Eight graduates of the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Public Health (DNP/MPH) dual degree program recently presented their research at the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) 2025 Meeting and Expo held in Washington, D.C. This annual event brought together approximately 12,000 professionals from various backgrounds in public health, focusing on the theme “Making the Public’s Health a National Priority.”
Building on the success of last year, where eleven graduates from the DNP/MPH Class of 2024 showcased their work at APHA 2024 in Minneapolis, these new graduates submitted their doctoral projects earlier this year. Their research underwent a rigorous review process, ensuring high-quality presentations that addressed pressing health issues.
Highlighting Innovative Research and Leadership
Among the presenters was Maria Nerina Girasol, the program’s first graduate, who currently serves as Vice President of Clinical Operations at Hilltop Health Group. Girasol delivered an exceptional oral presentation titled “Implementation of an Advanced Care Planning Intervention in Nursing Homes,” gaining significant attention in the Aging & Public Health Section.
Following her, Courtney Carter, a Class of 2025 graduate, addressed the urgent topic of the US maternal health crisis in the Sexual and Reproductive Health section. Her policy analysis examined the implications of the Dobbs decision, underscoring the need for continued advocacy in this area.
Additionally, Sally Keller, another DNP Executive graduate, presented her work on breastfeeding inequities through Kangaroo Mother Care, contributing to valuable discussions at the Breastfeeding Forum’s session.
On Monday and Tuesday, several graduates showcased their research in poster sessions. Amanda Batlle led with her compelling poster, “The Missing Link in Child Injury Prevention: Linking Hospital Child Fatality Review to Community Injury Prevention Efforts.” Her presentation attracted significant interest, illustrating the importance of community engagement in child safety.
Similarly, Sonya Alivio presented her impactful work on firefighter safety concerning forever chemicals, capturing the attention of senior reviewers and attendees alike. Allison Gilmer’s poster on improving methadone management in Massachusetts generated notable discussions in the Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs section.
Diverse Topics and Commitment to Health Equity
The presentations reflected a diverse array of topics, with Leslye Kemp and Rosaline Owusu focusing on disability policy. Kemp discussed enabling caregiving for children with disabilities in Tennessee, while Owusu addressed barriers for autistic racial and ethnic minority youth in accessing transitional support. Both presentations were well-received by the audience.
The DNP/MPH presentations concluded with Melanie Mariano delivering a lightning session talk on assessing fracture risk among different racial and ethnic minorities. This discussion highlighted ongoing efforts to utilize innovative tools in public health.
These presentations not only showcased the graduates’ dedication to their fields but also underscored a shared commitment to health equity, a core objective of the DNP/MPH program.
Alumni from the program, including Khin Aungthein, who recently became an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Heritage University, joined current students like Katherine Ampolini, who is in the process of completing her doctoral work. Many graduates are preparing to present their research at additional conferences and are also drafting manuscripts for submission to professional journals.
The achievements of these DNP/MPH graduates mark a significant contribution to public health practices and policies. Their ongoing commitment to addressing health disparities ensures that their impact will be felt well beyond the conference, demonstrating the vital role of nurse leadership in public health. As they continue to share their research, the DNP/MPH program anticipates further success in future APHA meetings and other conferences in the coming year.
