Employees who earn 300 wellness points by the deadline will receive a $300 reduction. Employees whose spouse or same-sex domestic partner (SSDP) is covered by the UPlan Medical Program can earn 400 wellness points and reduce their premiums by $400. A spouse/SSDP can earn 100 of the 400-point total.

Rate reductions will be reflected in 2014 pay statements. The $300 or $400 will be returned to qualifying employees over 26 pay periods.

Don’t miss upcoming enrollment deadlines for University wellness programs. Review the Wellness Points Bank Chart for complete details.

~Post by Anne Ehrenberg

This event is part of an ongoing discussion facilitated by the Women’s Faculty Cabinet regarding concerns raised in a recent survey of faculty women about campus culture and climate.

Learn more and see results of the survey

Sign up to become an SPH mentor

Mentor qualifications:

• Public health professional (current or retired)
• 3+ years of experience
• University of Minnesota School of Public Health alumni not required
• Located locally, nationally, or globally
• Interested in helping a public health student
• Available, at minimum, 1-3 hours per month (Oct. through April) through email, phone, Skype, or in-person engagement.

Help us recruit fellow mentors:

• Utilize your employer’s enewsletter. Many of your colleagues aren’t connected to the school. Inform them of this great volunteer opportunity to help the next generation of public health professionals.
• Email specific colleagues. Perhaps you know some people that would make excellent mentors. Email them and include a message telling them why you think they would make great mentors.
• Promote via a professional organization. Many of you are members of public health professional organizations. Use your organization’s communication network to spread the word.
• Don’t forget to provide the sign-up link: http://secure.ahc.umn.edu/PublicHealth/sphmentor/mentors.cfm
• Past mentor? Sign up to be a mentor again. Email Nichole Axtman, who will send your Mentor Program profile to update. Remember to include your full name in the message.

~Post by Tara Anderson

Natasha Wright

Natasha Wright, an MPH student in Public Health Administration & Policy, has received the University of Minnesota’s Outstanding Community Service Award. This award recognizes the substantial and significant contributions Wright has made to the community as a graduate student. The award is one of the highest honors the University gives to students for service to the community.

Watch a short video about Wright’s leadership and community service

~Post by Mona Rath

Jessie Pintor, PhD student in Health Services Research, Policy and Administration, has been awarded a highly competitive Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship from the University for the 2013-2014 academic year. Her proposed dissertation is titled “Latino Children at the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care Policy: A Mixed Methods Study of Parental Documentation Status, State-level Policy, and Access to Coverage and Care.”

The DDF program gives the University’s most accomplished PhD candidates the opportunity to devote full-time effort to research and wring during the fellowship year. The selection committee evaluates the student’s accomplishments including progress in their program, publications, presentations, research, and potential for impact on their field.

~Post by Mona Rath

A zoonosis is an infectious disease that can be transmitted from an animal to humans. A neglected zoonotic disease is a zoonosis that is “neglected” because it not adequately addressed nationally and internationally. Small livestock producers worldwide can acquire these NZD’s such as anthrax, bovine tuberculosis, and brucellosis infections from their animals.

Human cases of zoonotic tuberculosis and brucellosis in low-resource countries are rarely reported. Human tuberculosis caused by the human tuberculosis species and drug resistance are much more serious concerns for physicians. Some experts even suggest that bovine tuberculosis in humans protects them against a subsequent infection with the human tuberculosis species.

This observation raises many questions. Why do physicians in low-resource societies see so few brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis cases in humans? Lack of appropriate diagnostic tools? Lack of awareness? What do you think? Join the conversation at onehealthtalk.org and click on the current topic tab at the top of the page.

~Post by One Health Talk

If you have projects to submit for consideration by ASPH, please send them to sphnews@umn.edu by noon on Tuesday, May 21.

SPH dean John R. Finnegan, Jr.

