WHAT IS SPHA?
The Stempel Public Health Association (SPHA) is the student organization of the FIU Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work. We are dedicated to enhancing students’ educational experiences and professional development by providing information, resources, and opportunities through community projects, advocacy, and networking.
SPHA provides a forum for the community of public health graduate students and alumni students to get involved. SPHA activities include guest lectures, participation in community outreach, conference involvement, and special public health social events. SPHA involvement is a great way to explore field placement opportunities and network with future employers.
WHAT IS SPHA’s MISSION?
SPHA is committed to providing community service and professional development opportunities for students and alumni. It is our hope to foster the knowledge, skills, and experience that will produce tomorrow’s highest qualified public health professionals.
HOW CAN I BECOME INVOLVED?
You can join today by filling out the membership application and dropping off a $15.00 check or money order payable to “SPHA”. Our membership chair is in charge of recruitment. Please e-mail us at FIUSPHA@gmail.com or find our application form via our OrgSync page http://www.orgsync.com/
HOW OFTEN ARE THE MEETINGS HELD?
The executive board meets on a weekly basis. However, general meetings with all SPHA members are held on a monthly basis. Several SPHA activities are scheduled on a bi-weekly basis. We encourage you to keep informed via OrgSync http://www.orgsync.com/
Executive Board 2010-2011
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Dr. Gilbert Ramirez DrPH
Professor and Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs
SPHA Faculty Advisor 2009-2010
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Ehi Azugbene (SPHA President)
Ehi Azugbene is currently pursuing her Master in Public Health with a specialization in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work. She is originally from Nigeria where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Human Anatomy. As a future Public health Professional, she plans to focus on International health. Under her Presidency SPHA has continued to raise awareness on issues such as alcoholism, substance abuse, injury prevention, sexual health, HIV and cancer. Health education issues such as the promotion of healthy lifestyle and prevention of chronic conditions are also some of the campaigns SPHA is involved in to benefit the FIU Community. |
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Joy Knight, CHES (SPHA Vice President)
Joy is currently pursuing her Master in Public Health with a specialization in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at FIU's Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work. Joy will be graduating in May 2011. She plans to pursue a career with the federal government specializing in Sexual Health with a specific concentration in HIV/AIDS. In her leisure time, Joy enjoys spending time with friends, cooking, and being outdoors. |
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Aline Zirakamwa (SPHA Secretary)
Aline Zirakamwa from Rwanda is a MPH student, second semester at FIU majoring in Public health, specialization Epidemiology. She obtained her Bachelor degree of Science in Biology December 2009 at Brenau University Women College in Gainesville Georgia. She is the Secretary for SPHA and serves as International Student Ambassador with undergraduate admission. She is interested in working with the Health Organization helping in improving health life in the community-live health live longer. |
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Merlyn Puente (Treasurer)
Merlyn is working towards her graduate degree in Public Health concentrating on Health Policy and Management. Her experience with community health centers prepared her to understand the complexities of community engagement and collaboration. She plans to work towards empowering and educating low-income underserved communities to improve their built environment through developing and recommending local and state policy changes. At her leisure, Merlyn enjoys creative cooking and outdoor activities.. |
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Ebonie N. Parris, CHES (SPHA CSO Representative)
Ebonie is currently pursuing her Master in Public Health with a specialization in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University. She is originally from Georgia where she earned her degree in Health Science. As a future Public health Professional, she plans to focus on Women's Health as it pertains to minority populations and contributing to their overall health and wellness. |
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Marijoyce Naguit - (SPHA Membership Chair)
Marijoyce Naguit is a second year MPH candidate with a focus in Epidemiology. She is from the Bay Area, California and obtained her Bachelors of Art in Public Health from University of California, Berkeley. Her professional experience gained from working at San Francisco Department of Public Health fostered an underlying interest in Epidemiology. As a future epidemiologist, she hopes to use her expertise to help combat disparities in cancer and infectious disease. With her position as Membership Chair, Marijoyce aspires to promote and encourage all students and faculty of FIU to take advantage of the volunteer and network opportunities provided by SPHA.
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Karen Iglesias (SPHA Events Chair)
Karen Iglesias is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Health with a specialization in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at FIU. She also graduated from FIU in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Psychology. Her passion for public health is in helping the immigrant communities of South Florida, especially the farm worker population. She plans to open a non-profit organization which will help our communities by mobilizing, educating and advocating for public health issues. |
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Neha Upadhyay (Fundraising Chair)
Neha is currently in her 2nd semester, pursuing a Master's in Public Health from the Robert Stempel College of Public Health. Born and raised in Malaysia, she obtained her medical training in Nepal, her country of origin, and practiced in the Departments of Pediatrics and Gynecology as a Medical Officer. She hopes to improve on the current state of reproductive health in the Southern regions of Asia and aspires to work for the World Health Organization. |