Experiential Learning Program - 2023 Fall

Purpose

The purpose of the Experiential Learning Program is to strengthen the Public Health workforce pipeline by preparing high school students to pursue careers in Public Health after post-secondary school graduation.

Goals

Research Writing
Interview Workshop
Academic Poster – Public Health Campaign
College Essay
Public Health Campaign
ACT Prep Workshop

Instructors

Dr. J. Elliott Casal

Assistant Professor, Department of English, the University of Memphis

Dr. Casal is an applied linguist with interests in corpus linguistics and corpus-based language teaching, second language/multilingual writing, and genre-based language teaching. Elliott’s work examines the functional and linguistic conventions of disciplinary and professional communication, the means by which language learners develop the linguistic and conceptual resources necessary to gain membership to discourse communities, and the role of corpora and corpus-tools in language teaching activity. His recent publications have adopted corpus-based discourse analytic approaches to syntactic complexity, phraseology, and ‘shell nouns’ in academic and professional genres, and he has also investigated qualitative approaches to assessing learner development through an emphasis on agency, creativity, and intentionality.

Dr. Courtnee Melton-Fant, PhD, MS

Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, the University of Memphis

Dr. Courtnee Melton-Fant is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Health Systems Management and Policy. Before joining the University of Memphis, Dr. Melton-Fant worked for a state-level public policy research center providing information and analysis to policymakers, the media, and the general public. Dr. Melton-Fant has experience conducting both academic and non-academic research ranging from clinical trials and health outcomes to analysis of state-level healthcare reforms for policymakers and advocacy groups. Her research interests include state- and local-level public policy, health outcomes, and racial health inequities. She is particularly interested in how broad-based public policies can be used as tools to improve the health of populations.

Cicely Odom

Tutor Memphis

Cicely Odom is a native Memphian and Memphis City School Alum, attending the city’s first charter school. After high school, Cicely continued her studies at LeMoyne-Owen College and University of Memphis. Having a natural love of mathematics and science, Ms. Odom attended Southwest Tennessee Community College and obtained several certifications in Mechanical Engineering and CAD. Southwest was so impressed with her achievements, they brought her aboard as an Academic Advisor and an Upward Bound math instructor. After several years working in secondary education, Cicely saw a great need to assist students prior to reaching the college level and decided to create Tutor Memphis. Tutor Memphis was born out of a need to prepare middle and high school students for standardized test to ensure every possible advantage to reaching their full potential. Ms. Odom is a dedicated and experienced tutor and mentor to many of the top students in the Memphis and surrounding areas. Specializing in making complex concepts understandable and engaging is her superpower. Her patient and personalized approach ensures that each student’s unique learning style is catered to. Ms. Odom recently obtained her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with goals to create a customized math curriculum that will meet the needs of underserved students in math and science. In her spare time, Cicely enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and giving back to her community.

Graduate Assistants

Elizabeth Butler

Graduate Assistant, School of Public Health

Liz graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Business and a minor in Criminal justice in 2021. During her undergrad years, she worked as a teaching assistant at Campus School, an after-care group leader with the YMCA of Memphis, and as a freelance photographer/editor. She is currently enrolled at the University of Memphis studying to receive her Master’s in Film & Video Production. Liz has joined the PH-IDEAS team to help create, instruct, and capture the students’ experiences during their time in the experiential learning program. Working with kids has always come naturally to her and she enjoys being able to help them flourish in whatever they choose to accomplish. When she is not at school or working, she enjoys playing and discovering new music, traveling and spending time with her dog, Asera, a very outspoken German Shepherd.

Matthew Horton

Graduate Assistant, School of Public Health

Matthew graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2021. During his undergraduate years, he was the Public Relations Manager for the Morehouse College Glee Club, part of the Honors Program, and part of the Judson Lyons Mentorship Initiative. He is currently enrolled for his Master's in Urban Health and has joined the PH-IDEAS team to help teach and guide the students during their time in the experiential learning program.