SPH Commencement 2013 takes place Monday, May 20, 5 p.m. and whether you’re attending in person or by Livestream, you can send your congratulations via Twitter.

Simply tag your tweets with #SPHgrad and the school will retweet your message. It’s the perfect way to let the Class of 2013 know that you’re #UMNproud of all their hard work and talent!

Follow the SPH on Twitter to keep track of all our news and updates.

The discussion focuses on economically motivated adulteration (EMA), specifically as it relates to meat and poultry products. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has suggested some priority food products to evaluate for EMA potential and this session will serve as a forum for feedback and discussion about these suggested products. Additionally, insights shared by One Health partners into meat/poultry production that could shed light on EMA vulnerabilities will help inform NCFPD’s work. 

For questions prior to the May 17 session, contact Karen Everstine at ever0152@umn.edu or 6-6407.

The Rothenberger Institute in the School of Public Health offers educational opportunities that help students make informed, safe and healthy choices. In addition to delivering popular courses, such as Success Over Stress; Sleep, Eat & Exercise; and Financial Fitness, to thousands of students this past year, the institute team has been working on some exciting projects. Just a few highlights include:

• The institute’s new website features a fresh design, a new “Buzz” blog, and expanded information on the RI history, vision, approach and courses. 
• A new lesson-authoring tool enables students to access course lessons from mobile devices, and to customize lessons for partner campuses more efficiently. 
• The institute’s newest course, Sexuality Matters, launches on the Twin Cities campus in September 2013.

~Post by Carol Wiebe

Blackburn tells the story of two academic divisions of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota — the Laboratory of Physiological Hygiene and the Division of Epidemiology — each led by strong pioneers, Ancel Keys and Leonard Schuman. He also shares how the divisions merged and evolved following retirement of their founders. 

This was the close of Golden Eras for both institutions and the origin of a new and unique Division of Epidemiology & Community Health. Blackburn’s seminar takes place Friday, May 10, 10-11 a.m., West Bank Office Building, Room 364. Learn more

Watch a video featuring Blackburn

Salary negotiation can be a tricky business, and is the source of much angst among job seekers.

Let’s back up a little bit, and review some of the steps you can take earlier in the process to increase your level of comfort with salary-related issues. One soon-to-be public health graduate recently encountered this question during the telephone screening interview: “How much would you expect to earn if you were offered this position?”  

Because she called by the recruiter within just a couple of days after submitting her application, she hadn’t looked up what salary ranges might be for the position. She was so surprised by the question, she blurted out a rather low range. The human resources representative told her that the salary being offered was actually about $15,000 higher than the top end of her range, and asked if that was acceptable.

Of course, the answer was “yes,” and the door to future negotiating was effectively closed.

To avoid finding yourself in a similar predicament, take the time to research the salary for the position title even before you submit the application. This can be as simple as Googling the position title. For instance, if you Google “epidemiologist salary” you will see within seconds that the average salary is about $65,000. You can then dig a little deeper on sites such as indeed.com, glassdoor.com, bls.gov, and salary.com to learn further details, including variances according to geographic regions, which is important to know during negotiations.

Sometimes, the application instructions will ask that you provide either salary history or salary expectations in the cover letter. DO NOT IGNORE THIS REQUEST! When they ask for this information, they do use it as a screening tool, and if you ignore it, your materials will be moved to the “do not interview” pile. And think about it – if you describe yourself as “detail oriented” and then you ignore a simple request, you have basically contradicted your own resume. 

So, how do you handle this in the cover letter? If the question is salary history, and your prior work experience has been part-time or relatively low paying, toward the end of your letter, you can say something like: “Your position description requests salary history. While I worked throughout graduate school, my position was part-time as a graduate assistant at an hourly rate of about $17 per hour. Obviously, I hope to be considering more than that as I assume a full-time professional position.” 

