- Elizabeth Molinet (VPH)
- Oluwafemifola Oyedeji (HPM)
- Zeruiah Viola Buchanan (CHE)
- Tim Chamberlain (DVM/MPH)
- Emma Barnes (HPM)
- Pragya Gautam Poudel (CHE)
- Max Taylor (HPM)
- Todd French (VPH)
- Jennifer Graham (CHE)
Elizabeth Molinet
Dual DVM-MPH
Hometown:
Memphis, TN
Previous Education:
- Neuroscience BS, Duke University (Durham, NC)
- Minors in French and Visual Media Studies
Awards since joining the program:
- Spring 2020 – Dr. June D. Gorski Scholarship Endowment Award
Accomplishments since joining the program
- Summer 2020 – Worked as a COVID-19 case and contact tracer at the East TN Regional Health Office
- Summer 2020 – Gave a presentation to the TN Department of Health about COVID-19 and pets during their monthly One Health meeting
- Summer 2020 – Wrote a policy brief about COVID-19 death reporting in the United States for UTK’s CORE-19 . It can be read here.
- 2019-2020 – UTK SAVMA (Student American Veterinary Medical Association) Vice President
Current Occupation:
Full-time Student
Personal interests:
- Indoor rock climbing
- Yoga
- Figure skating
- Mushroom foraging
- Painting
- Crocheting
- Interior design,
- Photography
- Traveling
Future or Vocational Goals:
I am fascinated by the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health, and I believe that my academic career has uniquely positioned me to succeed in this very important and rapidly developing nexus of fields. With climate change and globalization altering the disease ecology of our planet, an integrated and holistic perspective is becoming increasingly vital. I believe that the best way to address and solve complicated public health issues is through the lens of a One Health framework, which considers human, animal, and environmental wellbeing together. Professionally, I would love to work at an organization like the CDC, WHO, NIH, or Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and track the epidemiology of disease spillover events between animals and humans across the globe.
W
hat do you think has been the most rewarding or challenging thing about this program?
At times, it has been challenging to balance the concurrent DVM and MPH classes – some semesters, I’ve been enrolled in 11 courses at once! Thankfully, the classes have been fascinating, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to combine my veterinary and public health interests in a seamless manner. My veterinary courses help me understand the physiologic basis for many emerging infectious diseases, and the public health courses help me think of ways to address these diseases at the population level in both humans and animals.
What is the best tidbit/find you have about the University of Tennessee or Knoxville?
Knoxville has a lot of amazing food and beautiful places to hike! Some of my favorite restaurants are Asia Kitchen, Yassin’s Falafel, Kaya Korean, Hard Knox Pizza, and Best Bagels in Town. My boyfriend and I take our dog on a lot of hikes, and we especially love our trips to Ijams, Sharp’s Ridge, and Plumb Creek dog park.
Oluwafemifola Oyedeji
Health Policy and Management
Hometown:
Okemesi Ekiti, Nigeria
Previous Education:
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria
Awards since joining the program:
- 2019-2020 Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) International Peace Scholarship award.
The International Peace Scholarship Fund, established in 1949, is a program which provides scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada.
Accomplishments since joining the program
- Graduate Research Assistant (2018 – present)
Assisting Dr. Brown with Tennessee Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence Grant
- Graduate Research Assistant, Maternal and Child Health Research Group (Summer 2019)
Assisted Dr. Ehrlich with research in women with Gestational Diabetes mellitus
- HPM Student Representative, MPH Academic Program Committee, University of Tennessee (2018 – Present)
- Proctor at the 2019 Disease Detectives Tournament, Tennessee Science Olympiad
Personal interests:
I enjoy cooking, especially trying out new recipes when I am not working. I enjoy the ability to mix different flavors and food ingredients and sometimes I just do it over if it does not turn out so well. I also love going to the movies with family and friends or watching at home. I enjoy comedy, drama and action movies.
Future or Vocational Goals:
I see myself as a Public Health Physician with a federal or international health organization in the future. I hope to work at an institution where I can apply the knowledge and skills I have garnered in clinical training and health policy and management. I believe this will help me contribute to developing and implementing effective and sustainable policies with significant community impact, especially in prevention and control chronic diseases as well as improving health care delivery system.
What sold you on this program/department/university?
