Topic:

The Work Ahead: 

Practical Strategies for Long-Term Impact

30th Annual Public Health Symposium

Monday,  April 7,  10am. - 3:00pm


New Location: 

College Avenue Student Center: 

126 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

 -  Map 

 - Parking Registration


All Attendees must register through the New Jersey Learning Management Network. (You can create a free account if you don’t already have one).


Program Agenda

Submit a Poster

The Center for Public Health Workforce Development is now accepting submissions for the poster session that will take place at the 2025 Public Health Symposium on Monday, April 7th (10am – 3:00 pm). Location: College Ave Student Center: 126 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901


All public health research and practice posters are welcome! Please encourage any colleagues or students who might be doing work in public health to participate. All poster presenters must complete the online application by March 20, 2025.


Submit Your Application Here: 

https://go.rutgers.edu/PHS_POSTERS2025

Join us for the 30th Annual Public Health Symposium: The Work Ahead: Practical Strategies for Long-Term Impact. Over the past three decades, Public Health has faced numerous challenges—from infectious disease outbreaks and environmental health crises to persistent health inequities and the increasing burden of chronic diseases.

This year’s event will highlight actionable strategies, innovative solutions, and community-driven initiatives aimed at building sustainable systems for the future of public health. Together, we will reflect on lessons learned, tackle current challenges, and chart a course forward toward a healthier, more equitable New Jersey. 

Engage with experts and public health colleagues in meaningful discussions and contribute to long-term, impactful change!

Sponsored by the Center for Public Health Workforce Development (CPHWD) at Rutgers University School of Public Health and the Alpha Eta Chapter of Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health.

This event is being held in recognition of National Public Health Week 2025 (April 7th-13th)


YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR CAR FOR 

PARKING

All Attendees must register through the New Jersey Learning Management Network. 

 (You can create a free account if you don’t already have one).

Speaker:

Reena Chudgar, MPH, Senior Director

Public Health Systems and Services 


Reena Chudgar is the Senior Director of Public Health Systems and Services at the Public Health Accreditation Board, where she facilitates the implementation of the PHAB Center for Innovation and incubating the Center for School Health Innovation and Quality. She supports systems, health departments, and communities through these initiatives by fostering innovation, multi-sector collaboration, system change, and public health modernization and transformation. Prior to joining PHAB, Reena served as the director for performance improvement at the National Association of County and City Health Officials. She also has experience working internationally in Ghana and Kiribati. Reena received a Master of Public Health degree and a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Emory University.

Speaker:

Diane Hill, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Rutgers SPAA

Assistant Chancellor, Rutgers University–Newark


Dr. Diane Hill is the Assistant Chancellor for University-Community Partnerships at Rutgers University-Newark, with over 30 years of experience in leadership positions. For over fifteen years Dr. Hill has administered the Office of University-Community Partnerships (OUCP) which serves as the nexus that connects Rutgers University-Newark students, faculty and staff to expand, create, and promote reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships that support and align with the university’s strategic engagement priorities. She also serves as a faculty member in the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) and a core faculty member with the Rutgers Institute for Global Health. In collaboration with Rutgers University-Newark SPAA, Dr. Hill is the founding director of The Center for Health Excellence and Community Engagement (CHECE), where she catalyzed addressing the health needs and inequities affecting underserved residents in the state by integrating a community-engaged research model. She served as one of the Principal Investigators for the New Jersey Healthcare Essential Worker Outreach and Education Study Testing Overlooked Occupations (NJ HEROES TOO) study, a $5 million NIH-funded Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics for Underserved Populations initiative to improve outreach and access to COVID-19 within New Jersey’s most vulnerable and underserved communities. 


She was also co-principal investigator for an Evaluation and Quality Improvement Plan for Advancing Health Literacy to Enhance Equitable Community Responses to COVID-19 grant in partnership with Newark’s Department of Health and Community Wellness (DHCW). In close collaboration with DHCW, she designed and led the Leadership and Professional Development Training Program; designed for key managers and supervisors in the organization.


Dr. Hill is recognized as a dedicated leader. She manifests an enduring commitment to serving her community and serves on numerous boards. She works closely with municipal and legislative officials in Greater Newark, in local counties, and at the state. She serves as Vice-Chairperson for the NJ Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and collaborates closely with statewide legislators to support programs for the underserved populations and those less fortunate. She is a gubernatorial appointment to the NJ Wealth Disparity Task Force. She serves as a member of the Board of Trustees to Parker Health Group; an organization dedicated to empowering and addressing issues affecting the aging population. Also serves as a board member at the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity, Program for Parents and Boys to Leaders Inc. 


Through her efforts, Dr. Hill demonstrates her unwavering commitment to positively impacting the community. She has published works that concentrate on community-engaged research approaches and creating research partnerships to promote university-community partnerships and anchor work.

