School welcomes new Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion and new Associate Director of Career Services

The IU School of Public Health-Bloomington is committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to make the most of his or her academic experiences and education. To help ensure that our programs and services help today’s students succeed, two new appointments have been made: 

Zelideh Martinez Hoy

Zelideh Martinez Hoy, the new Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion, is a two-time graduate of Indiana University, and brings extensive experience working with students on the Bloomington campus to her new role.  

Her experience with IU's Residential Programs, Groups Programs, and the Latino Cultural Center in addition to advising a variety of student organizations and participating on various campus committees dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive campus strongly support her new role.  

In her new position, Zelideh will provide leadership to the school on the recruitment, retention, outreach, and success of under-represented groups.

Sarah Myers

Sarah Myers, the new Associate Director of Career Services, is also a two-time Indiana University graduate, most recently with her Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Administration.  

Following graduation, Sarah assumed a role with the Indiana University Career Development Center before transitioning to the School of Public Health as the Career Services Coordinator for the Department of Kinesiology. In January, Sarah transitioned to a new role in the Dean’s Office. 

In her new position, Sarah will play key roles in the areas of employer relations and outreach, assessment and evaluation, marketing and communications, career development and career advising, event planning and execution, mentorship programming, and technology resource maintenance for the School of Public Health-Bloomington Office of Career Services.

School partners with Healthy IU to make WIC track available for pilot program

As part of the Healthy IU initiative, the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington is proud to announce that the Wildermuth Intramural Center (WIC) track will be available for IU Bloomington employees for walking/running/moving during breaks, and/or having walking meetings on weekdays between 6am and 4pm. The pilot program will run from now through the end of the Spring Semester.

This opportunity is the result of collaborative efforts involving several campus and university partners, including the the School of Public Health-Bloomington, the IUSPH Department of Kinesiology, the Division of Campus Recreational Sports, and the Healthy IU campus-wide wellness initiative.

How it works:

If you are an IU Bloomington employee and would like to participate in program but do not have a Recreational Sports membership, stop at the WIC member service station one time before beginning the program. 

You must present your Staff ID Card and sign a waiver of liability.

Your ID will be activated immediately so that you can access the WIC track. Simply show your ID at the entrance to the track any time you wish to use it. 

You will also be able to check out a lock and use day-use lockers in the main-level general locker rooms free of charge. Additionally, there are small lockers around the track where you can can store personal items such as purses, small bags, wallets, etc.

You will also have the option to sign up for the “Step into Fitness” program (always free for all IU Bloomington faculty/staff). You’ll receive a free pedometer if you don't already have one. 

See the Healthy IU website for more details.   

Please note that this program involves only the WIC track and does not provide access to other programs of facility spaces. 

Dr. Alan Ewert authors new educational resources

Alan Ewert

Dr. Alan Ewert, Interim Chair of the Department of Environmental Health, prepares student for careers in the continually growing field of outdoor education with his new books entitled Outdoor Adventure Education: Foundations, Theory, and Research and Natural Environments and Human Health.

Outdoor Adventure Education: Foundations, Theory, and Research

Based on Ewert’s first book, Outdoor Adventure Pursuits: Foundations, Models, and Theories, the new publication explores the current state of the outdoor adventure field as well as highlights changes in the field since the first book’s publication. Co-authored by Dr. Jim Sibthorp, the book provides foundational, theoretical, and conceptual insights into the field of outdoor adventure education, as well as chapter based discussion questions to further understanding and insights from well-known international researchers. 

Natural Environments and Human Health

Understanding the role natural environments play in human health and well-bring continues to attract significant attention, and is the central focus in Ewert’s second new book. Co-authored by Denise Mitten and Jill Overholt, the book examines the history of the relationship between natural environments and human health and the theories underlying the importance of these interactions in improving mental health, increasing positive social relations, and providing emotional and spiritual benefits. A resources for researchers, policy makers, lecturers and students, Natural Environments and Human Health helps to further the exploration of the relationship between health and natural settings.