At first it was its people. My husband was completing his Ph.D. program at the University, so that conveniently positioned the University of Tennessee among the Universities I was considering for my MPH program. My first point of contact with the department was Dr. Brown. Her eagerness to help and promptly provide me with valuable information made it easy for me to decide to passionately pursue my application for MPH program at the University of Tennessee. I love to know that there are people around me that can help me with the necessary information. It was my perception then and my experience now that the people here are friendly and are ready to help me have a meaningful learning and growing adventure. I decided to pursue a graduate degree in public health to garner valuable theory and professional experience. I feel I am achieving that purpose with the help of the professors, staff, and students here at the university. I love it here and would choose this program, department, and university all over again.
What would you tell an incoming student who joins the program/department?
To an incoming student, I would say the duration of your program goes by so fast. Take advantage of professional development opportunities as they come to improve your skills and knowledge in addition to your coursework. There are several of such resources, programs, activities, professional organizations meetings and research opportunities around the department. Also, make sure to discuss your career goals early with faculty members so that they can provide you with great resources and opportunities during your program.
Zeruiah Viola Buchanan
Community Health Education;
Minors in Epidemiology and Statistics
Hometown
Cordova, TN and Uniondale, NY
Previous Education
- Bachelor’s of Arts, Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Bachelor’s of Arts, Africana Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Accomplishments Since Joining the Program
- Diversity and Equity Committee Member
- Philanthropy Chair, Public Health Graduate Student Association
- Teaching Assistant with Dr. Kristina Kintziger for Biostatistics and Epidemiology
- Research Assistant in Dr. Samantha Ehrlich’s Lab
- Research Assistant for Dr. Laurie Meschke
Current Occupation
- Program Counselor, Peninsula Behavioral Health Hospital
Personal Interests
- Volunteer mentor with Girl Talk, Inc.
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Photography
- Writing poetry
- Traveling
Future or Vocational Goals
I will pursue my PhD in Epidemiology and NP license, with the intent of practicing as a Psychiatric Epidemiologist and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I plan to perform all of my jobs throughout life with social justice as an underlying priority and make sure the work I do continually combats and dismantles institutionalized oppression.
What would you tell an incoming student who joins this program?
Graduate school is fun and challenging but the most important thing is to make sure you are not intimidated by the challenge but rather motivated by it. You were admitted into this program because you are intelligent and unique, which means we have just as much to learn from you as you have to learn from us. As you go through this program it is important to share your experiences while being open-minded in order to respect and learn from the experiences and knowledge your peers and professors share. Our program provides a brave space to converse, so remember no matter what your point of view, you’re here to grow.
What do you think has been the most rewarding part of this program?
Being mentored by multiple faculty members is one of the best parts of this program. The amount of support and love I have received from the people in this program is heart-warming. It will be bitter-sweet saying goodbye in May!
Time management is the most challenging part because there are academics, working with professors, volunteering, social life, “ME TIME”, work, etc. which is challenging to juggle, but possible nonetheless.
Vita/Resume
Tim Chamberlain
DVM/MPH (Veterinary Public Health)
Hometown
Lodi, CA
Previous Education
BS in Biology from Nova Southeastern University (Davie, FL)
Accomplishments Since Joining the Program
- Gross Anatomy Lab Technician & Teaching Assistant: September 2016 to Present
- Radiology Club Wet Lab Coordinator: May 2017 to Present
- Vice President for the Class of 2020: September 2016 to May 2017
Current Occupation
- Chief Warrant Officer – US Army Special Operations Command – Africa: 2014 to Present
- Gross Anatomy Lab Technician & Teaching Assistant: September 2016 to Present
Personal Interests
- My pets (2 Standard Poodles & 2 cats – 1 tuxedo and 1 Himalayan)
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Camping
- Traveling
- Drawing
- Foreign Languages
- Scuba Diving
- Military Mentor
- Photography
- Visiting with Friends
Future or Vocational Goals
After graduation from veterinary school, I plan on staying in the Army as a Reserve Veterinarian, while also pursuing additional experience with small animals, domestic exotics, zoo populations, wildlife, and radiology. I hope to help under-developed countries with their veterinary needs and further expand the field of exotics, zoo, and wildlife diagnostic imaging.
What sold you on this program?
I chose this program after hearing feedback from other MPH students and speaking with veterinarians on the opportunities that are typically available to dual DVM/MPH degree holders. This program allows me to complete the MPH concurrently with my DVM with the support of very understanding faculty and staff. Although the additional courses are mostly at my own pace, I will have all requirements for the degree completed within two years from enrolling in the program.
What do you think has been the most rewarding part of this program?
