News & Events

APEx student recognized locally for work on emergency preparedness projects

Simulation: Patient evacuation from Shoshone River, Wyoming.

Online Applied Practice Experience (APEx) student, Elise Lowe, MD, has been recognized in her community for work related to her APEx project. Elise was featured by the local news in Cody, Wyo. where she is working in the community on her project focused on emergency preparedness. For the project, Elise is working with the Emergency Preparedness Director at the local hospital, the Park County Emergency Manager, the Park County Public health Response Coordinator and Search and Rescue. The project includes both tabletop and full-scale exercises designed… Continue Reading

Nebraskans recognized as defenders of public health with inaugural award

2022 Nebraska Public Health Defender Award recipients

Two Nebraskans have been recognized with the 2022 Public Health Defender Award. The award, in its inaugural year, recognizes rising public health practice leaders who exemplify an unwavering commitment to health equity and social justice, and have spoken truth to power. Through demonstrated leadership, they are creating conditions for all communities to be healthy and thrive. The Nebraska Public Health Defender Award is in honor of Dr. Magda Peck and Dr. James Anderson, who championed and defended the public’s health in Nebraska for over 20… Continue Reading

Awards presented at College of Public Health convocation

Students and faculty receiving awards

Faculty and student awards were presented at the College of Public Health’s convocation held May 4. The following College of Public Health faculty members and students were honored: Excellence in Teaching Award: Lorena Baccaglini, D.D.S., Ph.D., associate professor, epidemiology, for her ability to break down and teach complex statistical concepts with humor and enthusiasm. Carruth J. Wagner, M.D., Faculty Prize in Public Health: Fernando Wilson, Ph.D., acting director and associate professor, Center for Health Policy, for his contribution to the recent closing of liquor stores… Continue Reading

Nirosha Rathnayake

Nirosha Rathnayake

Student Highlight: Nirosha Rathnayake Hometown: Kandy, Sri Lanka Degree and concentration: Ph.D. Biostatistics What brought you to the field of public health? I grew up in a farming family. My parents helped to provide me with opportunities that allowed me to work outside the farm environment, opening my eyes to many other careers. Since childhood, my brother has been my role model. Watching his path and with his encouragement, I started exploring the world of mathematics and science. I dedicated myself and worked hard to… Continue Reading

Anthony Blake 

Anthony Blake

Student Highlight:  Anthony Blake  Hometown: Originally born in Phoenix Arizona, but moved to Omaha in 1994.   Degree and concentration: Masters of Public Health, Environmental & Occupational Health concentration  What brought you to the field of public health? I have always had a passion for helping others, and I feel that the field of public health is going to allow me to do that on a grand scale. Additionally, it allows me to continue my education and passion for the sciences.   What do you like most… Continue Reading

Emily Blanchard

Student Highlight: Emily Blanchard Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska Degree Program/Concentration:  Public Health Certificate in Maternal and Child Health What brought you to the field of public health? I’ve been working in public health and healthcare since 2002. I joined the Peace Corps after college and spent three years in El Salvador as a health education volunteer. When I returned to the states, I went to nursing school. I have worked in high-risk obstetrics in an academic hospital for 13 years and knew that eventually, I wanted… Continue Reading

Nada Alnaji

Nada Alnaji

Student Highlight: Nada Alnaji Hometown: Qatif, Saudi Arabia Degree Program/Concentration: Ph.D. in Epidemiology What brought you to the field of public health? I started my career in clinical medicine then I realized that public health has a bigger impact when it comes to solving global health problems, especially the ones related to minorities and for those in conflict settings. “Saving lives, a million at a time.” What do you like most about the COPH? I like that it is a small college where people know… Continue Reading