AgriNews asks Dr. James Farmer, "What do buyers at farmers markets want?"

Dr. James Farmer, assistant professor in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies at the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington was recently quoted in AgriNews, about shoppers' motivations and expectations about shopping at farmers markets.

Farmer recently conducted a survey of over 300 people who are regular farmers market shoppers as well as people who have never visited a farmers market in order to gauge their opinions on why individuals do (and don't) shop at the markets.

Shoppers attend for a number of reasons aside from fresh fruits and vegetables, including both recreation and leisure purposes. “They like the social interaction,” he noted. Still another draw is to eat local and to support farmers that are part of the community. 

On the flip side, some people don't shop at farmers markets because they lack the time and the farmers markets "lack of infrastructure to support Women, Infant and Children checks, as well as electronic benefit transfers."

Read the full article.

Wall Street Journal features Dr. Carol Kennedy-Armbruster in article on aquatic workouts

Carol Kennedy-Armbruster

Dr. Carol Kennedy-Armbruster, a senior lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington was quoted in a recent Wall Street Journal article on using the "resistant medium" of water and the subsequent increase in exertion to engage in a more effective workout.

"People don't think to try their normal workout in a pool . . . Once you add some movement in the water across different planes your muscles are going to be challenged," she's quoted as saying. 

Read the full article (scroll down to "Come On In: Water Is Fine for Exercising").

Dr. Charles Beeker Pushes for underwater museums to preserve history

Charles Beeker

Dr. Charles Beeker, Director of the Academic Diving Program and Underwater Science Program in the Department of Kinesiology, has been a dedicated diver and underwater researcher for over 40 years.  When Beeker began diving in the early 1960’s the historic shipwrecks he explored and their artifacts were there for the taking. When legislation passed in the late 1980’s categorized ownership of such sites to the government, treasure hunters who had made a living in the states moved south to the Caribbean where fewer restrictions were in place.

Dedicated to preserving the history of underwater shipwrecks and artifacts, Beeker has been a leader in the development of underwater museums over the past 20 years. His involvement began in 1989 when he played a key role in establishing the San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park in the Florida Keys, but he’s since shifted his focus to encouraging Caribbean countries where treasure hunting has become more popular to follow suit. While typically shipwrecks are valued for their historical significance and have been raised with the intent of display in local museums, Beeker believes in preserving the history where it is found. Such Living Museums are designed to allow snorkelers and divers to not only view the wrecks and artifacts, but to understand their historical significance within their current environment.

In December of 2012, Beeker conducted an underwater field school in the Dominican Republic, educating SPH students to the importance of preserving the shipwrecks and artifacts. Exploring an area of the coast of a small beach known as La Caleta, Beeker led the students in excavating an area near a site believed to be from the Nuestra Sedonia Begoñ, a Spanish ship that was enroute to Venezuela at the time of its sinking. In addition to gaining technical skills related to recovering and preserving artifacts, students walked away with a better understanding of how local communities, culture, and government are all intertwined in the conservation of such historical sites.

While combatting the treasure hunters is a never-ending battle for Beeker, he’s ensuring that another generation of professionals will be ready to continue to fight to preserve history both domestically and abroad in the future.

Dr. Debby Herbenick appointed to the Monroe County Women’s Commission

Debby Herbenick

Dr. Debby Herbenick, co-director of the IU Center for Sexual Health Promotion and research scientist at the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington, has been appointed to the Monroe County Women’s Commission.  

The Monroe County Women's Commission was founded in 2011 and is the first County Women's Commission in the state of Indiana. The primary duties of the Commission are to serve in an advisory role to assist residents, businesses and the Monroe County government in addressing issues of gender inequity in all aspects of society, including government, the economy, education, employment, social and family development, health care, the justice system, the arts, as well as land use and planning.