If the position description requests salary expectations, in the final paragraph of your letter you could write something like: “Your position description requests salary expectations. Given my education, experience, and research on the market rate for this type of position in this region, I would expect to be considering a salary in the upper sixties (or whatever makes sense for your particular position). Naturally, I would have a better sense of this once I have learned more about the position, and this is negotiable.”  

Again, in order to come up with an appropriate range, you can use such sites at indeed.com, glassdoor.com, bls.gov, and salary.com.  CAUTION: do not mention salary in the cover letter if it is not requested.

Remember hearing that “knowledge is power”? This is certainly true in salary negotiation. When you do receive the offer, it is always appropriate to ask for some time to think about it. Express enthusiasm and confidence at receiving the offer (“Thank you so much! I am delighted to be offered the position, and know I can make a strong contribution here! May I just have a few days to think about it?”) 

If the offer is lower than you were hoping, you can ask “Is there any room to move on that?” They may ask what number you are hoping for, and you can respond with a similar statement to that recommended for the cover letter, reiterating that with your education and experience, and knowing the market for the region, you were hoping for something in the XYZ range, where XYZ is based on your research, and is no more than about 10 -15 percent more than their offer. The caveat here is that if the original offer is really low, you can go higher, or you simply have to weigh the other benefits of the position, including how strongly you want the position.

If the offer is what you wanted or higher, you can still ask for a few days, and respond with an inquiry about the other benefits or perks – or even ask for a little more. We worked with one individual who was offered more than anticipated, but decided to use the “How firm is that offer?” question. He was actually told by the hiring manager that they had anticipated he would negotiate, and was immediately offered a $9,000 increase!

Remember, whatever you negotiate could literally cost you or make you thousands of dollars over the course of your career.  With rare exceptions, it is always okay to try to negotiate (it is very unlikely that an offer will be retracted because you ask a negotiating question), and in the worst case, the answer will just be no.*  In the best case, you will start your new position at a higher salary.

*By the way, if the employer does refuse to go higher with the salary, it is acceptable to request other things – the option to telecommute, a merit increase after 90 days if you are meeting/exceeding expectations, a computer, extra vacation, or another benefit that is important to you. This will show that you willing to be flexible while at the same time demonstrating that you believe in your worth and what you have to offer the organization.

Read more tips on negotiation >>

Junior investigators beginning their research career focusing on obesity, and senior investigators for whom obesity research is a change of direction, are both eligible for grants. Applicants must also hold an academic position with an institution affiliated with the Minnesota Obesity Center.

Proposals are due June 1, 2013.

Learn more

Abstracts should be submitted by June 3, 2013. The abstract submission should contain the title, author affiliation, an abstract of no more than 250 words, key words, and corresponding author’s contact information. Upon approval, full manuscripts will be due by Aug. 23.

Articles should concern patented technologies or innovations that have made/have the potential for making significant contributions to humanity. Articles may include commentaries by field experts concerning patents, original articles describing the development and research toward a technology or patent, and/or narrative-like stories that emphasize the societal benefits of select innovations.

Submissions may include (but are not limited to) the following topics:

• Economics of a technology, governmental and policy action, and innovation
• Environmental impact of various technologies/patent types
• Health impacts of technologies and innovations
• Analyses of the distribution and access to technology

All submissions should meet Technology and Innovation’s author instructions and should be submitted online.

Questions? Contact Diana Vergara (TIJournal@research.usf.edu), editorial assistant.

Annual appraisals, required by University of Minnesota policy, are designed to engage supervisors and staff in meaningful discussion about expectations, performance and professional development. This year’s appraisals are due June 1.

Whether conducted through the web-based system (PAT) or via a Word document (log in to the SPH intranet to access the document), an annual appraisal is required for SPH civil service, labor represented and P&A staff.

How to access PAT

Go to the Performance Appraisal Tool on the Academic Health Center website and log in with your university x.500. You can access several resources from this webpage, including a supervisor’s guide and employee’s guide. Supervisors will need to add their employee’s annual appraisals before employees will have access to the form. 

