Health and Human Services News

Archives for October 2023

Empowering future leaders with the Pathways internship program

by

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has partnered with Missouri State University to offer statewide public health internships through Pathways. 

Robert Niezgoda, visiting assistant professor in the department of public health and sports medicine at MSU, received a grant of $2.1 million to fund this project. He plays a key role in facilitating the development of the program. 

Niezgoda spent time as a local health department director and student mentor for MSU’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program. This makes him a prime candidate to oversee this project. 

“The grant partnership was based on the MPH program’s history of successful field experiences and the connections with the DHSS,” Niezgoda said. 

Pathways public health internships 

Fifty Pathways public health internship positions are open to undergraduate and master’s students starting in spring 2024.  

The internships are either with a public health agency or with DHSS offices. Each internship is 320 hours and students will receive a stipend of $6,400. 

This opportunity is not limited to one branch of study. Any health care-related field from nursing to health care administration can qualify.  

“The purpose of these internships is to help local public health agencies find potential employees,” Niezgoda said. “We want to get more people excited about public health, while strengthening their workforce.”  

What this means for MSU and the state 

The Pathways Missouri public health internship program is an ideal opportunity for organizations to provide students with practical experience for roles in a new career field. This enables students to get on-the-job skills the classroom may not provide.  

The DHSS partnership with MSU promotes a workforce development strategy to create more applicants for full-time public health jobs. 

Other participating Missouri universities include:  

  • University of Missouri. 
  • Saint Louis University.  
  • Washington University in St. Louis. 
  • Lincoln University. 
  • Lindenwood University. 
  • Missouri Southern State University. 
  • Truman State University. 
  • University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis.  

These academic partners will aid in coordinating the internships and developing a sustainability plan.   

“The important part is there will be opportunities for students to have paid public health internships,” Niezgoda said. “This will strengthen the Missouri public health workforce leading to improved health for Missouri.” 

Learn more about internships or apply

Why you should wear sunscreen even in the fall 

by

As the weather starts cooling down in the fall, many people try to retain their tans by not wearing sunscreen.  

But there’s a harsh reality – ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin even when the sun isn’t shining as much. 

Dr. Joshua Smith, a Missouri State University expert in how UV rays affect our skin, explains the importance of taking care of your skin – no matter the season or your age. 

The risks 

There are three types of UV rays: A, B and C.  

“UV C tends to get stuck in the ozone and is not as much of a problem,” said Smith, interim department head and professor in the department of biomedical sciences. “But UV A and B can come through the clouds and UV A can sneak through the glass of your car windows.” 

UV A and B are a dangerous duo.   

“UV A is the main culprit for the aging sun exposure can cause,” Smith said. “And UV B is responsible for the skin’s change in color as it damages the cells.” 

Smith notes that shifts in skin color after being outside is not a good sign. 

“When your skin changes pigmentation after being outdoors, it’s a response of UV light damage,” he said. “If you’re properly applying sunscreen, you should not see a color change.” 

Debunking sunscreen myths 

Social media is the source behind many myths about sunscreen chemicals and their link to cancer and/or disease. As such, many people believe only natural agents should be applied on your skin. 

But according to Smith, most natural sunscreens are not strong enough to provide sufficient protection.   

“The only real risk associated with sunscreen comes from allergies and skin sensitivities from certain ingredients,” Smith said. “Even so, the worst thing that can happen to the skin is a rash or irritation.  

“I haven’t found any scientific research or evidence that shows an increase in cell growth from applying sunscreen.”    

Sun damage isn’t seasonal 

During fall and winter, temperatures drop and there’s less sunlight. This makes it seem that sunscreen is not necessary.   

But in reality, UV rays reflect off shiny things like water, sand and snow.   

“Both the American Cancer Society and the American Society for Dermatologists recommend if you’re going to be outside at any time of the year, then you need to wear sunscreen,” Smith said. “The more you wear sunscreen, the less you’ll age.” 

He suggests a few things to keep in mind when purchasing and using sunscreen. 