Student Spotlight: Elise Gahan

Elise Gahan

Elise Gahan considered Indiana University during her final years of high school specifically because of the superior programs offered by the School of Public Health-Bloomington and her interest in pursuing a degree in community health. Although raised in Omaha, Nebraska Elisa now calls Bloomington home as she earns her undergraduate degree in community health with minors in mathematics and psychology.

After graduation, Elise intends to continue her education by pursuing a graduate degree. “This semester has peaked my interest in environmental health and its importance to many aspects of life, so I plan to focus on environmental epidemiology in my graduate work,” she said. 

 In addition to her course work, Elise has taken advantage of the many opportunities the School of Public Health has to offer, participating in workshops on resume building and effective networking, as well as taking part in a leadership class to further her personal development.  

She has also served as a part of the SPH Student Ambassadors, which has allowed her to serve the school, meet influential graduates, and interact with faculty members.  

“It is great to see how concerned faculty such as Dean Torabi are with the wellbeing and interests of students at all levels.  I look forward to the upcoming years of my education and to becoming more involved with all that the School of Public Health-Bloomington as to offer,” she noted.  

Dr. Brian Dodge presents research on national radio talk show

Brian Dodge

According to a recent article in the New York Times, the admission of British Olympic diver Tom Daley that he was dating a man but that he still likes women reignited a long-time debate within the gay community about bisexuality. Is it possible for a gay man or woman to also be attracted to a member of the opposite sex? And is being bisexual a cop-out for a man or woman who simply is afraid to admit that he or she is gay? Is it “easier” for a woman to be bi-sexual than it is for a man?

On January 14, 2014, Dr. Brian Dodge, Associate Professor in the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington and Associate Director of the IU Center for Sexual Health Promotion recently discussed his current research on Radio Times, a Delaware based station tackling issues concerning listeners around the nation. Dr. Dodge presented his research focusing on sexual health among bisexual men and women, as well as a recent study examining heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals' attitudes toward bisexual men and women in the United States.

Listen to the full interview.

Dr. Rasul Mowatt receives Academy of Leisure Sciences 2014 Excellence in Teaching Award

Rasul Mowatt

The 2014 Academy of Leisure Sciences (ALS) Excellence in Teaching Award will honor Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington Associate Professor Dr. Rasul Mowatt in the department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies for his contributions to the field and dedication to education. 

Each year the Academy hosts the ALS Teaching Institute, designed to facilitate the discussion of teaching and learning, the practices of instruction and administration, and the importance of leisure among educators, but to also highlight and celebrate their accomplishments. 

During the event, the Academy honors the field’s most talented educators with the Excellence in Teaching Award, recognizing a colleague who has demonstrated outstanding ability as a teacher of leisure services over the course of her or his career. 

The Academy of Leisure Sciences is dedicated to the intellectual advancement of leisure sciences by recognizing outstanding scholars, holding meetings and symposia, and facilitating activities that promote research and scholarly activity. 

Support Staff Council silent auction benefits homeless, elderly

On December 16, 2013 the School of Public Health Support Staff Council offered faulty and staff a chance to celebrate the holiday season in good company at the annual Holiday Luncheon. In addition to great food, a silent auction was featured for the third year at the event raising $920.00 in support of a holiday gift donation to the residents of Garden Villa Nursing Home.

“The silent auction is a way for the council to make money so that we can help people during the holidays.  We chose Garden Villa this year because so many in nursing homes are sometimes forgotten during the Christmas season. We thought just giving the residents a small gift would make their holiday season a little brighter,” said Support Staff Council President Sheila Glasgow.

Thanks to the generosity of SPH Faculty and Staff, gifts were delivered to 152 residents during lunch time on Christmas Eve. Each resident received a warm fleece blanket and gift bag filled Chap Stick, a comb, toothpaste, denture supplies, hand lotion, perfume or cologne, and some candy. With gifts to spare, the council delivered the remaining bags to the Shalom Community Center for distribution among their guests on Christmas Eve.