Supervisors: Click on the My Employees tab, select 2013, hit search, and add each of your employees. (The appraisal period is July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013. For those in the division of EpiCH, Tracey Kane (kane) is the designated approver. For all other divisions, Anne Ehrenberg (aehren) is the designated approver.) Next, click on the My Appraisals tab, select 2013, hit search, and initiate the appraisal for each of your employees.

Employees: You will receive an email from PAT once your supervisor has successfully set up your appraisal.

Make the process meaningful

Take some time to watch the university’s online tutorials for supervisors and employees to prepare you for writing and conducting effective and accurate performance appraisals.

While P&A and faculty are already on a merit pay system, by fiscal 2015, all units must bring their civil service employees on to a merit system. Merit pay is a compensation program whereby base pay increases are determined by individual performance.

Due to the upcoming switch to merit pay, performance evaluations are due slightly earlier this year, on or before June 1, 2013. Those using the online PAT system will not need to forward hard copies of the review.

Questions? Contact Anne Ehrenberg or Tracey Kane.

~Post by Anne Ehrenberg

The processional begins with Pomp & Circumstance at 5 p.m., followed by a welcome by Dean John Finnegan and a keynote presentation by Lois Quam (pictured), special advisor at the Department of State.

Watch the full Commencement live, for free, at www.livestream.com/umntv

~Post by Nichole Axtman

Three undergraduate interns from the Obesity Prevention Center surveyed students living in Territorial Hall and Sanford Hall. Nearly 94 percent of the 1,162 respondents agreed that healthy food and beverages should be available at all university dining facilities.

The Obesity Prevention Center was established in 2004 as part of the Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives Presidential Initiative.

Read more in the Minnesota Daily

Labs are offered Mondays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or 3-6 p.m. During weeks when students are not in lab, they are expected to cook assigned recipes from home and to document their efforts. Course topics include:

• Food safety
• Nutrition
• Technique instruction
• Cooking methods
• Meal planning
• Budgeting
• Time management
• Preservation and storage

Questions? Email Kristine Igo (kigo@umn.edu) for more info. View the fall 2013 syllabus for background.

~Post by Haley Cureton

All members of the Pi Chapter at the University of Minnesota are invited to attend the 2013 induction ceremony, taking place Thursday, May 16, 5-6:30 p.m., Coffman Memorial Union, President’s Room. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to sph-alum@umn.edu by Monday, May 12.

The Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health was founded in 1924 at Johns Hopkins University. There are now more than 70 chapters throughout the U.S. and abroad. The University of Minnesota’s Pi Chapter was founded in 1985 and has more than 700 members.

~Post by Tara Anderson

Through semi-structured interviews with state officials, payers, provider groups, and other important stakeholders, SHADAC and MACPAC staff will develop contextual knowledge on Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), bundled payment initiatives, and other pay-for-performance and shared savings approaches in Medicaid.

Based on this research, SHADAC will produce a report to inform MACPAC staff, Congressional staff, and other audiences about different payment reform approaches, implementation activities and challenges, and ongoing operations.

SHADAC is funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to help states monitor rates of health insurance coverage, understand factors associated with access to care, and utilize data for implementation of health reform.

~Post by Mona Rath

Winners of the SPH Awards for Achievement & Outstanding Service will be announced during the meeting. Refreshments served at 9:15 a.m.; meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Parking coupons will be available.

• Download the event flyer

The lecture takes place at the Lions Research Building (see map) and is sponsored by the University of Minnesota, Nun Study, coordinated by the N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care.

More details

The Honolulu-Asia Aging Study (HAAS) is an ongoing, long-term study of people living in Hawaii that has yielded important information about risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. White and colleagues have proposed a detailed study of brain structure to be conducted as part of the HAAS.

