Friday, November 29, 2013

Student Spotlight: Ren-Jay Shei


As a Bloomington native, Ren-Jay Shei felt that IU was a logical choice when it came time to select where to get his college education.  “I was born and raised right here in Bloomington, Indiana and have lived within 5 miles of where I was born my entire life,” he says. “IU was a logical choice for me since it was close to home, provided great opportunities both academically, socially, and athletically.”

With an interest in competitive cycling, IU offered both the academic opportunities Shei wanted, but also the chance to pursue his personal passion with both the Little 500 and inter-collegiate IU Cycling Club. Shei began his academic career at IU earning a degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry, Social Science, and Medicine from the College of Arts and Sciences as well as a degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Coaching from the School of Public Health (formerly named the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation),”. While Shei initially planned on attending optometry school, it was his interest in exercise science that finally became the focus of his education and his current goal of completing his doctoral studies in the School of Public Health.

“One of the major considerations for me when deciding on schools for my doctoral studies was the opportunity to engage in research and work with the faculty here, whose work is internationally recognized. My current advisor, Dr. Tim Mickleborough (who was also my Master's advisor) does a lot of research in the areas I am interested in - respiratory physiology and fatigue - and he provides the perfect balance and guidance that helps me to grow as a student and researcher,” he says. His ultimate goal he notes, “…is to stay in academia and work as a faculty member at a university.  I love the excitement of research, using science as a tool for discovery, and sharing that excitement in the classroom when teaching.” It’s the combination of faculty and top notch classmates he claims that are the “…best part of the SPH and they are what makes me a proud student and alumnus of our school.”

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

IU epidemiologist receives NIH grant to study diabetes, breast cancer relationship

Epidemiologist Juhua Luo at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington received a $414,600 grant from the National Institutes of Health to examine the relationship between two common diseases, type 2 diabetes and breast cancer, providing answers that could improve cancer treatment.

Other studies have found that women who have type 2 diabetes in addition to breast cancer have a worse prognosis for their cancer compared to women who do not have diabetes as a pre-existing condition. The study by Luo, assistant professor in the school's Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, will be unique in that it will use novel and improved approaches to examine which factors could contribute to the poor prognosis, such as biological effects, cardiovascular disease and variations in treatment.

The study will be the first to analyze data from a large and well-established group of women to answer these questions. Luo will use the NIH's Women's Health Initiative, a 15-year study that examined the most common causes of death, disability and impaired quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Luo's research will also examine the influence of the drug metformin on breast cancer prognosis. Metformin is used to treat diabetes but is attracting interest in its potential anticancer effects.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Studies Department launches Online Learning MS degrees

Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies will deliver its online Master of Science degrees in a refocused program starting January 2014.

The graduate degrees in Parks and Public Lands Management, and Recreation Therapy will give students in-depth knowledge about principles, management trends, and about issues related to managing parks, public lands, recreational sports and recreation therapy organizations. Online delivery will allow working professionals to access a graduate education without having to leave the field or relocate.

“Indiana University and the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies have provided graduate education via distributed learning technology for over 25 years,” said Department Chair Dr. Bryan McCormick. “Indiana University is a leader in the use of technology in education. We pride ourselves on the fact that our distributed education courses have the same faculty, quality, and rigor of any course we offer.”

MS, Parks and Public Lands Management
The online MS in Parks and Public Lands is embedded in Indiana University’s award-winning Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands to enhance student ‘deep learning’ from involved professionals. With a portfolio that includes more than 80 online courses and related learning events, and 10 years of leading the National Park Service’s online training program, the Eppley Institute is the nation’s leader in continuing professional development for park and public lands professionals. The integration of the MS and the Eppley Institute provides an excellent opportunity for students to participate in an innovative learning environment.

The M.S. emphasizing parks and public lands management is an executive-style graduate degree focused on returning students seeking new qualifications and new skills. Students will learn from faculty with professional experience managing organizations and agencies in the fields of parks, recreation, and protected areas. The Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands, was founded in 1993 by Indiana University’s Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies Department, is a unique outreach program for the park, recreation, and public land management professions. It has received more than $12 million in contracts and grants providing research, education, training, park planning, and related services.

