Experiential Learning Program - 2025 Spring Details

Purpose

The purpose of the Experiential Learning Program is to strengthen the Public Health workforce pipeline by preparing high school students to pursue careers in Public Health after post-secondary school graduation.

Program Goals

PUBH 3150: Health Data Analytics & Informatics

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the origins, flow, management, and analysis of health data. It emphasizes interpreting and presenting empirical evidence within the context of public health. Students explore data-driven approaches to evaluating health programs and policies, gaining foundational knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics, and health informatics. By the end of the course, participants are equipped with essential analytical tools to effectively interpret, apply, and communicate health data in real-world settings.

PUBH 3160: Public Health in Action

This integrative course enables students to apply research methods, experiential learning, and public health practice to address real-world public health issues. Through collaborative projects, students synthesize knowledge and competencies from this and other PUBH courses to develop practical, evidence-based solutions. The course emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the application of public health principles in diverse settings.

PUBH 3170: Global Health Crises & Milestones

This course introduces students to major milestones and crises in global public health. It examines both achievements and challenges that have shaped health outcomes worldwide. By the end of the course, students develop a critical understanding of global health history and its relevance in today’s interconnected world.

Special Project Workshop: Global Health Short Film

In this hands-on workshop, students work in small groups to create a short film that incorporates a comprehensive presentation of relevant public health data. The project encourages creativity, collaboration, and the effective communication of complex health issues through visual storytelling.

Computer Programming

This course offers an overview of computer science fundamentals, with a focus on problem-solving and core programming skills. Topics include primitive data types, control structures, arrays, strings, input/output operations, basic recursion, and essential techniques for documentation, testing, and debugging. Students are also introduced to foundational concepts in object-oriented programming.

ACT Prep Workshop

This dynamic and engaging workshop prepares high school students for success on the ACT (American College Testing) exam. Through interactive instruction and targeted practice, students develop the academic and test-taking skills necessary to improve their performance. The workshop builds confidence and mastery across key content areas, supporting students in reaching their college admissions goals.

Program Objectives

By the end of the course, students were able to:

PUBH 3150: Health Data Analytics & Informatics

Understand the fundamentals of health data management and analysis
Apply data-driven approaches to public health decision-making
Explain public health surveillance systems and measures of disease occurrence
Analyze disease outbreaks using epidemiologic principles
Differentiate between descriptive and analytic epidemiologic study designs
Identify and describe key features of common descriptive study designs
Understand core statistical concepts, including probability, random sampling, and statistical distributions
Perform basic biostatistical analyses, including one-sample and two-sample hypothesis tests

PUBH 3160: Public Health in Action

Integrated insights from individual and group assignments with scholarly research to reflect on key public health topics
Assessed academic and non-academic resources for investigating public health problems
Critically evaluated and synthesized scientific information related to specific public health issues
Developed focused lines of inquiry based on how public health agencies or researchers addressed those issues
Engaged with professionals in the field—including researchers, public health leaders, policymakers, media, and healthcare personnel—to deepen their understanding
Evaluated and integrated collected information to propose informed, evidence-based recommendations for addressing critical public health challenges

PUBH 3170: Global Health Crises & Milestones

Describe major global health crises and milestones that have shaped public health worldwide
Understand the interconnected nature of global health and how health outcomes are influenced across borders
Think critically about global health challenges and evaluate the effectiveness of international health initiatives
Identify key strategies used to address global health crises and assess the role of global health institutions in improving health outcomes globally

Special Project Workshop: Global Health Short Film

Develop and apply technical skills in camera operation, audio recording, and lighting to support effective filmmaking
Collaborate on set and contribute to the production process in a team environment
Demonstrate creative and professional proficiency in initiating, producing, and distributing video projects
Refine storytelling and communication skills through the creation of a public health short film for the PUBH 3160 dual enrollment course

Computer Programming

Read and write code using variables, assignments, conditionals, and loops
Manipulate strings, lists (including one- and two-dimensional), and dictionaries
Define and call functions with various input and output types
Decompose programs into modular sections using functions
Define simple classes and create objects
Invoke methods and apply object-oriented programming principles in basic applications

Student Outputs

The Student Outputs across the public health curriculum demonstrated students’ engagement with analytical, practical, and creative learning experiences. In PUBH 3150: Health Data, Analytics & Informatics, students completed nine weekly homework assignments, three exams, and a final project. In PUBH 3160: Public Health in Action, they wrote a 5-page background paper, conducted an interview with a health professional, submitted a 2-page reflection paper, and delivered a 10-minute presentation. For PUBH 3170: Global Health Crises & Milestones, students produced three short response papers, a 5–10-page final paper, and a 15-minute presentation with a Q&A session. The Computer Programming course focused on developing technical skills through weekly coding exercises and a final project. Additionally, in the Special Project Workshop: Global Health Short Film, student groups created 3–5 minute interview-style documentaries based on research topics from the Public Health in Action dual enrollment course.