Many of the participants in the HAAS study, as well as the similar Honolulu Heart Program (HHP) were born in the early 1900s and have died in recent years. As part of the study, these individuals (more than 850) agreed to allow their brains to be studied on autopsy. Using autopsy specimens and data on risk factors collected over many years from the HAAS and HHP, White and colleagues plan to determine which risk factors are associated with different types of brain lesions (damaged tissue) related to dementia.

The researchers examine the brain tissue for signs of the changes known to be associated with neurodegenerative disease, such as amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, cell death, abnormal cell growth and blood vessel blockage. They then use statistical techniques to assess which risk factors during life were associated with various types of brain abnormalities.

This study will yield vast new amounts of information about risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders based on the strongest outcome measurable, direct observation of brain samples.

All School of Public Health faculty members are encouraged to attend the school’s Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 20, 5 p.m., at Mariucci Arena. Two hundred graduates are planning to attend the ceremony and would like to see their professors in attendance. 

Faculty who attend Commencement will sit on stage during the ceremony. Please register online by May 13 to secure your seat. Hope to see you there!

~Post by Nichole Axtman

• Certificate, Public Health Core Concepts
• MPH Executive Program, Public Health Practice
• MPH, Public Health Informatics
• MPH/DDS, Public Health Dentistry
• MPH/MPP, Public Health Policy
• MPH/MURP, Public Health Urban and Regional Planning
• MS, Health Services Research, Policy & Administration

Minnesotans

They are so nice, even in bad weather. Everyone needs to have a Minnesotan as a friend. They tend to have lake houses more than people from other states and can introduce you to exotic things like lutefisk, ice fishing, ice skating, hot dish and walleye.

Riding the bus

Riding the bus in Minneapolis is such a mood lifter. Have you ever dreamed of a bus ride where people routinely thank the driver and exchange sunny “Have a great days” before 8 a.m.? It happens every day here.

There was even one time when the 114 bus driver turned on the microphone to tell us it was his last day driving that route, but he had really enjoyed driving us to school and wished us well in our studies. 

Winter

If you think you don’t like winter time, you probably haven’t lived in Minnesota. Do you like watching people in sleds decorated like bumble bees zoom down a hill covered in ice? How about cross-country skiing around giant ice lanterns? Larger than life penguin sculptures made of ice? Cozy breweries to use as a refuge from the cold?

Budget-friendly living

There are so many graduate school budget-friendly things to enjoy here: lunchtime panels on health diversity, Free Thursdays at the Walker Art Museum, free admission to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, lakes in almost every neighborhood, delicious ethnic food, free rush tickets to the Guthrie, lots of parks, outdoor activities and friends with lake houses… What more could you want?

A top-notch health community

Minnesota’s health community is one of the most extensive, innovative and well-recognized in the nation. What’s your interest in public health? I guarantee you it’s here and accessible to you as a student at the School of Public Health.

Are you interested in working for some of the largest healthcare corporations? Some of the most prestigious hospitals? One of the leading state health departments? Diverse, multicultural nonprofits? One of the most innovative refugee health communities in the country? Policy and advocacy issues? Food issues?

Minnesota is a place that intensely values health. It would be hard to find a state that puts more comprehensive emphasis on health — or a community and school that would provide you with more opportunities to pursue your passion in public health.

This two-week intensive course provides specialized instruction on the concepts, principles, methods and applications of health disparities science, practice and policy. It also integrates principles and practice of community engagement. Nationally and internationally recognized experts in health disparities science will lead individual sessions.

The course is free, but admission is competitive and daily attendance is mandatory. Participants are responsible for transportation, along with room and board. Submit an application online by May 15, 2013. 

Kaltved (pictured) was recognized for his years of service to MCDA, first as a member-at-large, then as secretary, and currently as president-elect.

He served as the chair of the 2013 MCDA Conference, and recently was selected to participate in the Leadership Cohort of the National Career Development Association. 

