In recognition of National Public Health Week and in anticipation of the May opening of the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health, we talk with public health dean Ayman El-Mohandes, M.B.B.Ch., M.D., M.P.H., about some of what’s going on in his college.
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Ayman El-Mohandes, M.B.B.Ch., M.D., M.P.H. |
Through an insightful investigation of young victims of violence who are admitted to emergency rooms around the city, Lina Lander, Ph.D. and Melissa Tibbits, Ph.D., are collaborating on a new initiative to understand the sources and influences of youth violence.
Also, our students are working with Ruth Margalit, M.D., to serve diverse populations, both urban and rural, as part of the Service Learning Academy.
Another example of our community involvement is the new, federally-funded program under the leadership of Magda Peck, Sc.D., which will work with communities in Omaha to increase their capacity to become effective research partners.
What are some other developments in the college?
We expect to admit our largest incoming class ever and the number of applicants to our MPH program has more than doubled this year. On the research front, we saw a 25 percent increase in the revenue from grants and contracts and we expect more growth this year.
How’s construction on the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health coming along?
In a few weeks, we will begin to move into the new building. This will let us all be in the same building for the first time. A grand opening will be held on May 18. With enhanced technology, we can provide instruction to students on campus and around the world and the auditorium gives us a meeting place for gatherings of scholars and professionals in the field.
How is the accreditation process going?
We are in the final stages of updating our self study document for representatives of the Council on Education for Public Health — the accrediting body. A team of public health experts will visit our campus in May to conduct an evaluation of our academic programs and infrastructure to decide on our eligibility for accreditation. Our MPH programs are currently accredited but it is time for the college to receive the same validation.