Taylor Thomas

911�� College of Public Health students learn AI implementation and management in graduate-level health administration course

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:55:03 +0000

911�� College of Public Health students learn AI implementation and management in graduate-level health administration course Taylor Thomas Mon, 03/30/2026 - 11:55

Key Takeaways:

The health care field is rapidly evolving to include AI as standard across organizations and in care delivery.
HAP 621, a graduate level course taught by Associate Professor Renee Geschke in the fall 2025 semester, included a project where students engaged with real-life AI scenarios and implemented problem-solving as a health care leader, improving their AI literacy and analysis skills.
Jadon Thomas, an oncology nurse and 911�� health informatics student, reflects that the project prepared future health care leaders to be proficient with AI in clinical settings.

Photo via Unsplash.

Future health care leaders must be equipped to make data-informed, ethical, and emotionally intelligent decisions in environments increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI). A graduate-level health administration and policy course (HAP 621) taught by Associate Professor Renee Geschke in the fall 2025 semester taught students how to become those leaders.

Geschke assigned a new project where students evaluated decisions, engaged with AI tools, and proposed responsible strategies for implementation in health care settings. Students were challenged to analyze a realistic leadership scenario when AI is being implemented within a health care organization.

For the project, students chose or proposed an AI-related leadership scenario relevant to their professional interests. They then experimented with at least two AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Tableau, Power BI) to analyze how AI impacts leadership communication, emotional intelligence, team engagement, key ethical and organizational considerations (e.g., bias, transparency, accountability, workforce trust), and how leaders can ensure ethical governance. Finally, students suggested actionable leadership strategies for responsible AI implementation in health care.

For example, an AI system flags a patient at high risk for readmission to the hospital. Staff are concerned about data accuracy and potential bias of the AI system. Students, as the hypothetical organizational leader, needed to address these concerns while balancing innovation and ethical oversight.

By the time the project was complete, students were better prepared to enter a rapidly evolving health care field.

“This assignment helped us think beyond everyday use and consider how AI is being integrated into clinical environments” said Jadon Thomas, a health informatics student with a concentration in management, who was enrolled in HAP 621. "Learning how these tools work and understanding how to use them effectively prepares health care workers like myself for a future in health informatics, where connecting clinical needs with technological capabilities will be needed."

Why learn AI now?

As Thomas, an oncology nurse for the DC VA Medical Center, pointed out, AI is moving from a transformative concept to a practical tool integrated into clinical systems.

“Just as the health care field transitioned from paper documentation to electronic medical records, we are now entering a new phase where AI will be integrated into these electronic medical records to improve clinical workflow and reduce burnout,” said Thomas.

Geschke was inspired to create this project after observing her students’ needs and industry demands. First, she noticed students were already encountering AI tools in informal and unstructured ways, but lacked the skills to use AI to its full potential. In addition, Geschke recognized that ignoring AI would place students at a disadvantage when entering the workforce. Rather than prohibiting AI use, Geschke designed a structured, transparent learning experience that explicitly teaches how and when AI can be used responsibly.

“Health care leaders will routinely interact with AI-enabled systems across operations, quality improvement, workforce management, and patient engagement. Developing AI literacy helps students recognize limitations, bias, and ethical concerns, ask better questions, and lead thoughtful organizational conversations about technology adoption,” said Geschke. Her expertise focuses on health systems management, health policy, and curriculum development, with an emphasis on student-centered and experiential learning.

Thomas echoed the sentiment, saying, “Health care organizations are actively developing and adopting AI-driven tools, so gaining this knowledge now is essential for understanding how these technologies will shape our workflows, responsibilities, and expectations in the future.”

Topics

Healthcare Administration

Healthcare Technology

Healthcare Education

Department of Health Administration and Policy

Artificial Intelligence

innovative classes

Students

From practicum to profession: MSW program skills helped this student turn her internship into a full-time role

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:32:45 +0000

From practicum to profession: MSW program skills helped this student turn her internship into a full-time role Taylor Thomas Mon, 03/23/2026 - 12:32

911�� Master of Social Work (MSW) student Heather Apostol is the model of translating academic-experiential learning into professional skills, thanks to her practicum at True Ground Housing Partners. Her program implementation abilities led to her promotion from MSW Resident Services Intern to a full-time position as Resident Services Coordinator.

True Ground Housing Partners is one of the country’s leading nonprofit affordable housing developers, providing housing to thousands in the Washington, D.C., area. As an intern, Apostol supported residents across multiple affordable housing communities through case management, housing stabilization efforts, and community programming. After interning during the fall 2025 semester, the transition was seamless.

