Student Involvement in theTulane MCPHLT Program |
2009 MCH Student Advisory Board
Check out who the MCH Board of Student Advisors currently are by clicking here! Student Advisory Board members are currently conducting focus groups. Read the February issue of the MCPHLT newsletter to learn more! |
Current Tulane MCPHLT Scholars |
Lauren Dito
Graduating May 2010
Maternal and Child Health
Hometown(s): San Rafael, CA, & New Orleans, LA
I have a Psychology background with an emphasis on clinical child psychology but I felt compelled to shift my focus to prevention. After Hurricane Katrina I returned to California and I became a certified yoga instructor as well as a certified Acupressurist. Upon moving back to NOLA to teach yoga I found Tulane's Public Health Master's program and it struck me as the perfect synthesis of psychology, holistic health and community progress. |  |
My favorite thing(s) about New Orleans is its chameleon-like quality; the ability to maintain a small town feel with all the benefits (and challenges) of an urban city, the old traditions like music and food mixing with the new traditions and social movements, the "work hard, play hard" attitude of the residents and of course all the potential for further greatness. I am currently part of a research lab that is studying the mental health outcomes of women who were pregnant during Hurricane Katrina and now the mental health outcomes of their children 3 years later. I am also still teaching yoga at an uptown studio as well as a free class at the School of Public Health. My favorite activity I participated in with the MCPHLT program was the RAP sessions with the MCPHLT supervisors to discuss all of the exciting possibilities for my future. The supervisors have a wealth of experience and ideas to offer anyone looking for a little guidance. |
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Byron D. Hughes
Graduating May 2010
Maternal & Child Health/Health Education and Communication
Hometown: Houston, TX
My academic background includes studies focusing on Anthropology and Biology. I believe that the combination of both of these fields provide a unique foundation for public health. Thus, I felt that New Orleans was a great place to conduct and study public health in light of its’ recent natural disaster. (Hurricane Katrina) |  |
I recently finished working with the Prevention Research Center at Tulane on a CDC funded project: “Partnership for an Active Community Environment." Currently, I am working as a Resident Advisor for Tulane’s Housing and Residence Life Department and I am the President of The Society of Young Black Public Health Professionals. I am now in the process of applying for fellowships and other scholar programs. My volunteer experience is very broad and includes working with the homeless, volunteering at physicians’ offices, mentoring and tutoring. The team-building outreach program at Pierre A. Capdau Elementary School was my favorite activity of the MCPHLT Scholarship program last semester. I love working with youth and adolescents. Overall, it gave me a sense of the individuals that I will encounter on a day-to-day basis once I begin my community center. It was a refreshing feeling to be able to give back. |
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| Sandra Valenciano
Graduating May 2010
Global MCH
Hometown: Miami, FL
I graduated in 2008 with a B.A. in Community Health. I came to Tulane SPHTM because I wanted to further my study of the public health field and because of my genuine interest in the health of women and children globally. Tulane's MPH program in Global Maternal and Child Health fit perfectly with my future goals and I could think of no better place to study public health than in New Orleans. My favorite things about New Orleans are the music and the genuine love people have for the city. |
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This academic year, I worked as a research assistant for Dr. Harville's Katrina Moms Study. I volunteered at the Lower Ninth Ward Clinic through Doctors for Global Health. I'm also one of the fabulous Community Health Sciences Department student office assistants. My favorite part of the MCPHLT scholar program was looking for community organizations that are public health oriented and actually volunteering with them. Through this activity, I was able to volunteer with the Fleur de Vie Clinic - a Tulane student-run, free health care clinic. As a result, I am now the Public Health Coordinator of the clinic for the 2009-2010 year! |
