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
student
outstanding
capstone
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
Lynda M Morgan-Moore
Elora Way
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
Kristina Stewart
Courtney Ampezzan
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
shannon roche
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
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