Heather Apostol. Photo provided.

Apostol now coordinates rental assistance efforts, collaborates with county agencies and property management, and connects residents to community-based resources. Additionally, she develops and facilitates programming focused on youth empowerment, financial literacy, culture and community, and more.

“I immediately felt connected with the work. I was very excited to be entered into the Resident Services Coordinator role,” said Apostol, who began her full-time position in January 2026 and is expected to graduate with her master's degree in this May. "Because I was already familiar with the residents, staff, and some of the operations, it felt like a natural next step and allowed me to continue building relationships while expanding my responsibilities."

Apostol’s supervisor, Dannette Lawrence, speaks highly of Apostol’s aptitude, ability to be transparent, reflective, and consistent during her internship.

“Heather demonstrated professionalism, empathy, and initiative early on, approaching her work with curiosity and accountability while building meaningful connections with residents and colleagues and thoughtfully applying her academic training to real-world practice. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to witness Heather’s growth from a social work student into a thoughtful, dedicated changemaker committed to serving the community as a Resident Services Coordinator at True Ground Housing,” said Lawrence, associate director of True Ground Housing.

The MSW at 911��’s College of Public Health provides a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, ecological systems theory, policy analysis, and ethical decision-making. Apostol says these frameworks directly inform her daily practice in affordable housing settings.

“911��’s program emphasized evidence-based interventions and reflective practice, which strengthened my assessment skills, professional documentation, and confidence in interdisciplinary collaboration. I feel well-prepared to navigate both individual-level case management and systems-level advocacy,” said Apostol.

Influenced by culture, leading with care

Apostol cites her cultural heritage in shaping her commitment to serving others. As a Filipino social worker, the Filipino value of bayanihan—the spirit of community cooperation and helping one another—deeply influences her approach to supporting individuals and families.

“This cultural foundation reminds me that caring for others is not just a profession, but a shared responsibility rooted in empathy, humility, and service. Being Filipino allows me to bring cultural awareness, resilience, and a strong sense of community into my practice as a social worker,” said Apostol, who proudly shares she is the first in her family to receive a master’s degree.

Key Takeaways:

Master of Social Work student Heather Apostol’s practicum at True Ground Housing Partners has led to a full-time position as Resident Services Coordinator.
The Master of Social Work at 911��’s College of Public Health prepares future professionals through evidence-based social work frameworks and experiential learning.
Apostol credits her Filipino heritage for instilling in her the values of compassion, humility, service, and community-building.

Request information abot the Master of Social Work

Topics

social work students

master of social work

Practicum

CPH students

experiential learning

Graduation

Students

Tip Sheet: How proper nutrition fuels hoop dreams during March Madness

Taylor Thomas — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:56:15 +0000

Tip Sheet: How proper nutrition fuels hoop dreams during March Madness Taylor Thomas Thu, 03/12/2026 - 09:56

Sports enthusiasts are gearing up for the largest college basketball tournament in the nation: March Madness. As fans finalize their brackets and get gameday snacks ready, athletes are also fueling for prolonged and fast-paced competition. Registered sports dietitian Allison McKay and 911�� Athletics sports dietitian Quinten Patterson, who is also the preceptor for dietetics students completing supervised practice hours in the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics, explain what keeps college basketball players energized through the final buzzer.

Allison McKay (left) and Quentin Patterson (right) share professional perspective into collegiate athletes' nutritional needs. Photo by Mary Cunningham.

For fans’ March Madness watch party menus, Patterson and McKay recommend a balanced blend of carbs, proteins, healthy fats, and plant-based foods. Nuts, fruits, vegetables, and chips and dips are great snacks to help you cheer your favorite team through to the finals.

But how can student athletes fuel their Sweet 16 dreams? Learn more from Patterson and McKay about how nutrition impacts college athletes:

How does nutrition support student-athletes' demanding schedules?

Patterson: Between classes, travel, training, and competition, student-athletes’ busy schedules burn a lot of calories, up to over 4,000 calories in a single day. Enjoying nutrient-dense snacks sourced from whole foods helps give our athletes the bump in energy to get through their busy day. Nuts, fruits, yogurt, and granola are a few examples of whole foods that are delicious, nutrient-dense, and easy to carry around.

What role do nutrition and rest play during long tournaments like March Madness?

McKay: Athletes experience both mental and physical stress during prolonged competitions and tournaments, so sleep, rest, and proper nutrition are critical elements. Not having enough energy during these times can increase possible irritability, anxiety, and can reduce concentration, which can increase the risk of injury. Recovery and nutrition can support resilience and help athletes perform their best in repeated efforts, like March Madness.

