WELCOME TO THE WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD WEBPAGE!
MISSION, GOALS, & WHO WE ARE
The mission of the Master of Public Health Student Advisory Board, or better known as MPH SAB, is to support the Department of Public Health Sciences by serving as a liaison between students and faculty/staff to foster a sense of community and professionalism.
We are a collaborative group of MPH students who are willing to share ideas and advice to help encourage current students on their journey through the MPH Program. Our goal for this academic year is to become more involved with the University and the Chester County community by conducting community service events, social/networking events, and professional development events. The main objectives for these events are inclusivity, awareness, and community-building.
MPH SAB meets once a month for a general body meeting and invites anyone who is interested to come and learn about upcoming events, how to get involved, or share their experiences in the program. Please come share your ideas and experiences, participate in community service, help plan activities, or show your support by attending our events. We look forward to meeting you!
Thank you,
MPH Student Advisory Board
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS:
Victor Nwinee
President
My name is Victor Nwinee and I am a second-year MPH (environmental health concentration) student at the West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Under Dr. Lorenzo Cena and Dr. Melanie Vile’s supervision as a graduate assistant, my research is focused on air quality, particularly studying noxious gases near mushroom farm operations in Southeast PA and examining ambient particulate matter (PM2.5/10) at WCU. With a background in basic medical and clinical sciences, experiences in community and hospital-based research, occupational health & safety in the shipping industry, and involvement in primary healthcare initiatives, I am well prepared for a dynamic career in public health and eager to make a meaningful impact. I am also an academic and success mentor to several African American undergraduate students and athletes in the WCU COMPASS (Commitment to the Objective of Mentoring Perseverance, Achievement, Sustainability, and Success) Program, under the leadership of Dr. Tammy James. Outside of my professional pursuits, I enjoy playing soccer, bowling, and Scrabble. I aspire to continue making a difference in public health while maintaining a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle.
Shawna Wallace
Vice President
My name is Shawna Wallace, and I am the Vice President of the Student Advisory Board for the 2024-2025 academic year. I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. I am in my final year as a graduate student pursuing the MPH-Community Health Concentration at WCU. My academic interests lie in maternal health and epidemiology, particularly the distribution of infectious diseases. I graduated from Wilmington University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I enjoy spending time with my lovely baby girl, traveling with friends, and trying new foods.
Hannah McDannald
Secretary
My name is Hannah McDannald and I am the secretary for West Chester’s MPH SAB during the 2024-2025 academic year! I am in my final year of the MPH Community Health concentration. I graduated with my B.S. in Public Health at WCU in 2022 and fulfilled my internship experience working with the Food and Wellness Network (FAWN) in Philadelphia. I was fortunate enough to work towards improving food security and accessibility to fresh produce within areas in need throughout the city through community outreach efforts. After earning my MPH, I hope to work in areas regarding food accessibility and science or agricultural health and safety practices. Outside of education, I enjoy spending time outdoors and visiting national parks, traveling, taking photos, cooking, watching movies, and building lego sets! I love animals and hope to one day start my own homestead. Currently, I have a dog, a cat, and three ducks!
Fanta Koita
Social Media Outreach Coordinator
My name is Fanta Koita. I am a graduate student in the MPH program (Community Health Concentration). I was born and raised in Philadelphia by parents from Mali, West Africa. Visiting a developing country such as Mali at a young age I have witnessed firsthand public health issues which have broadened my perspective. As a native of Philadelphia, I also noticed some similarities in my community. This has led me to my interest in Public Health. I enjoy making a difference in people's lives. I continuously serve as a volunteer in my community and with projects that occur in West Africa. My primary interest lies in Maternal and Child Health and I aspire to have a long-term career where I can change Women's and Children's lives, especially as a mother. In my free time I enjoy cooking (especially my cultural foods), trying new food options in the city, watching fascinating documentaries on YouTube and spending time with my family and friends.
Melanie DeCecco
Community Health Concentration Representative
My name is Melanie DeCecco, and I am the Community Health Concentration representative for the 2024-2025 academic year! I graduated from Penn State University in May 2023 with a major in Biobehavioral Health and minor in Health Policy and Administration. I am now in my second year of the MPH program on the Community Health track. Here at West Chester, I am also a graduate assistant for Dr. Holt. In addition, I am a Community Health Worker at Main Line Health. Outside of school and work, I love to play tennis, spend time with family and friends, and do yoga!
My name is Parisa Karimzadeh a Medical Doctor from Iran. I am a first-year student in MPH program, Community Health Track. I received my MD from Iran and worked as a Family physician for two years there. My passion for public health is arise when I attended an Epidemiology class as one of my courses and wonder what I can do to make a positive impact on the health of the population rather than individuals. I worked as a researcher in different public health centers from chronic disease to environmental and maternal health during my medical school. After graduation, I want to pursue my education in Epidemiology as a PHD students and broaden my knowledge in health data analysis.
Daniel Engelbrecht
Environmental Health Concentration Representative
My name is Daniel Engelbrecht and I am the Environmental Health Concentration representative! I graduated from the BS Environmental Science Program at WCU and am now in my second year of the MPH program on the Environmental Health Concentration. I am also a graduate assistant for both Dr. Lorenzo Cena in which we examine hydrogen sulfide emissions in southeastern PA and Dr. Erin Knight engaged in advocacy resource development. My post-MPH career goals include becoming a Certified Industrial Hygienist and an Environmental Protection Specialist, with interest in pursuing PhD programs. My research interests include environmental justice, erosion control, equitable development, freshwater sustainability, jurisprudence, and regulation compliance. My hobbies are archery, beat saber, cooking, gardening, hiking, pool, reading, tennis, and volunteering!
Delphen Amelia Page
Health Care Management Concentration Representative
Hello everyone! My name is Delphen Amelia Page. I am from West Africa Liberia. I have earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Thomas Jefferson University in 2023 and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Smythe Institute Of Technology in 2015. I am a second semester MPH student interested in Health Services Management and am serving as the Health Care Management Concentration Representative on the SAB. I am delighted in serving and helping others in a positive way. I have an open mind and I welcome constructive criticism and correction. Thank you.
Dr. Harry Holt
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Harry Holt is the faculty advisor for the MPH Student Advisory Board. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences where he serves as the Health Care Management Concentration Coordinator in the MPH program. He earned a PhD in Health Policy and Administration in the Management and Organizational Behavior track from Penn State University. His teaching efforts are aimed at providing students with practical skills they can apply in managing health care organizations that improve the health status of the patients they serve. His research focuses on financial and operational performance of hospitals, health systems, and physician groups.