Optional dual enrollment course

PUBH 2181: Population health & society
This course offers an overview of the study of population health and will introduce students to the major social variables—social class, race, gender, poverty, income distribution, social networks/support, community cohesion, the work and neighborhood environment—that affect population health. The course covers the theoretical underpinnings of each construct (e.g. “race” as a social category) and examines the research linking each to population health status. Students will identify and critique population-based approaches to address health disparities and bring about social justice in health. Students will learn through lectures, small group exercises, written assignments, and an independent project that examines a contemporary population health issue.

Student outputs

Research Paper
In our research paper project, students delved into the complex issues of HIV, Substance Use Disorder, Chronic Disease, and Violence Injury and Prevention. They produced comprehensive 5–7 page research papers that explored these topics in depth, demonstrating their understanding of the complexities and nuances of public health. Through their research, students gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in addressing these pressing health concerns, and their papers reflected their ability to think critically and solve problems creatively. The project culminated in a body of work that showcased the students' knowledge and passion for improving public health outcomes.
A Public Health Campaign
In our public health campaign project, students created and launched comprehensive campaigns to raise awareness and provide resources about their research topics. These campaigns aimed to encourage individuals to seek medical attention for themselves or others and implement necessary changes in multiple communities. As part of the project, students designed and developed all aspects of the campaign branding, including slogans, logos, public service announcements, informative videos, social media posts, and more. By taking a holistic approach to public health education and outreach, these campaigns made a tangible impact in promoting health and wellness in various communities.
An Academic Research Poster
In the academic research poster project, students created and presented academic research poster presentations that visually represented the general overview, data, and most relevant findings of their research topics. These posters provided a clear and concise summary of their research, making it easy for others to understand and engage with their work. By creating and presenting these posters, students gained experience in effectively communicating their research to a wider audience and showcased their findings in a visually engaging way.
3 College Essay Papers and Interview Workshop
At our College Essay and Interview Workshop, the students researched their top college entry requirements, including ACT scores and admission essay questions. They drafted and completed three essays: a Personal Narrative essay, an Academic, Athletics, and Leadership Essay, and a full College Essay that combined the two previous essays while answering the college essay prompt of their top college. Students participated in peer reviews of each other's papers and took part in four mock college interviews: one in pairs, one in front of the class, one on film as if in a virtual interview, and one with the University of Memphis college faculty or staff. This comprehensive workshop provided students with the tools and experience they needed to excel in their college applications.
Multiple ACT practice tests AND the official ACT (Dec 8, 2023)
In the ACT preparation workshop, students became familiar with the test format and structure. They developed effective test-taking strategies and time management techniques and enhanced their knowledge in key subject areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Personalized feedback and guidance helped students identify and address their weaknesses. Through practice exercises and simulations, students boosted their confidence and reduced test anxiety. The workshop facilitated an interactive and collaborative learning environment, providing students with a comprehensive preparation for the ACT.
Optional dual enrollment course: PUBH 2181: Population health & society
Students defined population health and explained the difference between individual- and population-based strategies for improving health. They recognized the advantages and limitations of various population-based approaches, including education, marketing, engineering, policy, and law. Students understood how health and health behaviors were influenced by social and geographic location, media, and economy. They identified principal determinants of health and disease, including factors contributing to health inequalities across different groups. Additionally, students explained how social and cultural factors shaped contemporary understandings and experiences of health, illness, and death and dying in the US.
- Weekly Homework
  In our PUBH 2181 course, students were assigned weekly homework that included a significant portion of the coursework. To ensure students' success, virtual homework sessions were held every Thursday evening, where students could work through questions and challenges together. These sessions were mandatory, as they provided a vital opportunity for students to receive support and guidance from their peers and instructors. Instructors were always available to answer any questions or concerns via email, creating a supportive learning environment that helped students successfully complete the course and earn college credit.

Closing program

On Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 6pm - 7pm at the University of Memphis - FedEx Institute of Technology, we held the Closing Program, where students showcased their research and public health campaigns to parents, faculty, health department staff, and CDC grant members. This event marked the culmination of their hard work and dedication to public health initiatives. The students presented their findings and campaigns, highlighting their understanding of public health concepts and their ability to apply them to real-world issues. The event provided a platform for students to share their knowledge and inspire others to take action towards better health outcomes.

Photo Gallery

2023 Fall - Experiential Learning Program Ceremony, Center for PH-IDEAS, School of Public Health, University of Memphis