Advancing Public Health Workforce Development Through Public Health Informatics and Student Mentoring
Includes a Live Web Event on 10/21/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)
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Register
- Non-member - $20
- Member - $10
- Student Member - $5
- Student Non-Member - $10
This webinar will focus on public health workforce development and student mentoring through competency-based education, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Using insights from the Gaining Equity in Training for Public Health Informatics and Technology (GET PHIT) Summer Bootcamp at Prairie View A&M University, the session will highlight innovative approaches for preparing and mentoring the next generation of public health professionals. Participants will learn about strategies for integrating public health informatics, health equity, data literacy, and workforce readiness curriculum into educational and training programs. The webinar will examine how structured mentoring, hands-on learning experiences, and interdisciplinary partnerships can enhance student engagement, professional development, and career preparedness. Practical examples from the GET PHIT program will demonstrate how competency-based training can strengthen workforce pipelines, increase diversity in public health professions, and equip students with the skills needed to address complex population health challenges and advance health equity in their communities.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Recognize key strategies for preparing students for careers in public health through informatics, health equity, and workforce development training.
- Discuss effective mentoring and hands-on learning practices that support student success and workforce readiness in public health.
Competencies that will be covered include:
2.1.2 |Entry| Facilitate collaborative efforts among stakeholders to sustain engagement.
3.2.1|Entry| Create an environment tailored to the program objectives.
Sponsored by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.0 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available for this session is 0. Provider ID #98029 and Activity ID 0126021DL.
Dr. Andrea McDonald, PhD, CHES
Associate Professor
Prairie View A&M University
Andrea McDonald, PhD, CHES, is an Associate Professor in the School of Public and Allied Health at Prairie View A&M University. She is an accomplished educator, researcher, and mentor dedicated to preparing a diverse and highly skilled public health workforce through innovative teaching, community engagement, and technology-driven public health solutions. Dr. McDonald’s research focuses on the intersection of health equity, public health informatics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable food systems to improve health outcomes among underserved populations. She has led curriculum development, workforce training, and strategic planning initiatives in public health and nutrition informatics, with a strong emphasis on translating research into practice. Her scholarship bridges academic inquiry and community impact, advancing public health initiatives across Texas, the Caribbean, and beyond. In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. McDonald currently serves as Chair of the Professional Committee for the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and as Chair-Elect of the Research Association of Minority Professors (RAMP).
Seungchan Kim, PhD.
Chief Scientist & Executive Professor
Prairie View A&M University
Seungchan Kim, PhD, is Chief Scientist and Executive Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Prairie View A&M University. An accomplished researcher and innovator, Dr. Kim’s work centers on artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital twins, immersive technologies, cybersecurity, and intelligent systems. He leads interdisciplinary research initiatives that leverage emerging technologies to address complex challenges in healthcare, agriculture, education, workforce development, and smart communities. Dr. Kim has secured and managed numerous federally funded projects and has established strong collaborations among academia, industry, government agencies, and community partners. His research advances data-driven solutions that enhance decision-making, improve system performance, and promote equitable access to technology. As a dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Kim is committed to developing a diverse STEM workforce and preparing future leaders to drive innovation and technological advancement for societal impact.
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