What do college basketball players eat on game day to maximize energy and focus?

Patterson: Game day meals have three main components: High-quality proteins, complex carbohydrates, and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Players start their game day with a balanced breakfast in the morning and a pre-game meal a couple of hours before game time. It’s important to avoid fried or other high-fat foods in the hours before tip-off. These foods take a while to digest and can slow down our players on the court.

How can athletes reduce the stress of high-stakes tournaments and games?

McKay: Ensuring adequate fueling, especially carbohydrates, can help reduce stress during heavy training or competitions. Micronutrients such as magnesium, iron (if deficient), zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and B vitamins can support the muscles and nervous system. Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in foods like salmon and chia seeds, can reduce inflammation and support joint health. Student athletes can require up to two or three times more protein than the average person. Most people need between 0.36 - 0.45 grams of protein per pound of body weight. However, collegiate athletes typically need almost double that—between 0.54 - 0.91 grams of protein per pound of body weight.

How do nutrition needs change when teams play multiple games in a short time span, like the March Madness Tournament?

Patterson: Nutrient timing is important to ensure athletes are ready to go for the next round. Players’ bodies respond better to ingested carbohydrates and proteins in the couple of hours after the game to shuttle those nutrients to their proper places. Post-game meals look similar to pre-game meals in that they are full of high-quality proteins and complex carbohydrates. Healthy fats are a great inclusion here to top off energy stores.

What foods help athletes stay focused during high-pressure games?

McKay: Mental acuity in athletes starts with stable blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are critical for focus and quick decision-making, as the brain relies heavily on glucose for fuel. Before a high-pressure game, eating easily digestible carbohydrates, like oatmeal, rice, pasta, toast, a bagel, yogurt, or even a smoothie can help to ensure a constant energy source for the competition. During a prolonged event, the athlete may need to have additional carbohydrates from sports drinks or gels to sustain energy levels and prevent fatigue.

How important is hydration during March Madness?

McKay: Ensuring proper hydration is highly important. Even a mild level of dehydration can negatively impact concentration and performance. Starting the game fully hydrated is necessary, and replenishing fluid and electrolytes lost through sweat can make all the difference.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: For reporters who wish to speak to Allison McKay or Quentin Patterson about collegiate athlete nutrition or sports dietetics, please email media contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu.

Allison McKay, MS, RDN, CSSD, has been a registered dietitian for more than 25 years and has experience providing nutrition education and Medical Nutrition Therapy in hospitals, long-term care facilities and has been a research dietitian in several longitudinal research studies. Prior to working at 911��, she worked at the Cancer Research Center at the University of Hawaii and was a consulting dietitian with Dietitian Consulting Services LLC in Seattle, Washington. She holds an MS in Exercise, Fitness and Health Promotion from 911�� and is a Board-Certified Sports Dietitian.

Quinten Patterson is the 911�� Athletics Sports Dietitian. Patterson's experience in sports nutrition includes serving as a Seasonal Sports Dietitian for the Tampa Bay Rays Triple-A affiliate, the Durham Bulls, during the 2024 season, as well as assisting NCAA athletes prepare for the NFL combine with EXOS Sports Performance Center in Plano, Texas. Prior to joining 911��, Patterson was a registered dietitian at VIDA Fitness, where he provided nutrition counseling and support to clients as part of the organization's health and wellness initiatives. Patterson joined 911�� Athletics in February 2026 and will serve as preceptor for dietetics students completing supervised practice hours in the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Patterson previously served as a Renal Dietitian with DaVita, focusing on patient-centered care in a dialysis clinic environment. He also worked as a Clinical Dietitian with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, supporting psychiatric patient care. Early in his career, Patterson held a role at UT Southwestern Medical Center as a Research Assistant, contributing to biomedical and clinical research efforts in developmental nephrology.

About 911��

911�� is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.

About College of Public Health at 911��

The College of Public Health at 911�� is the first College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The college comprises public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The college offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The college’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan.

In This Story

Allison McKay MS, RD, CSSD

Download the infographic.

Nutrition and March Madness for athletes and fans

Learn more about how College of Public Health and the Athletics Department are partnering to support 911�� athletes.

Key Takeaways:

Sports dietitians Quentin Patterson and Allison McKay answer what college basketball players need to succeed in strenuous competitions like the March Madness tournament.
Collegiate athletes require a balanced and energy-dense diet, as well as adequate rest and hydration, to support them through schedules packed with classes, travel, training, and competition.
Foods like nuts, fruits, yogurt, oatmeal, rice, pasta, toast, and smoothies help athletes maintain the energy needed to compete in back-to-back competitions.