Speaker:

Tekisha Dwan Everette, Ph.D., MPA, MPH, CPH

Executive Vice President, Trust for America’s Health


Tekisha Everette is TFAH’s Executive Vice President. In this role, she works in partnership with TFAH’s President and CEO to chart and implement the organization’s strategic direction and priorities, provides counsel on current and emerging policy issues, and engages with key organizations, policymakers, and other partners to advance policy priorities to improve public health and promote equity.

A successful executive leader and public policy strategist with a passion for health justice, Everette’s career spans service in the non-profit, state, and private sectors. Most recently, she served as the inaugural Executive Director of Health Equity Solutions, a statewide non-profit dedicated to advancing health equity through policy and advocacy in Connecticut. Prior to Health Equity Solutions, Everette was the Managing Director of Federal Government Affairs with the American Diabetes Association, where she provided strategic leadership on policy and advocacy initiatives with the White House, federal agencies, and Congress. Everette also worked as a government relations consultant with Drinker, Biddle, and Reath, LLC, where she represented the interests of several non-profit healthcare organizations on issues such as health reform, Medicare, Medicaid, and federal appropriations. Everette has also worked for the Service Employees International Union and the State of Maryland. Recognized for her achievements in health policy and advocacy, Everette is an alumna of the National Urban Fellows America’s Leaders of Change program and is a member of the Association of Black Sociologists.

Everette earned a doctorate in Sociology from American University with a concentration in race, gender, and social justice as it relates to social policy. She received a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Tech and holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Interdisciplinary Studies also from Virginia Tech. She completed a Master of Public Health from Yale University.




Table Exhibitors:

      •   Rutgers University- School of Public Health Center for Public Health 

            Workforce Development

•   New Jersey Department of Health

•   New Jersey Department of Health- Daycares, Schools, and

            Higher Education (DSH Team )

•    New Jersey Association of County and City Health Officials (NJACCHO)

•    Rutgers University School of Public Health

•    Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies - Tobacco Dependence Program

•    NJ Department of Health Vaccine Preventable Disease Program

•    New Jersey Department of Health, Division of Family Health Services, Maternal 

       Child Health Services Program























Poster Presentations

Your support is greatly appreciated

Your support is invaluable! To donate, explore the details below about the RBHS Food Pantry and Rutgers Basic Needs Center.

The Rutgers College Avenue Student Center is proud to announce the opening of a Basic Needs Center, a vital resource dedicated to supporting students who may be facing challenges in accessing essential items such as food, hygiene products, and other necessities. This initiative aims to ensure that every student has the support they need to focus on academic and personal success without the burden of resource insecurity.

As part of our commitment to fostering a caring and supportive community, we are encouraging all attendees to contribute by bringing a donation for the Basic Needs Center. Even a small contribution can significantly impact the well-being of students in need.

We kindly request donations of unopened, unexpired, non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, pasta, rice, dry beans, and gently used clothing, including coats, sweaters, shoes, and professional attire.

Your generosity will go a long way in providing relief and stability to students facing food insecurity. Together, we can make a difference and create a stronger, more supportive campus community. Thank you for your kindness and contribution!

For more information about the Basic Need Center, click here:

 https://ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/basic-needs/basic-needs-center

Dr. Gina Miranda-Diaz, MPH/MS, APHN, FNYAM Health Officer-East Orange 

Department of Health and Human Services 

Harm Reduction Kiosk Program in East Orange New Jersey 

The Harm Reduction Kiosk Program is an innovative approach aimed at providing essential resources to individuals who may be at risk of substance use and other related harm. By placing interactive kiosks in easily accessible public spaces, the program ensures that harm reduction tools are readily available to those who need them most without stigma or judgment. This program consists of self-service kiosks equipped with harm-reduction products such as Narcan and wellness supplies like Emergen-C vitamin supplements. The kiosk is the first Harm Reduction/Wellness kiosk in Essex County


Samantha Martinez-Mendoza, Maya Harlow

Essex County Office of Public Health Management

Flu Forward: Forecasting Essex County’s Flu Seasons to Strengthen Public Health Preparedness

This study analyzes flu data from Essex County over the past five years to forecast upcoming flu seasons and strengthen local public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) initiatives. Using statistical modeling, seasonal trends and potential outbreaks were identified, enhancing proactive measures. These forecasts are integrated into the 15 PHEP capabilities, focusing on community preparedness, surveillance, emergency public information, and medical countermeasures distribution. The goal is to ensure a timely and coordinated response to future flu seasons, improving public health outcomes and reducing disease burden through targeted interventions and resource allocation in alignment with PHEP standards. 


Ashley Butkiewicz, Samuel Felix, Kimberly Goskowski

New Jersey Department of Health

We Pipe Up So Legionella Backs Down: Rapid Response Team (RRT) In Action

The Rapid Response Team began supporting the NJDOH Water Systems & Environmental Infection Control Unit in March 2023 to combat the rising number of outbreaks and lack of resources for performing investigations. Our poster reflects the results of RRT's involvement in Legionella outbreaks.