Athletic Training Program students provide support in crisis

Loriann Mathews and Heather Mickelsen

As athletic trainers for Bloomington High School North, IU School of Public Health-Bloomington students Loriann Mathews and Heather Mickelsen aren't unaccustomed to making quick, sometimes split second decisions, to provide support for the athletes they serve. This past fall, they were asked to use the knowledge and instincts typically reserved for the field or gym in a less familiar environment. 

While traveling with the Bloomington High School North football team and athletic trainer Orlin Watson to a game at Terre Haute South they came across an accident involving two cars, one of which was overturned in a ditch.  With the team bus stopped and coaches running to assist, Watson, Mathews, and Mickelsen also exited their vehicle to provide support.  "When we came to a stop and saw the two car accident there was no question about it, we were going to get out and help," Mickelsen said.

As Watson and Mickelsen attended to the victims in the overturned car, Mathews assisted with the assessment of those in the other vehicle. With one victim lacking any response or vital signs, CPR was begun while others received treatment for their injuries. Mathews and Mickelsen continued to assess the needs of other victims on the scene and provide support until emergency personnel arrived. 

"Without the education I have received through the School of Public Health, I would not have been able to assist in any way.

I have taken many classes through the Athletic Training curriculum that allowed me to gain the skills and knowledge needed for a situation such as this," Mathews noted. 

Both Mathews and Micklesen were recently honored for their service by the MCCSC school district for their leadership and assistance during the crisis. 

"It was a hard situation and everybody showed great character in their response," Mathews said.  

Eppley Institute offers grants for interpretation research

The Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University works to enhance the quality of natural, cultural, and recreational experiences for all people. For the first time in 2014 Eppley will offer research grants in the field of interpretation up to $3,000 for students and faculty members interested in advancing knowledge in the area of interpretation.  

Executive Director Steve Wolter said, “The Eppley Institute wanted to fund these grants in support of our partnership with the National Park Service and to advance knowledge in interpretation. We feel this is a good opportunity contribute further to the field.”

Committee member and co-chair Doug Knapp further reinforced the importance of the grants stating  that, “the field of interpretation is an important aspect of natural and cultural centers throughout the country. This educational/programmatic aspect of federal, state and local resource sites attempts to inform literally millions of visitors to the natural and cultural resource associated with these parks, preserves and monuments. This grant program is a way to support researchers to help find most effective ways to conduct this important service.” 

Interested in applying? 

Any student enrolled in a Master’s degree program with an interpretation component at any university or new faculty member (in first two years of teaching) is eligible to apply.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee, and it is anticipated that two grants will be awarded this year.

The application is available on the Eppley Institute website, and materials are due February 7, 2014. Questions should be directed to program manager Nona Capps at nfcapps@indiana.edu or 812-855-0864. All applicants will be notified of the committee decision by March 7, 2014.

American Public Health Association now accepting abstracts for the 142nd APHA Annual Meeting

In November 2013, more than 13,000 attendees including representatives from the School of Public Health-Bloomington converged on Boston, Massachusetts for the 141st American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting and Exposition. 

As one of the largest events around the globe bringing together health professionals to discuss and share health related research and policy, plans are already in place for this year’s upcoming event. 

From November 15-19th, the 142nd Annual Meeting and Expo will convene in New Orleans, Louisiana. With up to 1,000 presentations expected to be offered to attendees the call for abstracts from potential presenters has begun. 

Interested in presenting? Submit an Abstract

Abstracts related to all areas of public health, including those that coincide with the 2014 theme "Healthography: How Where You Live Affects Your Health and Well-being,” are being accepted. Deadlines range from Feb. 10-14 depending on topic area. You do not need to be a member of APHA to submit an abstract. However, if your abstract is accepted for presentation, the presenting author MUST become an individual member of APHA and register for the Annual Meeting. 

Learn more about submissions.