Topics

CPH and local governments partner to employ VR training for crisis management

Taylor Thomas — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:48:46 +0000

CPH and local governments partner to employ VR training for crisis management Taylor Thomas Tue, 03/03/2026 - 09:48

A local crisis hotline receives a call about a 17-year-old displaying signs of emotional distress. The county Crisis Response Team is dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, the team must empathically engage with the teen, assess risk for self-harm, and de-escalate in a supportive way—while simultaneously observing important context like substance use, housing instability, social isolation, and any other immediate health concerns.

This scenario requires situational awareness, adaptability, decisiveness, teamwork, empathy, and a trauma-informed approach. Crisis responders must be thoroughly prepared to enter these emergency situations—and soon students and practitioners will be able to use virtual reality to train for scenarios just like this.

VR headsets in the Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation.

Holly Matto, social work professor, and co-PI, Emily Ihara, are teaming up with partners from Fairfax City and Loudoun County to develop an AI-enabled virtual reality training for Crisis Response Teams to manage substance use crises. With support from a Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority grant, they will work with 911��’s College of Public Health and its Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation.

“The college’s Immersive Technologies and Simulation Lab provides an experiential learning environment for students and our community partners. This new VR case simulation specific to community crisis response can enhance interprofessional communication and team coordination skills essential to effective crisis outcomes,” said Matto, professor in the Department of Social Work

The project aligns with the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority’s mission to address the opioid epidemic by funding efforts to assist individuals suffering from opioid use disorders and co-occurring substance use and mental illness. The goal is to enhance crisis response teams’ competency while learning how to maximize each team member’s expertise during a crisis response and post-crisis event.

How it works

Think back to the example of a crisis team responding to a 17-year-old displaying signs of emotional distress. Learning objectives for this VR scenario are:

Identify immediate additional risk screening necessary following an initial assessment.
Demonstrate therapeutic communication techniques (ex., active listening, offering affirmations) to establish trust and rapport with youth experiencing a mental health crisis.
Use evidence-based de-escalation techniques, like strategic change of the immediate sensory experience, such as walking together to a new location.
Maintain the safety, dignity, and autonomy of all using trauma-informed principles.
Collaborate with the crisis response team to coordinate roles and responsibilities during and after, ensuring a unified trauma-informed approach.

“Our newest lab VR technology platform allows for timely customized case development where we can work with our community partners to co-design and test new VR cases most relevant to the conditions seen on-the-ground,” said Matto.

Lesley Abashian, director of human services at the City of Fairfax, is the community partner lead. They are also working with the Atwood Foundation’s peer supports and the Loudoun County Opioid Coordinator.

Thumbnail image via Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority.

In This Story

Holly Matto, PhD, LCSW-C

Emily Ihara, PhD, MSW, FGSA

Key Takeaways:

Social work professors Holly Matto and Emily Ihara, in partnership with Fairfax City and Loudon County, will use a Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority grant to develop VR training for Crisis Response Teams in Northern Virginia to manage substance use crises.
911��’s College of Public Health and its Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation will facilitate the training using customized, real-life scenarios of substance use crises, co-developed with the community partner team.
Crisis management teams will engage in interprofessional, trauma-informed case simulations designed to enhance response to problematic opioid use in the community.

Topics

Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation

College of Public Health

Social Work Faculty

Research

Tip Sheet: From plate to pyramid, understanding the new dietary guidelines

Taylor Thomas — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 14:41:01 +0000

Tip Sheet: From plate to pyramid, understanding the new dietary guidelines Taylor Thomas Tue, 02/17/2026 - 09:41

In This Story

Allison Miner, EdD, MS, RDN

Key Takeaways

The newly released 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends increased animal-derived proteins and full-fat dairy and emphasizes whole grains above refined/highly processed grains.
The recent changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the new inverted pyramid have raised some questions about what a healthy, balanced diet should look like.
The scientific evidence is weak that higher protein intake and emphasis on animal protein or full-fat dairy improve human health.
The emphasis to focus on whole grains and decrease processed carbohydrates is efficacious and supports scientific research.
911�� Assistant Professor of Nutrition and food systems researcher Allison Miner provides evidence-based responses to pressing questions about the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans updated inverted pyramid food graphic. Photo via USDA/realfood.gov.

Fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy: These are the basic food groups that make up a balanced diet. In 2011, MyPlate was introduced as the primary visual dietary guide for Americans on how to portion these food groups. The release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans brought back a pyramid-shaped graphic.

