Public Health Student Association
What is PHSA?
The Public Health Student Association (PHSA) is the student led
organization and student governing body at the UIC School of Public
Health. PHSA’s roles are to act as a liaison between students and faculty,
promote career development through networking events, promote student
involvement in the school community, and represent the needs of students
of the School of Public Health.
All enrolled students of the UIC School of Public Health are members of
PHSA. Students are encouraged to volunteer and participate in all events.
The PHSA Administration will be having all-student General meetings.
Please watch the SPH listserv for details.
Our mission is to serve the students of the UIC School of Public Health. In order to fulfill our mission we plan:
- To be a voice for the student body
- To be a bridge between the administration and the students
- To promote public health initiatives
- To support students in their pursuit of academic excellence
- To create a friendly environment that fosters social interactions between students, faculty and staff
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The Public Health Student Association (PHSA) is a non dues-paying membership organization. All students of the School of Public Health are considered active PHSA members. We encourage students to participate in at least two events held by the organization per semester.
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2008-2009 Officers:
President – Eric Gebbie, DrPH student
I am a student in the DrPH in leadership program and graduate assistant in the school's Illinois Public Health Preparedness Center. My ongoing work is in emergency preparedness consulting, training, and evaluation for public health and other agencies. Like many students, I am a newcomer to Chicago after living several years in New York City and central New York state. My previous experience includes fieldwork for human rights violation monitoring, foreign languages, and archaeology. Previously I studied social anthropology and linguistics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, and human rights and humanitarian affairs at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
Vice President – Adrienne Dellinger, CHS, MPH student
I am a second year MPH student in CHS with an Interdepartmental Concentration in Women’s Health. I moved to Chicago in 2004 from Phoenix, Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and the desire to conduct research at a prestigious university. I worked for two years as a Research Assistant in the Clinical Addictions Research Laboratory at the University of Chicago studying social drinking and nicotine use behaviors, eventually leading to a position conducting survey research at the National Opinion Research Center (NORC). While working at NORC in the Public Health & Epidemiology department, I found my niche and decided to pursue my MPH degree. I have a passion for women’s health and reproductive rights and hope to serve fellow students as the Vice President of PHSA.
Treasurer– Beverly Abadom, EOHS, MPH student
I am a second year graduate student in the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Division, interested in Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology track. Although born in the United States, I obtained most of my education in Nigeria. A trained Microbiologist with six years of overseas experiences in administrative operations, IT, customer and community services. Before returning to the United States, I worked with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and other non governmental health organisations. I am currently a member of the Advisory Board of both the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois and Illinois Sickle Cell Action Network. I love music, cooking and working with people. I am a resourceful person, have strong passion to help people and possess the ability to easily establish a rapport with people from multicultural backgrounds. My ambition is to work with United Nations/international health agencies in developing countries to strengthen the development of public health internationally.
Co-Secretary – Nazneen Ather, Epidemiology, MPH student
I am a first year MPH student in the division of Epidemiology. I am an alumnus of the University of Illinois at Chicago where I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Sociology. I am very excited to be a part of the Public Health Student Association (PHSA). I enjoy representing the student body at the School of Public Health, and I want to ensure that all of the students’ voices are being heard and changes are being implemented accordingly. I hope the PHSA will be an avenue where students and faculties interrelate and students of various divisions connect. I am very enthusiastic about the activities and events the PHSA will be hosting for the 2008-2009 school year, and I am sure they will exceed your expectations!
Co-Secretary – Suraj Panthi, EOHS, MPH student
Suraj is a first year MS student in EOHS who emerges from Nepal. He is a 2008 Biochemistry graduate of the college of St. Scholastica, Duluth MN. Chemistry of air and water pollution is the subject of his current interest. His research project at UIC involves the analysis of Pool waters for Cyanuric Acid which is a part of the CHEERS Project. Traveling, networking, interrupting injustice and the art of living have always been his passion. He chose to pursue Public Health studies because of its applications in bigger settings that just match his interests. Prior to his arrival to Chicago, he lived on campus in Duluth, MN where he worked as a Residential Advisor, Chemistry TA, Computer Help Desk TA and a Peer Minister. He is thankful to be a part of PHSA and is looking forward to working closely with fellow students.
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Membership in PHSA provides a number of benefits for students in all divisions and degree levels. As the governing body for the School of Public Health, PHSA represents the voices of students. Student involvement in PHSA is crucial to the continued success of the School and includes the following benefits:
- Access to other students and mentors within the school for networking opportunities.
- Opportunity to run for and hold office.
- Invitations to receptions for speakers and presenters at special events.
- A democratic forum to express opinions, suggestions, and concerns with the Administration of SPH.
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General Student Body Meetings
SPH Student Lounge
Wednesdays from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
- October 8, 2008 – Join us in a discussion about student committees, APHA and more!
- November 5, 2008
- December 3, 2008
There will food, beverage, and raffles at all meetings.
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The PHSA has a variety of events planned for this academic year. In addition to the listing below, please check the SPH events calendar for any updated event information.
The Annual Fall Networking Event - November 13th, 5:30-7:30 p.m., SPHPI 932
Career Services presents this fabulous event offering students an opportunity to network with SPH alumni and various public health professionals. You will meet individuals who are interested in sharing their career experiences with you. This event is important in helping you build professional relationships, learning tips and strategies for entering the job market, and discovering how to apply your unique skills and interest to develop a satisfying and successful career in public health. For more information, contact Adela Pena.
136th Annual APHA Conference, San Diego, CA – October 25th-29th, 2008
PHSA is making hotel arrangements for UIC SPH students wanting to attend this great event. Please contract Eric Gebbie for more information.
Special student body designated meetings regarding APHA will be held on the following dates:
- Wednesday, October 8, 2008 – Student Lounge 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
31st Annual International Night: SPH – Date to be determined
The 31st Annual International Night is a celebration of all ethnicities, cultures, and locations, coming together through Public Health. More Information to follow.
Public Health Week - SPH - April 5th– April 11th, 2009
Come join the SPH community as we celebrate the accomplishments, solutions, problems, and recommendations for the Public Health agenda. Ideas or themes that students have are welcomed.
Please feel free to contact any member via email, however, we would love to meet you face-to-face at one of our many events!
Eric Gebbie
Adrienne Dellinger
Beverly Abadom
Nazneen Ather
Suraj Panthi
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