• Learn more about Kaltved

~Post by Barb Laporte

As part of the Center for Bioethics seminar series, Steven Miles presents “Happiness is a Warm Gun: Bioethics & Gun Policy” on Friday, May 3, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m., in 1-451 Moos Tower. Miles serves as professor of medicine and bioethics; Maas Family Endowed Chair in Bioethics, University of Minnesota Medical School; and internal medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center.

See the seminar flyer with more information, visit the Center for Bioethics website, or email lhoekstr@umn.edu. 

International Field Experiences

Every year, the school features the international field experiences of SPH students in Advances magazine and on the Public Health Planet blog. If you are planning to complete international work in the coming months, you are invited to attend a meeting to learn more about blogging opportunities and resources for students.

The meeting takes place Thursday, May 9 at 12:30 p.m. in Mayo A301 Dean’s Office (pizza and beverages provided). Please contact Kris Stouffer at stouffer@umn.edu to register for the meeting. 

Domestic Field Experiences

Interested in being considered to blog this summer about field work domestically? Email your name, program information, and a short description about where you’ll be working and what you’ll be doing to sphnews@umn.edu. Please submit your information for consideration by May 13. 

What is the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3)?

CPS-3 is a study that can help researchers better understand the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer, which ultimately saves lives. It is open to anyone who is:

• Willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which means completing periodic follow-up surveys at home for the next 20-30 years
• Between 30 and 65 years old
, and has never been diagnosed with cancer (not including basal or squamous cell skin cancer)

What does a CPS-3 Community Champion do?

Community champions help spread the word about the opportunity to enroll in CPS-3. They share information with their social network including family, friends, coworkers, and others about eligibility criteria, where to find more information, and how to schedule an enrollment appointment.

This is a great volunteer opportunity for School of Public Health students. To get started as a community champion, simply attend a kick-off event (if possible) and help promote participation in this study by reaching out to family, friends and colleagues.

Questions? Contact Melissa Mueller, site lead for the study and recruitment specialist with the Clinical & Translational Science Institute, at 612-626-0355 or muell661@umn.edu.

• Learn more about the study.
• See a PDF with volunteer details & kickoff event dates.

The course focuses on the ways in which host, agent and environmental interactions influence the transmission of infectious agents. Specific topics related to these microbes include:

• Transmission probability
• Herd immunity
• Evolution of virulence
• Host specificity
• Host-agent co-evolution
• Antimicrobial resistance
• Environmental dissemination, eradication and control
• Use of analytical and molecular tools

Questions? Contact Randall Singer, associate professor, at rsinger@umn.edu for more info. View the fall 2013 syllabus for background.

The MPH in Public Health Informatics has also extended its deadline to July 15. This program is designed to prepare professionals for leadership positions that bridge information technology and public health. 

Note: As of May 1, 2013, we have filled all volunteer slots for Commencement marshals. Thank you.

Five non-graduating School of Public Health students are needed to serve as marshals at Commencement on Monday, May 20, 2:30-6:30 p.m., at Mariucci Arena. Marshals guide the processional and recessional, direct students during the presentation of the graduates, and provide help to the Commencement reader. A marshal trainer guides and answers questions prior to the ceremony so that the marshals are prepared and ready for their ceremony tasks.

Marshals have an opportunity to network with graduates, faculty members and dignitary, and get a first-hand look at the school’s Commencement ceremony.

Interested? Contact Nichole Axtman, mart1047@umn.edu, by May 1.

Ambassadors will engage with both prospective and admitted students, along with SPH administrative leaders. Your willingness to serve in this position is highly valued by the administration and by prospective students themselves. This resume-boosting position provides an opportunity to learn more about and help shape the future of the School of Public Health. 