MS, Recreational Therapy
One of the longest standing online degrees at IU, the MS in Recreational Therapy is also nationally regarded as one the leading degrees in this concentration. The major in recreational therapy prepares students to assume positions as recreational therapists. Using a variety of techniques, therapists treat and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients. Professionals assess individuals' needs, plan and implement specific interventions to meet those needs, and document and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. All students graduating from the major are eligible to sit for the Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examination.

For more information regarding the academic schedule, tuition, and degree requirements, visit the degree website at www.publichealth.iu.edu/rptsonline.

Friday, November 22, 2013

IU SPH Career Services Office is Here to Help!

The Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington Career Services office is here to assist you in helping you build a career that fits your unique interests.

Job opportunities for our majors are diverse and expanding as the emphasis on living a healthy lifestyle grows around the world. Career Services experts provide one-on-one advising, resources, and career events to assist students with career development and job preparation. We offer:

  • Career advising
  • Career workshops
  • Job fairs
  • Employer information sessions
  • On campus interviewing opportunities
  • Networking opportunities
  • Job search guidance
  • Internship assistance
  • Resume and cover letter preparation
  • Interview skill development
  • Graduate school preparation
Location

Career Services is located in the Student Services suite on the lower level within the School of Public Health building.

Career Resource Room: C003

Contact Information





Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Homecoming Celebration Brings Together SPH Alumni, Students, Faculty, and Staff


The School of Public Health-Bloomington Alumni Association Board of Directors recently hosted the 2013 Homecoming Social on November 1, 2013. Faculty, staff, alumni and students at the School of Public Health in the heart of the beautiful Bloomington campus celebrated Homecoming week with great food, entertainment, and lots of great SPH giveaways! A performance by IU’s own student a capella group Another Round (originally Straight No Chaser) was the highlight of the afternoon.

“The reception was wonderful!  It’s always nice to get back to the school and mingle with students—I had a very engaging conversation with a grad student, who invited me to sit in on her dissertation.  And I talked with some faculty and other alumni, and enjoyed it all with great food and music” said IU SPH Alumna Julie Warren.
 
SPH Student Ambassador Elise Gahan who assisted with the event also added, "I enjoyed helping with the event because it brought together all aspects of the School: faculty, staff, students, and guests.  It was fun to even see those who were going to workout join in the celebration.  Events like this help communicate to students all the School of Public Health has to offer." 

Monday, November 18, 2013

IU School of Public Health Recognizes Outstanding Alumni


The Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington recently honored distinguished alumni, with honorees including past university department chairs, leaders in sports management and individuals who have been instrumental in policy development both domestically and abroad.

"We could not be more pleased to honor these exceptional alumni," Dean Mohammad Torabi said. "Their dedication and commitment in their chosen fields is a true inspiration to all of us, and we are thrilled to have them as part of the school's family."

The school has been presenting awards since 1976 to the most prestigious graduates, those who excel professionally and personally. Recipients this year are:

Anita Aldrich Distinguished Alumni Award

  • Jerry Wilkerson, professor emerita and retired executive associate dean for the School of Public Health-Bloomington.
Early Career Alumni Award

  • Brittany Hollingsworth, director of Women's Basketball Operations at the University of Albany-State University of New York
John R. Endwright Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

  • Vicki Scott, resource specialist for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
Mobley International Distinguished Alumni Award

  • Trevor Garrett, former chief executive of Charities Commission of New Zealand and current member of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism expert working group.
W.W. Patty Distinguished Alumni Award

  • Dale Evans, professor emeritus at California State University-Long Beach.

  • George Taliaferro, former university administrator and retired player for the National Football League.

"Our 2013 alumni award recipients are some of the most distinguished and dedicated alumni," said Natalie Kubat, director of donor and alumni relations. "We are proud to be recognizing them and their accomplishments."

Each award winner received a plaque and was added to an honor wall at the School of Public Health-Bloomington.