In honor of National Let’s All Eat Right Day, 911�� food systems expert Allison Miner, a licensed dietitian and assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, clarifies key guidance updates and answers questions about the reverse from MyPlate back to the pyramid.

How do the new dietary guidelines differ from the previous version?

The food group portioning largely remains similar to its predecessor, but there are key updates:

Protein: The latest guidelines double the previous recommendation, which has stood for over 80 years. The type of protein recommended emphasizes animal protein over plant-based.
Dairy: Emphasis is now on full-fat dairy, whereas previous guidance recommended nonfat or low-fat dairy for children over age 2 and adults.
Fruits and vegetables: The recommendation is essentially the same, with an approximately half-cup increase in vegetables.
Grains: The amount of grain recommended has not changed significantly. The emphasis has changed, however. The shift is toward whole grains and away from refined/highly processed grains. There is strong evidence that whole grains are healthier.

In summary, the biggest changes are the higher amount of protein recommended, the increased recommendation for animal-derived proteins, and emphasis on full-fat dairy.

What are ultra-processed foods and are they “bad”?

The phrase “ultra-processed foods” is often thrown around to mean what most think of as "junk” foods: potato chips, packaged cookies, instant noodles, ice cream. But the majority of our food undergoes some form of processing, meaning that the food item has undergone industrial processing that alters it from its original state. In fact, about 75% of food products are considered ultra-processed. Pre-cooking, adding preservatives, artificial coloring, and sugar and salt additives are common in food processing across the board. The ultra-processed foods packed high in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, and lower in water and fiber are the ones to be wary of. These are the foods that increase risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

Processed foods can still contribute positively to a healthy dietary pattern. The takeaway isn’t “avoid all processed foods,” but rather to focus on overall nutrient quality and how that food fits into the whole diet. Limited amounts of potato chips can be part of a healthy diet that includes whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, and plant-based protein.

For example, foods like prepackaged whole-grain bread, low-fat yogurts, and soy milk are technically ultra-processed, but are considered beneficial to one’s health.

What does research say about red meat?

One of the most notable updates to the dietary guidelines is the protein section and the promotion of red meat. Animal protein was always part of previous recommendations, but there was guidance to limit it due to its higher saturated fat content. There is limited scientific evidence that high animal foods are healthier for the general population than plant-based protein. The strength of evidence is stronger that processed red meat, such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats, are linked to several negative health outcomes including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, some cancers, and even premature death.

Scientific evidence consistently supports plant-based protein as healthier for individuals and for the planet.

It is important to note that portion size, frequency, and preparation methods including what foods are being excluded (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) should be factored in when deciding what foods to include as part of a healthy diet.

What does research say about full-fat dairy?

The new dietary guidelines also recommend full-fat dairy over lower-fat alternatives, but research has mixed findings on benefits versus consequences. Dairy provides nutrients, such as protein, several vitamins, and minerals—all important to bone health and overall nutrition. However, full-fat dairy contains more saturated fat, which can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase cardiovascular risk. Low-fat dairy alternatives provide the same benefits while lowering the amount of saturated fat.

For adults whose overall diet is already low in saturated fat, full-fat dairy can fit as well. The key is to consider the whole dietary pattern rather than focusing on a single food.

What is the new inverted food pyramid?

The food pyramid is a visual of what the average individual should consume in a single day. It is meant to be a basic guide on portion sizes for each food group, the larger sections represent the food groups that should comprise the majority of a person’s daily diet, and as the sections decrease, that indicates the food group portions that should be progressively smaller.

Today's inverted food pyramid is supposed to convey to the public to consume real food over highly processed and packaged food, to prioritize protein and dairy, choose healthy fat and reduce sugar. A key point of clarification is, because whole grains are at the bottom of the pyramid, it appears that guidance says to reduce or eat fewer grains. The graphic could be misleading here because that is not what the recommendations say, which is to increase the portion of whole grains and reduce processed grains.

Different from the original pyramid and MyPlate, this one doesn't convey anything about individual portion size.

Why did the dietary guidelines shift from the pyramid to a plate and back again?

The original food guide pyramid was first introduced in 1992 to be used as a visual guide for the public to easily interpret food guidance from the 1990-1995 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The pyramid visual emphasized two concepts: the base of the pyramid was the widest and represented the largest amount of food Americans should consume. As the pyramid narrowed, so did the recommendation for the amount of food for each successive food group. There was also no visual guidance as to what kind of food in each food group was healthy. Unfortunately, this did not translate well with the public because there was no guidance as to the amount or kind of food recommended in each section of the pyramid.