Expectations

Ambassadors will represent both the SPH and their individual programs at various events and activities throughout the school year. In order to provide our prospective/admitted/incoming students with the best experiences possible, ambassadors should make the following commitments:

• Attended a half-day training at the beginning of the year (Sunday, Aug. 25, or Monday, Aug. 26)
• Attend periodic ambassador update meetings (approximately 1-2 per semester)
• Assist with a minimum of two activities per semester

Learn more and apply to be an ambassador >> 

Light refreshments will be provided along with an award show Friday afternoon. All are welcome to attend.

~Post by Mona Rath

Interview Preparation Tips

If you receive an invitation to interview – they have already determined you are competent for the position. The academic interview process could include 3 types of interviews: conference or convention interview, phone interviews (these are usually screening interviews), and the on-campus interview. Ultimately, they are hoping to assess your POTENTIAL, FIT, and TENURABILITY.  Despite the type of interview, your goal is to be able to adapt to flexible and unpredictable situations, informal settings, meetings, as well as to convey interest in the Institution for which you are applying. In addition, it is important to know that most of your interviews could include a presentation or teaching a course to faculty, as well as one or more interviews with various faculties. Don’t forget to dress professionally, and try and arrive at least 10-15 minutes early (or even earlier and walk the campus).

PRESENTATION “JOB TALK”

• It is used to assess a candidate’s research, how he or she handles questions and thinks on his or her feet, how he or she performs in the classroom, and even if he or she has a sense of humor (stage presence).
• Pay particular attention to giving the context and motivation of your research.
• Within the first 5 minutes you should convince your audience that your research is important.
• Speak enthusiastically about your work.
• Establish eye-contact (with everyone present)
• Do not be monotone – speak enthusiastically about the exciting parts of your research.
• End with a strong conclusion
• During the Q&A part of the session – stay calm and do not let yourself be put on the defensive.
• Respond to every unreasonable question reasonably.

INTERVIEWING WITH FACULTY/ADMINISTRATORS

• If small school, you could interview with faculty from related disciplines, as well as a Provost or even the President.  At large schools, you could interview with Deans.
• Talk about the unique contributions you can make to the department with both your research and your teaching.
• Show that you understand the Department’s goals, and demonstrate what you can add to them.
• It is good to ask them big picture questions such as the mission of the university and how/where the department fits within that.
• Treat everyone you come in contact with as if they are a part of the decision making process (be respectful, enthusiastic, and don’t forget to always smile).
• Be detailed and descriptive in your responses to their questions.
• If their question is unclear, ask for clarification. If their facial impressions convey confusion, ask if there are areas they would like clarity.
• Highlight your unique strengths and strategies you use to engage your research and the classroom.

INTERVIEWING THE INSTITUTION

Interviewing is a two-way process (you are interviewing them as well). Your goal is to assess the culture of the institution and department – to determine if you feel it would be a good fit (i.e. physical appearance, setting, personalities of others in the dept., etc.). Pay attention to how individuals within the department relate to each other; is it collegial.  If you meet with students (undergraduate or graduate), take these meetings seriously. Their feedback plays a vital role in the selection process. If you don’t have the chance to meet with students during your visit – ask the faculty to describe the culture of the student body. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the student newspaper or department newsletter, and feel free to comment positively on what you are learning about the institution and department.

What to do BEFORE, DURING and AFTER the Interview

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Find out the length of the interview (and number of days), as well as what meetings and individuals you will be expected to meet during them, as well as find out if you will be making a presentation or teaching a course. Make sure you know the name of the person who has called you, where you are to arrive, how you will be met, the name of the person who will meet you, and all relevant phone numbers; confirm all travel arrangements. If time permits before the interview starts, ask to have any materials that would help you learn more about the school and department sent to you. If you encounter unavoidable delays when traveling, call as soon as you can and explain why you will be delayed. Here are some additional tips:

