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K-State Today

June 2, 2020

Interdisciplinary Master of Public Health faculty members share their public health expertise

Submitted by Ellyn Mulcahy

In recent weeks, interdisciplinary faculty members from the Master of Public Health program at K-State have shared their expertise in an effort to explain the diversity of public health science to a wide array of audiences.

MPH faculty members teach and conduct research in an extensive number of areas and settings. For more information about MPH faculty, their teaching and research, please visit the program faculty website

Elaine Johannes, associate professor and extension specialist in family and youth development, department of applied human sciences focuses on adolescent health and development, risk reduction for unique populations of youth, and conducts an on-going study of the transmission of resilience factors between parents and their adolescents who are living in poverty. Johannes and Ellyn Mulcahy, director of the MPH program and associate professor in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, were recently interviewed on "The Extension Files" to talk about the Kansas public health system, essential public health services, and Kansas' public health history. The interview also outlined the role of K-State Extension's partnership with local and state public health networks. Link to interview.

Mulcahy also participated in a national project of the de Beaumount Foundation to highlight public health efforts across the country. Mulcahy talked about her health equity work with the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition in Riley County. 

Justin Kastner, associate professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, along with Danny Unruh, were interviewed by the Produce Marketing Association's Chief Science Officer, Max Teplitski. Unruh, who graduated from K-State with his doctorate in food science in 2018, and Kastner, discussed how, in the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. and global food system is being stretched and, more importantly, how private firms and government officials can promote safety and the ongoing operation of supply chains for produce and other agri-food products. Link to interview

Sandy Procter, state extension nutrition specialist and assistant professor, department of food, nutrition, dietetics and health, focuses on food access, household food security, community health and nutrition education. Procter was interviewed as part of K-State Research and Extension's effort to connect the public with helpful, timely information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Links to interview 1 and interview 2.

Ric Rosenkranz, professor in the department of food, nutrition, dietetics and health, teaches and mentors students in the area of public health nutrition. Rosenkranz's research relates to behavioral nutrition and physical activity, especially promoting healthy opportunities within the settings where children and adolescents live, learn and play. Rosenkranz was also interviewed by Max Teplitski to discuss healthy eating and physical activity under stay-at-home orders. Link to interview.