course or professor:

Dr. Katherine "Kate" Ahrens


More about Shannon

Plans for after graduation:

I look forward to working in food security, policy and behavioral health programming


Favorite course or professor:

Erika Ziller was my favorite professor I enjoyed Health policy and American Health Systems.

additional MPH graduates

Etienne Bobe

Rachel Grubb

Katharine Freund

Joseph Mallo

Suzanne McMahon

Marissa Paul

Kelsey Poirier

Kyla Sturtevant

Jamie Shead

Kristina Marie Stewart

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

special recognition

Courtney Leblanc

The Public Health faculty are delighted to name Courtney as the 2021 Outstanding BSPH student. Courtney has consistently stood out in the Public Health major as a motivated student who strives to be actively engaged in her learning opportunities. Her instructors describe her as a diligent student who always came to class prepared and eager to learn. In the classroom, she stood out for her work and motivation to apply what she was learning in practice. Courtney recently completed her Field Experience in a primary care setting where she worked to develop strategies to engage patients with complex health care needs. Applying skills that she’d gained in the classroom, Courtney identified patients that were experiencing gaps in care and worked with them to identify the barriers behind those gaps. Congratulations on all of your hard work, Courtney!

bachelor of science in public health graduates

Samantha King

USM gave me the opportunity to find myself and discover what I want for my future. I have met many wonderful people and made connections that will last a lifetime.

abigail griffen

I appreciated my time at USM!

additional BSPH graduates

Zoe Blacquier

Murseal Nabi

Chelsea Rairdon

Certificate of Graduate Study in Healthcare Quality & Patient Safety

Courtney Ampezzan

Erin Corica

Marissa Paul

Shannon Jagger

Kristina Stewart

Certificate of Graduate Study in public health

Katherine Freund

Students: Fill out this form to share a photo and something about your Muskie School experience.