Program Session Dates/Times

Session	Dates and Times
ACT Prep Session Dates	January 14, 21, 28 February 4, 11, 18, 25 March 18, 25 April 1
Virtual Session	January 15, 22, 29 February 5, 12, 19, 26 March 5, 19, 26 April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May 7
Weekend In-Person Sessions	January 18-19; 25-26 February 8-9; 15-16; 22-23 March 8-9; 22-23; 29-30 April 12-13; 26-27 Saturdays from 9am - 5pm Sundays from 2pm - 5pm

Weekly Homework

Weekly assigned homework was a consistent requirement, encompassing tasks from the PUBH dual enrollment course. Students were expected to participate in weekly virtual homework sessions to collaboratively address any questions. These sessions were mandatory to ensure that each student diligently worked towards completing all three dual enrollment courses to earn college credit.

In addition to the virtual sessions, various resources were available to support students, including access to online libraries, study guides, and tutoring services. Instructors were also available to answer any questions, and students were encouraged to contact them via call, text, or email.

Instructors

Dr. Fedoria Rugless

Research Assistant Professor, School of Health Studies

Dr. Fedoria Rugless is a Research Assistant Professor at the School of Health Studies and serves as the Director of Research for Church Health. Before joining the University of Memphis, her research interests encompassed exposure effects and neuromotor performance, patient-centered outcomes, HIV surveillance, and cancer research. She has presented her findings in various publications and at numerous conferences both nationally and internationally. Dr. Rugless is passionate about education and has served as an adjunct faculty member at several institutions within the region. She is also a Certified Clinical Research Professional through the Society of Clinical Research Associates. She is very enthusiastic about this role, as it embodies both of her passions and areas of service in the healthcare and research arenas. This dual position was developed from the President’s office in collaboration with Church Health leadership, aiming to create a nationally recognized collaborative research program between the University of Memphis and Church Health. In this role, Dr. Rugless serves as a liaison between University of Memphis investigators and Church Health to establish a robust collaborative research network that enhances the community-based clinical work being done at Church Health, while also providing University faculty with the opportunity to conduct research within a model healthcare organization. Dr. Rugless is very enthusiastic about this role as it embodies both her passions and areas of service in the healthcare and research fields. Ultimately, she aims to reduce healthcare disparities among underserved populations and ensure that all individuals achieve holistic health and wellness.

Broderick Stigall

Assistant Professor of Teaching, Computer Science

Mr. Stigall joined the Computer Science Department in Spring 2024. Prior to joining, he completed his Master of Science in Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He also worked for ten years as a software engineer on E-Commerce teams at International Paper and AutoZone. Mr. Stigall’s research interests include voice user interfaces, speech technologies, human-computer interaction, and computer science education. At the University of Memphis, Mr. Stigall teaches undergraduate computer science courses.

Cicely Odom

Tutor Memphis901

Cicely Odom is a native Memphian and Memphis City School Alum, attending the city’s first charter school. After high school, Cicely continued her studies at LeMoyne-Owen College and University of Memphis. Having a natural love of mathematics and science, Ms. Odom attended Southwest Tennessee Community College and obtained several certifications in Mechanical Engineering and CAD. Southwest was so impressed with her achievements, they brought her aboard as an Academic Advisor and an Upward Bound math instructor. After several years working in secondary education, Cicely saw a great need to assist students prior to reaching the college level and decided to create Tutor Memphis. Tutor Memphis was born out of a need to prepare middle and high school students for standardized test to ensure every possible advantage to reaching their full potential. Ms. Odom is a dedicated and experienced tutor and mentor to many of the top students in the Memphis and surrounding areas. Specializing in making complex concepts understandable and engaging is her superpower. Her patient and personalized approach ensures that each student’s unique learning style is catered to. Ms. Odom recently obtained her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with goals to create a customized math curriculum that will meet the needs of underserved students in math and science. In her spare time, Cicely enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and giving back to her community.

Graduate Assistants

Elizabeth Butler

Graduate Assistant, School of Public Health

Liz graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Business and a minor in Criminal Justice in 2021. During her undergrad years, she worked as a teaching assistant at Campus School, an after-care group leader with the YMCA of Memphis, and a freelance photographer/editor. She is currently enrolled at the University of Memphis studying to receive her Master’s in Film & Video Production. Liz has joined the PH-IDEAS team to help create, instruct, and capture the students’ experiences in the experiential learning program. Working with kids has always come naturally to her and she enjoys being able to help them flourish in whatever they choose to accomplish. When not at school or working, she enjoys playing and discovering new music, traveling and spending time with her dog, Asera, a very outspoken German Shepherd.

Matthew Horton

Graduate Assistant, School of Public Health

Matthew graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2021. During his undergraduate years, he was the Public Relations Manager for the Morehouse College Glee Club, part of the Honors Program, and part of the Judson Lyons Mentorship Initiative. He is currently enrolled for his Master's in Urban Health and has joined the PH-IDEAS team to help teach and guide the students during their time in the experiential learning program.