The most rewarding aspect of this program is the exposure to public health as a veterinary student and the interaction I can have with human health professionals as we discuss One Health concerns. Our conversations are very fluid and although I know I benefit from their input, it also seems to be useful for the human health students to have input from the veterinary field. This collaboration is imperative to ensuring we all are considering secondary and tertiary effects that cross local and national boundaries, but also those that cross over into varied species.
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Emma Barnes
Health Policy and Management
Hometown
Richmond, KY
Previous Education
B.A. in Communication from Denison University (Granville, OH)
Awards Since Joining the Program
Travel Award for presentation at the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) Research Day, March 2017
Accomplishments Since Joining the Program
- President, Public Health Graduate Student Association
- Department Representative, Graduate Student Senate
- Presenter at Department Research Day, February 2017
- Poster presenter at CEHHS Research Day, March 2017
- Department Representative for Interprofessional Education (IPE) Team, Fall 2016
- Member of the DPH Equity and Diversity Committee
Current Occupation
- Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Laurie L. Meschke
- Student Researcher, COMPASS Grant Project, UT-Chattanooga
Personal Interests
Since moving to Knoxville in August of 2016, I love exploring the ins and outs of the city – it’s such a vibrant place that’s always buzzing with things to do! One of my favorite things is going to the Farmer’s Market; I enjoy walking around downtown (and petting all the dogs) and finding all the good food spots. In my leisure time, I love reading and watching House of Cards. I’m also a huge traveler – having friends all over the country gives me an excuse to get away
Future or Vocational Goals
After graduation, I’d ideally like to work for the federal government (NIH, CDC, HHS) in health communications, epidemiology, or strategic planning. My more immediate goals include working for an academic medical center, such as UT or Vanderbilt, or a state health department in a project management or strategic planning role. Any experience is good experience, so I’m open to all options!
What sold you on this program?
I initially became interested in healthcare after several internships during undergrad. However, as graduation approached I wasn’t quite sure how to merge that passion with the communication degree I was acquiring. Public health is an incredibly holistic field that combines several disciplines and acts on those different perspectives to help create social justice and health equity. I knew I had found my home with the MPH program at UTK when these values and goals aligned with my own.
What would you tell an incoming student who joins the program?
As Amelia Earhart once said, “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” This work is so important to improving the lives of so many – no matter the scale, just get out there and do it.
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Pragya Gautam Poudel
Community Health Education with minor in Statistics
Hometown
Pokhara, Nepal
Previous Education
- Master of Science (MSc) in Human Anatomy (Medical): April, 2012- May, 2014
Kathmandu University, Nepal - Bachelor of Science in Human Biology: August 2007- December, 2011
Kathmandu University, Nepal
Accomplishments Since Joining the Program
Provided administrative support to conduct graduate seminar (PUBH 509) under the guidance of Dr. Paul Campbell Erwin and Dr. Kathleen C. Brown – August, 2015- May, 2016
Teaching Assistant- Biostatistics (under Dr. Samantha F. Ehrlich)- Summer 2016
Current Occupation
Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) in the Department of Public Health, UTK.
Personal interests
I love to keep music loud and dance whenever I get off work or have free time. I enjoy traveling to new places, learning new languages, and cultures. I live in Knoxville with my loving, supporting, and caring husband. Every weekend I find some time to talk to my parents who are living in Nepal. Since I am an older child to my parents, I often play a key role when it comes to family decision making. Apart from this, I am a connoisseur of good food and love to visit different restaurants. I am a big fan of Thai food.
Future or Vocational Goals
I have always dreamed of helping mothers and babies! I want to provide better health care to mothers and babies who are suffering due to disasters, especially in developing nations. In the future, I would like to implement my knowledge of public health practically and turn my dream into reality.
What sold you on this department?
I was born and brought up in Nepal where I witnessed women suffering from several health issues and children dying at an early age from several treatable illnesses. Poverty, illiteracy, and natural disasters occurring every year are some of the common causes of people suffering there. This motivated me to go to the field of public health.
When my husband started his PhD at UTK, I got an opportunity to come to the United States. I came to Knoxville on May, 2014 and I couldn’t stop myself falling in love with this beautiful place. I wanted to continue my studies, but I had no idea where to start since the culture and place was new to me. Memories are still fresh! The first Google search I made was “Public Health, University of Tennessee, Knoxville”. I was passionate to continue my study in the field of Public Health with the goal to serve people. With this passion and enthusiasm, I applied to the Department of Public Health, UTK.
What would you tell an incoming student who joins the department?