MyPlate was created in 2011 as the visual for the 2010-2015 DGA and to address these issues. It was scaled to the actual size and portion of what people would normally consume for each of the food groups based on a nine to 11-inch diameter (circular) plate.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: For reporters who wish to speak to Allison Miner about the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, please email media contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu.

Allison Miner, EdD, MS, RDN, is a licensed dietitian and assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. She has more than 30 years of experience in clinical nutrition, education, and community health, specializing in obesity and cardiovascular disease prevention.

About 911��

About College of Public Health at 911��

The College of Public Health at 911�� is the first College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The college is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The college offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The college’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan.

Topics

Walkability initiative is a win-win partnership for Alexandria City residents and 911�� researchers

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:30:46 +0000

Walkability initiative is a win-win partnership for Alexandria City residents and 911�� researchers Taylor Thomas Mon, 01/26/2026 - 09:30

In This Story

Iulia Fratila, PhD

“Imagine living in a place where you can comfortably send your child and their friends on a safe route to your local library on foot or by bike. How about being able to engage in physical activity by simply accessing an expansive network of trails that might connect parks to local suburbs? This is what walkability looks like—and walkability is public health,” said social science researcher Iulia Fratila, an assistant professor in the Department of Global and Community Health at 911��.

Fratlia participated as a cohort member of the 2025 Virginia Walkability Action Institute (VWAI) and was awarded $9,000 in funding to enhance a local park in Alexandria, Virginia. In partnership with the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA), Fratila and third-year undergraduate social work student Bryce Neuman devised the plan for the Alexandria City Ben Brenman Park project, which aims to encourage walkability, promote physical activity among community members, and improve access to fitness.

Fratlia emphasizes the role of partnerships in bringing sustainable change to fruition. “A partnership like this is a win for everyone involved," she said. "Academic researchers bring knowledge and expertise on the science that shapes health outcomes and the potential prevention efforts and the governmental agencies can bring resources and design structures that support health-promoting landscapes and decision-making.”

Assistant Professor in the College of Public Health Iulia Fratila (left) and Senior Transportation Planner at Equitable Cities Reba Oduro (right) standing in Ben Brenman Park currently, before enhancement. Photo provided.

The goal of the Ben Brenman Park project is to upgrade a trail segment in the south side of the park that has been underdeveloped and underutilized. The anticipated result is more walking and community engagement, healthier residents in the city of Alexandria and surrounding areas, and addressing health and recreation access gaps.

“We need to make sure we are creating and enhancing built environments and infrastructure that make healthier habits like walking and biking a possibility for all,” said Fratlia.

Neuman joined the Ben Brenman Park project to explore her interest in the built and natural environment as an important factor of public health as well as connections to macro-level social work dimensions. Together, Fratlia and Neuman developed the project’s action plan and strategic goals that guided them through the project proposal and implementation process.

Fratlia attended the farmers' market held at the park to distribute QR codes linking to the survey, and the RPCA emailed the survey to the city residents via their newsletter. These data collection methods garnered more than 400 responses. Based on the survey responses, the community identified priorities, including planting native trees and plants and installing adult fitness equipment in the park. Subsequently, the RPCA Urban Planning team created a plan outlining the proposed layout for exercise equipment and tree plantings.

“I am looking forward to being able to see the final product implemented at the park and see that positive change. I’m particularly excited about the addition of native wildlife around the park, and I hope the people who live near and visit the park also appreciate the changes,” said Neuman.

In addition to the pitch and execution of the Ben Brenman Park project, the VWAI program, in partnership with Equitable Cities LLC, involved attending distance learning modules and in-person workshopsfocused on topics such as Placemaking and Tactical Urbanism, the Economic Impact and Sustainability of Active Transportation Investment, Inclusive Community Engagement, Safe Routes programming, and Complete Streets initiatives. This experience allowed Fratila and Neuman to apply public health principles to a real-world built environment project while engaging directly with community members to address their needs and priorities.

The park enhancement project, which has officially been named a case study by the VWAI, is scheduled to be completed in early 2026 and will be installed by the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. The VWAI is a program of the Virginia Department of Health and is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Key Takeaways

911�� College of Public Health researchers are partnering with the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and the Virginia Walkability Action Institute to study and improve neighborhood walkability at Alexandria City's Ben Brenman Park, ensuring research is grounded in community-identified needs rather than academic theory alone.
The initiative provides hands-on, real-world research experience for College of Public Health students, integrating applied public health training with community-based data collection and analysis to inform local planning decisions.
911��’s involvement helps translate walkability research into practical policy insights, supporting Alexandria’s goals around healthier, safer, and more equitable streets while positioning the university as a long-term community partner.

