Presentations & Testimonials
Students were asked to describe their most significant learning experience and how the learning experience would apply to their public health careers. For more student insights, see our Student Quote Document.
Past APEx Presentations
Title: From Data to Impact: Addressing CKD Disparities in Houston
Student Name: Tempie Wyatt
Partner Organization: Houston Health Department, Chronic Disease Unit, Diabetes Awareness and Wellness Network (DAWN Center)
Description: During my APEx with the Houston Health Department's DAWN Center, I worked on initiatives to reduce chronic kidney disease (CKD) disparities in underserved communities, particularly in Harris County. My experience involved analyzing SMART-BRFSS data, developing a culturally tailored CKD toolkit, and supporting hands-on community outreach through food demonstrations. I also wrote a policy brief focused on Alief, TX, which proposed data-driven strategies like mobile screenings, telehealth integration, and community health worker engagement. This experience strengthened my epidemiological skills and deepened my commitment to equitable public health practice.
Title: Early Childhood Concussions and Other Brain Injuries
Student Name: Jeanne VanOrsdal
Partner Organization: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Brain Injury Services Program
Description: In Summer 2025, Jeanne VanOrsdal worked with Maggie Ferguson at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to develop a comprehensive toolkit on early childhood concussions in child care settings. The toolkit features plain-language resources that focus on recognizing, responding to, and preventing concussions in young children. To support broader caregiver education efforts across the state, Jeanne also created a sample outreach letter and email, an early childhood asset map, and a letter of interest for a foundation grant.
Title: Measles Response in Skagit County, Washington
Student Name: Elizabeth Laskowski
Partner Organization: Skagit County Public Health
Description: I worked with Karsyn Hanson, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Skagit County Public Health, on measles preparedness. After learning about exercises, specifically tabletop exercises, I designed an internal measles response tabletop exercise and the materials required. I also designed a measles infographic that can be shared with the community in the event a case is identified. Finally, I supported Karsyn in her work on an external measles response tabletop exercise by interviewing community stakeholders on their needs, roles, and expectations in an outbreak.
Title: Expectant Families Program APEx
Student Name: Tyler Wilson
Partner Organization: Total Community Action, Inc.
Description: During my APEx experience, I developed a comprehensive education curriculum, and a health and resource guide tailored for expectant families in New Orleans. I also proposed a peer-led support group to foster community and reduce isolation among participants. Alongside these projects, I supported client intake, revised program forms for cultural inclusivity, and participated in home visits, gaining firsthand insight into social determinants of health. This experience strengthened my skills in curriculum development, stakeholder mapping, and culturally competent communication. Overall, it deepened my understanding of how direct service and public health systems work together to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Title: Putting Data into Practice
Student Name: Hannah Baiyor
Partner Organization: Four Corners Health Department
Description: My APEx experience with the Four Corners Health Department centered around conducting data analysis of public health programs. I learned not only how to analyze public health data, but also how to communicate results and how data is used to support public health in areas ranging from funding to programming to policy. This experience has given me a new perspective on and passion for public health.
Title: Readiness in Cody, WY
Student Name: Elise Lowe
Partner Organization: Cody Regional Health Emergency Department
Description: My Apex project involved tabletop and full-scale exercises to test response to a variety of threats in the county and at the hospital. I learned a lot about creating and conducting exercises, as well as the difficult task of writing improvement plans. I had challenges with getting the right people on board every time but had a great experience overall.