“If your sunscreen doesn’t have an SPF of at least 30, it’s not good enough,” Smith said. “Additionally, you should reapply at least every two hours.” 

Learn more about biomedical sciences

 

Alumna receives outstanding achievement

by

Best Agents chose realtor Jaclyn (Jackie) Durbin to be a 2023 Top Agent. This is an esteemed honor that recognizes top real estate professionals and connects them with buyers.  

Prior to her real estate career, she attended Missouri State University. She majored in psychology with a minor in child and family development.  

“Psychology skills are applicable to almost any career,” Durbin said. “My degree helps me empathize and understand clients while guiding them through important life choices.”  

Durbin’s professional journey 

After graduation in 2003, she worked in social services and then became director of an agency for people with developmental disabilities.  

Durbin decided she needed a career change as her family grew and pursued her interest in real estate. Seven years later, she has made tremendous strides in her career while prioritizing her work/life balance.  

She takes pride in being genuine and warm with those she works with so they can have reduced stress and make informed decisions. 

“I believe I was chosen as a Top Agent because of my philosophies and the way I run my business,” Durbin said. “By educating the parties I work with, I make sure everyone’s best interests are at heart and they are provided with quality care and service.” 

About Best Agents 2023 Top Agent  

Durbin is currently a realtor with Murney Associates and specializes in first-time homebuyers. As a broker, she’s responsible for educating clients and ensuring they stay within local laws and guidelines. 

Being recognized as a Top Agent provides credibility and client connections.  

Best Agents helps buyers, sellers and investors match with qualified agents in their area. The Best Agents database classifies agents by local expertise, verified licenses, transaction history and specializations.  

Their goal is to provide consumers with high level knowledge, seamless service and transparency. 

 

Learn more about psychology

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With:

MSU alumna thrives at Massachusetts General Hospital

by

Studying cell and molecular biology and graduating with her bachelor’s degree in May 2021 and her master’s degree in August 2022 from Missouri State University, Emma Wise has only continued to move onward and upward.  

Positive MoState memories 

For the first few years of college, Wise was a flute and piccolo player for the MSU Pride Marching Band. She had a wonderful experience and met a lot of great people through the music program.

In her free time and while studying, Wise loved to spend time on campus.

“I always enjoyed the fountain and the hammock stations. One of my all-time favorite spots to relax was behind the Plaster Student Union, especially in the spring when the trees are in bloom.”  

Oodles of hands-on research 

Because MSU allows undergraduate students to participate in research, Wise learned proper lab etiquette, how to operate complex equipment and how to properly analyze results. 

Wise started volunteering in Dr. Amy Hulme’s lab in 2019 where they investigated the early steps of HIV-1 replication. Wise continued this research when she transitioned to working on her master’s degree — finally completing her thesis on how the cellular factor Cyclophilin-A interacts with HIV-1.

“Missouri State fully prepared me for my current position,” she said. “Participating in real research early on in my academic career helped me gain the skills I use every day in my current profession.”   

Wise working on cell cultures in a laminar hood.

Life in the Anderson Lab  

Wise now works for the Wellman Center of Photomedicine in the Anderson Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Her focus is on how lasers and light can help the body.  

The lab’s current project involves studying how specific wavelengths of red light can affect muscle endurance. To do this, Wise treats muscle cells with light and then ‘exercises’ them using electric pulse stimulation to make them contract.   

After the exercise regimen, she analyzes different cellular byproducts, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or lactate, to see what effect the light has on exercising cells.  

Recently, red light therapy is being considered for patients to help with blood flow and skin conditions, as well as to relieve muscle pain. Wise loves learning exactly how this light can affect the body at a cellular level.

“I’m enjoying my time at MGH and learning a lot from the Anderson Lab, as well as the other labs at the Wellman Center.”

Wise hopes to continue her education and become a research fellow — that way she can conduct her own research on any topic. For the time being, she’s content with exploring the research world and learning more about cell biology.

Explore the biomedical sciences program