Topics

College of Public Health

GCH Research

CPH research

In the George

Air Force veteran chooses 911�� for its ever-evolving environment

Taylor Thomas — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:36:52 +0000

Air Force veteran chooses 911�� for its ever-evolving environment Taylor Thomas Tue, 01/20/2026 - 10:36

As a chef in the Missile Squadron in the U.S. Air Force, veteran Collin Terling was constantly on the move, traveling four days out of the week to prepare meals for security forces. After completing his military service, Terling wanted a university that could keep pace with his desire for forward momentum. 911�� originally registered on his radar because his sister is an alumna, and he determined it was a perfect fit.

Air Force veteran Collin Terling. Photo provided.

“My favorite thing about 911�� is that it never stops; it is always trying to improve. I wanted a quality education that could help my long-term growth,” said Terling, who is graduating with bachelor of science in health administration in spring 2026.

Terling is a first-generation student and a part of the 911�� chapter of the federal Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, which provides beneficiaries with assistance with tuition, fees, books, and school supplies.

911�� has consistently ranked as the number one college for veterans in Virginia. He commends the Office of Military Service for their steadfast diligence in supporting his journey back into higher education.

“911�� is a great school for veterans and offers a wide range of programs with endless opportunities for post-military veterans looking to get back into educational pursuits,” Terling said.

Terling decided to pursue a career in health care after seeing individual and systems-level pitfalls in quality improvement for patient care, electronic health records, financing, and integration of artificial intelligence in health. A number of College of Public Health faculty and staff guided him in his degree program planning. He cites Assistant Professor Lee Black, Assistant Professor Stephen Brown (retired), and Adjunct Professor Jerome Bozek for their knowledge and instruction of health care finance, health care law, and medical practice management. Terling states his academic advisor Julio Diaz-Carroll has been an instrumental support as he completes his degree.

“It took me a long time to really figure out what degree I felt aligned with,” he said. "I love problem-solving and hope I can make an impact on helping patients, the community around us, and contribute to the revamping of a struggling health care system."

Terling is doing an internship with UVA Health spring 2026 semester, where he hopes to take a deep dive into the complexities of the health care world and its systems.

“I want to get as much experience as I can working within multiple departments and collaborating with other teams to really get an overarching view of the many different perspectives from patients and health care staff,” Terling said.

911�� recognized as a top Military Friendly University

Topics

Veterans

Department of Health Administration and Policy

Office of Military Services

How you eat may be connected to how you sleep

Taylor Thomas — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:22:19 +0000

How you eat may be connected to how you sleep Taylor Thomas Thu, 12/11/2025 - 09:22

In This Story

Raedeh Basiri, PhD, RDN

The average adult should get a minimum of seven hours of sleep daily, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. An estimated 50 to 70 million Americans are diagnosed with a sleep disorder (ex., sleep apnea, insomnia) that prevents optimal sleep outcomes, and what we eat may play a role.

A study by 911�� registered dietitian and clinical nutrition researcher Raedeh Basiri showed that blood sugar levels—whether in individuals with or without diabetes—are linked to sleep quality. The research found that blood glucose patterns, diabetes management, and the types of foods people eat all were associated with how well they sleep:

Individuals with diabetes were more likely to have trouble sleeping, be diagnosed with sleep disorders, and have abnormal sleep duration compared to individuals without diabetes. Those with prediabetes showed similar patterns, but not as strongly.
Strict dietary management and diabetes control were associated with more sleep difficulties, suggesting that blood-sugar status and the types of foods you eat may play important roles in how well you sleep.
Low-protein diets, especially when combined with high-fat intake, were most consistently linked to poor sleep across the board. On the other hand, low-carb, high-fat diets were associated with a lower likelihood of short sleep duration in both people with diabetes and those with normal blood sugar.

Basiri’s research highlights the importance of considering both dietary patterns and blood sugar status when developing strategies to improve sleep.

Glycemic status and macronutrient intake as predictors of sleep outcomes: an analysis of NHANES 2007–2020 data was published in October 2025, in Frontiers.

About the researcher

Raedeh Basiri is a registered dietitian and an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at 911��’s College of Public Health. Basiri is a clinical nutrition researcher specializing in personalized nutrition therapy and the use of emerging technologies, such as continuous glucose monitoring, to improve outcomes in individuals with prediabetes, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Her work combines randomized controlled trials and large-scale data analysis to investigate how whole foods and dietary patterns impact insulin resistance, glycemic control, sleep, and both mental and gut health. Basiri takes a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach and is deeply committed to chronic disease prevention, collaborative research, and mentoring future professionals.