Ricardo Kairios, MS

SEBS / Rutgers Cooperative Extension Department of Family & Community Health Sciences


Stephanie Brescia PhD

Rutgers Graduate School of Education, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ


Cara L. Cuite PhD

Department of Human Ecology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ


Pamela Rothpletz-Puglia RDN EdD

Department of Family and Community Health Sciences, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Exploring the Emotional and Social Support Needs of LGBTQIA2S+ College 

Students Facing Food Insecurity

This qualitative study examines food insecurity among LGBTQIA2S+ college students at an urban university, drawing on themes developed from 15 interviews. It highlights the emotional burdens tied to financial stress, lack of family support, and intersecting stigmas. Social support networks, such as queer-friendly communities and chosen families, play a crucial role in alleviating these challenges. The research suggests that fostering inclusive and supportive environments can mitigate the emotional and material impacts of food insecurity, promoting both well-being and academic success. These findings underscore the importance of addressing food insecurity and emotional support in higher education.


Karolin A. Wadie, An Mei Chen, Patrick V. Barnwell, Cristine Delnevo, Andrea C. Villanti

Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies 

Rapid Assessment of Emerging Nicotine and Tobacco Products in the CRST 

Youth and Young Adult Cohort

The Center for Rapid Surveillance of Tobacco Youth and Young Adult Cohort (CRST YYA Cohort) provides quarterly data on awareness and perceptions of new and existing tobacco and nicotine products. This study presents findings from rapid assessment items—survey questions designed to quickly gather data on specific brands of emerging nicotine and tobacco products. This pilot highlights the variability in awareness and source of awareness by brand among youth and young adults. Items used to assess novel brands can identify emerging products before they become widespread.


Natalie Barba

Rutgers School of Public Health

Improving Oral Health Among Developmentally Disabled Patients

My project focuses on informing the general population about the importance of maintaining exceptional health, specifically oral hygiene, among developmentally disabled patients. These individuals often lack the manual dexterity to feed themselves, brush their teeth, and perform many of every day's daily tasks. Nutrition and oral health have a relationship with each other, and understanding this interaction can aid in preventing further adverse health conditions. Therefore, obtaining routine dental visits and following a personalized diet plan will allow the individual to live an overall healthy lifestyle.


Caitlin Uriarte, An Mei Chen, Karolin Wadie, Patrick V. Barnwell, 

 Cristine D. Delnevo, Andrea C. Villanti

Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers Institute for Nicotine and Tobacco Studies

Wave 5 Recruitment Strategies, Costs, and Outcomes for 

CRST Youth and Young Adult Cohort Study 

The Center for Rapid Surveillance of Tobacco Youth and Young Adult Cohort (CRST YYA Cohort) includes participants aged 12-25 years old from six sentinel sites (NJ, VT, OH, NC, CA, and KY).  This study reports on recruitment strategies and outcomes from Summer 2024.
In line with the recruitment target (n = 1,500+ participants), the Rutgers research team and sentinel sites collaborated on unique recruitment methods for each state, including engaging community partners (i.e. coalitions and tabling) and conducting online/print advertising (i.e. paid and un-paid ads). Top 3 recruitment sources were partner network (35%), Facebook/Instagram-paid ad (24%), and website (18%).


Michelle V Kennedy, Steinberg MB, Kennedy M, Wackowski OA, 

Mitarotondo A, Tomaino M, Gundersen D

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Institute for Nicotine and 

Tobacco Studies; New Brunswick, NJ


Stepanov I, Hatsukami DK, Alcheva A

Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 

Cigarette Relighting:  Understanding Prevalence, Reasons, and Implications

Cigarette relighting, i.e., extinguishing, saving, and later smoking unfinished cigarettes, is prevalent and may be associated with nicotine dependence, tobacco-related toxicants, and negative health outcomes, yet is poorly understood. The study aims to determine the prevalence, frequency, correlates, and reasons for cigarette relighting.


•  Linda Yang

Family Health Initiatives

New Jersey Maternal Experience Survey Project:
Collaborative Solutions by Centering the Voices of Birthing People & Partnering with Community-Based Organizations

Maternal health continues to be an important aspect of public health that impacts individuals' well-being as well as the broader economic, social, and healthcare systems. Disparities stemming from institutional and structural factors can significantly affect maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes, including maternal mortality, morbidity, infant mortality.  To help identify and address these disparities, Family Health Initiatives (FHI) developed the Maternal Experience Survey (MES), which allows birthing individuals to share their experiences in a supportive environment, thereby enhancing overall care in New Jersey.  
The Prematurity Prevention Initiative (PPI) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Atlantic City established the Black Infant and Maternal Mortality (BIMM) task force to improve birth outcomes. MES Ambassadors, who are trusted members of the community, play a crucial in outreach and implementation efforts. The MES has expanded its reach through collaboration with various groups, including community health workers (CHWs), nurses, hospital staff, providers, practitioners, elected officials, business owners, educators, and community leaders.  
Analyzing of MES responses reveals the need for equitable communication, access to high-quality care, and measures to address institutional factors to reduce preventable maternal mortality and morbidity. By enhancing maternal health, we can foster healthier families and communities, leading to more sustainable public health outcomes.