After joining the Department of Public Health, UTK, I have learned public health in more detail. Every class I took at UTK has broadened my horizon in the field of public health. The department ambience is so comforting and ‘the Professors’ are so friendly and helpful which is contrasting to what I experienced previously. If you become lost in your courses, talk to the professors. Trust me, they will listen to your problem and guide you in a very commendable way. I have done this several times and it has WORKED!
Public health is very broad and is expanding everyday in response to the needs of communities and population around the world. The spread of disease is not simply related to biology, but it is largely related to social, economical, and political conditions. No one should die of a disease that can be treated. Every individual living in the community deserves to live a healthy life. We, public health people, live with the responsibilities to take actions and build a healthy community. Together, we can bring positive changes around the world.
Vita/Resume
Max Taylor 
Health Policy and Management
Hometown
Westmoreland, TN
Previous Education
Bachelor of Arts in both Spanish & Anthropology
Current Occupation
Administrative Coordinator, UT College of Nursing
Personal interests:
I serve as program manager at the Vine School Health Center, UT’s school-based, nurse-managed pediatric clinic. I regularly volunteer at many Knoxville News Sentinel events such as the Southern Appalachia regional spelling bee and Free Flu Shot Saturday. My hobbies include weightlifting, meditation, reading, cooking, and traveling with my wife Nicole.
Future or Vocational Goals:
After graduation I hope to work in emergency preparedness, disaster response, or program evaluation.
What sold you on this program?
I was initially interested in Public Health as a result of my work with the Vine School Health Center. As a UT employee, the fact that so many classes were offered in the evening was very attractive as well. I also had several wonderful discussions about the program with Dr. Charles Hamilton and program alumna Stephanie Welch that convinced me the program was right for me.
What would you tell an incoming student who joins the program?
As Professor Emeritus Charles Hamilton told me, an MPH is like an MBA with a heart. You need to believe, deep down, that everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy life and the opportunity to make healthy choices, and you need to believe that YOU can do something positive to help.
M. Todd French, DVM, MAJ, VC
Veterinary Public Health
Todd French is an MPH student in the veterinary public health concentration. He is also an active duty veterinarian and major in the US Army Veterinary Corps. His path to the University of Tennessee was long, winding, and unconventional. After a few years at a neighboring SEC institution in Georgia, Todd enlisted in the army as a veterinary assistant. Five years later, he relied on the army’s gracious offer to finance his education in order to earn a BS in animal science (2004) and a doctorate in veterinary medicine (2008) from North Carolina State University. That signaled a return to Raleigh, Todd’s city of birth, and enrollment in an institution from which his parents received five degrees.
Upon graduation from veterinary school, Todd entered the US Army Public Health Command. This afforded him opportunities as a clinical veterinary intern at the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Center in Texas, a stint as the base veterinarian for the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba, and a job as chief of the Fort Campbell Veterinary Branch in Kentucky. Along with Major Kari Olson and Major John Crawford, Todd is focusing his MPH efforts on the human-animal bond and particularly how animal assistance programs can be built and promoted for wounded soldiers and veterans within the military. He currently assists with the Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee (HABIT) program in the UT College of Veterinary Medicine. HABIT is graciously allowing him to spend the spring semester there as an intern. Among other things, this means that he occasionally gets to kiss French bulldogs.
Todd’s wife, Kristina, should be given credit for a lot of his success. The couple currently has no free time since the arrival of their son, Elliot, in April 2015. When they do have free time, they like falling asleep to Parks and Recreation reruns.
Jennifer Graham
Community Health Education
Jennifer Graham is a current student in the MPH program concentrating in community health education (CHE) and pursuing a minor in epidemiology. She is also pursuing a certificate in grant writing and proposal development through the Office of Research. Her interests are varied and include health communications, health promotion, emergency management and preparedness, and infectious disease control and prevention.
Jennifer is currently a graduate teaching assistant (GTA) in the Department of Public Health. As part of her GTA responsibilities, she is the editor for the MPH Memos and is the MPH alumni survey director. Additionally, she has collaborated with faculty members on grant proposals and a manuscript on data synthesis. For the last year, she has served as volunteer coordinator on the Healthy Transitions project, a volunteer group dedicated to helping refugees from Burundi adjust to living in Knoxville. She had the opportunity to attend the Tennessee Public Health Association’s Annual Education Conference in September 2012.
Jennifer enjoys spending her free time reading science fiction, eating international cuisine with friends, trying new recipes, and traveling as much as possible.