Thumbnail photo by Slaapwijsheid.nl via Unsplash.

Topics

blood glucose control

Research

CPH research

Public health doctoral candidate’s dissertation awarded in university-wide Three Minute Thesis competition

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:56:30 +0000

Public health doctoral candidate’s dissertation awarded in university-wide Three Minute Thesis competition Taylor Thomas Mon, 12/08/2025 - 09:56

Rooshna Mohsin, a PhD in public health student, was this year’s third-place winner in 911��’s annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, a research communication competition for PhD candidates across the university. Competitors are judged on their ability to present the significance of their dissertation or thesis research using a single slide and within a strict three-minute time limit.

Rooshna Mohsin. Photo provided.

Mohsin offered a compelling presentation on dietary and social exposure to PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as forever chemicals, among Hispanic children.

“I found that animal-based foods were associated with higher levels of some PFAS, while taking part in free/reduced school-based meal programs were associated with lower levels. When analyzing associations between PFAS and vitamin D, we found some PFAS were associated with higher levels of vitamin D, which may imply interference of PFAS in vitamin D metabolism in the body,” Mohsin explained of her research’s key findings.

Her full work is entitled Balancing the Risks: Dietary and Social Predictors of PFAS Exposure and Associated Health Outcomes in Hispanic Children.

Mohsin intends to build upon her findings next steps by evaluating the associations between PFAS and cardio metabolic measures (blood pressure and cholesterol) in Hispanic children, which are pediatric measures of heart disease later in life.

The competition took place on November 7, 2025, and was organized by the Graduate Division of the Provost’s Office. PhD students from the College of Education and Human Development, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Humanities and Social Science, College of Public Health, and College of Science participated. A panel of eight judges evaluated the presentations on a diverse range of topics, including the integration of Gen-AI in K-12 classrooms and novel approaches to combating bacteria and biofilms.

Congratulations to all 3MT winners!

Topics

PhD in Public Health

College of Public Health

This veteran’s advice for her fellow former service members considering 911��? Do it!

Taylor Thomas — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:06:19 +0000

This veteran’s advice for her fellow former service members considering 911��? Do it! Taylor Thomas Thu, 11/06/2025 - 09:06

The Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy Gale said it first: “There’s no place like home.” Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student Becca Simon, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, has no doubt she’s found her home in the College of Public Health at 911��.

Navy veteran and Bachelor of Social Work student Becca Simon. Photo provided.

“Coming out of the military, you leave one community, and you don't really know where to go from there, and it can feel very isolating and very lonely. To make new connections with people can be terrifying. And instead, I found a home in a community. I would venture to say that it's been life-changing,” said Simon.

Simon describes the transition from military to civilian as challenging, but with support from the Office of Military Services, says 911��’s unparalleled dedication to veterans deserves its ranking as a top university for veterans in the country.

“I don't think I spoke to anybody in [the Office of Military Services] that wasn't helpful or willing to find answers if they didn't know. They’re up to date on things with Veterans Affairs, and just being so welcoming about coming out from the military and becoming a full-time student,” she said. “New things can be scary and confusing and overwhelming, and they definitely made it easy for me to understand what was required of me, the documents that we needed, and just made the application process much smoother.”

During her time in the Navy, Simon worked as a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, where she regularly interacted with social workers. When searching for where to get her education, she wanted an institution that aligned with her admiration for how social workers approach mental health, conflict resolution, and addressing trauma.

“Most of those people that I admired were social workers, so I started, you know, really asking myself, well, what did I want to do. What direction did I want to go in? Many of the survivor advocates were social workers, and it ignited something that made me think, ‘I wanna do more with this when I get out of the military.’ It’s amazing to be surrounded by people who want to be social workers, who are passionate about the future of social work in this country,” Simon said, who intends to pursue her Master of Social Work here at the college after completing her BSW in 2027.

When asked who her favorite instructor has been so far, Simon explained there was no way to choose. “I adore them all,” she said. “There’s something about each and every one that is my favorite. They're all just incredible human beings and incredible at what they do.”

Simon has very straightforward advice for her fellow veterans considering 911��. Two words: Do it!

“You will find your place here, you'll find a home here, you'll find where you belong.”

Topics

Veterans

Office of Military Services

Department of Social Work

social work students

Bachelor of Social Work

Students

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