Environment, Society, and Health Practice Lab

I learned a great deal from this practice lab, such as childhood lead poisoning is still a problem in the United States, how people can be exposed to lead and how our bodies treat it like the nutrient calcium where it can be stored in our bones and leech out into our bodies the future. I needed to identify potential lead sources and determine the highest at-risk population for long-term adverse health outcomes based on research about lead exposure. Additionally, I had to develop culturally competent messaging and community interventions to reduce lead exposure. This practice lab also highlighted public health professionals’ struggles when working with limited funding and deciding which populations receive an intervention.

Health Communication and Social Marketing for Public Health Practice Lab

MPH 630 was my first exposure to social marketing for public health. While I understood the basic concepts of commercial marketing, I have never seen these concepts applied to health behavior and health promotion. I appreciated this assignment because it allowed me to identify and research a public health problem and identify barriers, benefits, and competing behaviors for facilitating behavior change. However, I had to determine the barriers, benefits, and competing behaviors from the target audience’s viewpoint. By completing this assignment, I build my perspective-taking skills, which allow for more effective health promotion campaigns.

Reflection on creating my e-portfolio

Creating my MPH e-portfolio allowed me to reflect on my experiences and skills gained while in the program. This e-portfolio provided a space to compile my papers, projects, and accomplishments inside and outside the classroom. This repository allows me to showcase my program development and evaluation, research, and communication skills and my passion for public health to the public. I have come a long way in my journey to becoming a public health professional, and this is a testament to my growth.