• Do your homework – learn about the institution and faculty (use websites, library resources for information on publications by members of the department).
• Try and learn the names of everyone in the department so you can address them accordingly.
• Practice both interview questions and your presentation (the more the better). Time your presentation so that you know it is the appropriate length of time.
• Develop a “cocktail party length” brief summary of your research to give to those outside the department.
• What to bring:
• Extra copies of your CV, and any other materials you submitted to the search committee
• If you are including handouts for your presentation, bring enough copies and make sure they are nice
• Sample of syllabi for courses you designed or taught, reprints, abstracts of articles.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Remember that each new person has not heard your story, so be prepared to share it again and again with enthusiasm. Always bring questions for them – if you can tailor your questions to each person or group you are meeting with the better; don’t forget to deliver a firm handshake (don’t break their hand, but don’t deliver a princess handshake as well…somewhere in between is ideal).

In addition, be ready to address: your dissertation, future research interests, teaching experience, your interest in the institution. When you leave an interview meeting, say goodbye to each individually. If you interview includes social events, follow your hosts’ lead in deciding how much to talk about professional, and how much about social topics. At the end of your interview experience be sure to find out when a decision will be made, or when you can expect to hear from them. Remember – most interviewers are far more impressed by candidates who appear confident and candid than those who appear to be trying to give the “right” answers. BE HONEST!

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Following the actual interview, within 24-28 hours, write a thank you note (email) to the main person who arranged your day. If multiple people were involved in the interview, you can send one thank you to your main contact and ask the person to convey your thanks to others. As part of the thank you, reiterate your interest in the position and institutions– try and include specific information that you received from them that enhanced your interest. Also, reflect on the interview – what went well, what didn’t go well. If not selected for the position, contact them for feedback.

Questions that Might be Asked in an Interview

ABOUT RESEARCH

• Why did you choose your dissertation topic?
• Can you tell us briefly what theoretical framework you used in developing your research?
• Of course you read _________? (names an unfamiliar article/book related to your dissertation)
• If you were to begin it again, are there any changes you would make in your dissertation?
• What contributions does your dissertation make to the field?
• What are your research plans for the next two/five/ten years?
• What are your plans for applying for external funding over the next few years? Any major funding?
• What facilities do you need to carry out your research plans?

ABOUT TEACHING

• Are you a good teacher?
• How do you feel about having to teach required courses?
• What is your approach to teaching Introductory _____________?
• How do you motivate students?
• How would you encourage students to major in your field?
• In your first semester you would be responsible for our course in ________. How would you structure it? What textbook would you use?
• What is your teaching philosophy?
• If you could teach any course you wanted to, what would it be?
• Have you had any experience with the case-study method?
• What do you think is the optimal balance between teaching and research?
• Have you had any experience with interactive on-line instruction?

WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEPARTMENT AND SCHOOL

• Can you summarize the contribution you would make to our department?
• Are you willing to become involved in committee work?
• Why are you interested in our kind of school?
• What institutional issues particularly interest you?

CAREER AND PERSONAL CHOICES

• If you have more than one job offer, how will you decide?
• How do you feel about living in a small college town like this in an isolated rural area?
• What do you do in your spare time?
• Who else is interviewing you?
• What will it take to persuade you to take this job?
• What kind of salary are you looking for?

For more assistance and resources regarding your academic job search, please contact the Office of Career Services in the School of Public Health – sphjobs@umn.edu. 

These funds are intended to provide startup money for new public-private partnerships involving University of Minnesota faculty. Public sector partners include state and national government agencies, intergovernmental organizations and nongovernmental organizations. Private sector includes professional associations, agricultural producer groups, commodity organizations, and individual companies.

Submissions are due by Monday, June 3 at 8 a.m.

• See full RFP details
• Questions? Contact Carol Peterson at ctrefry@umn.edu

~Post by Kris Junker

• Brief overview of the Pathways Programs
• The importance of federal service and career opportunities
• How to prepare for internships

A panel of speakers will also discuss their experiences working for the federal government.

Learn more and register

The purpose of the event is to engage County staff in a discussion of recent research on infant brain development that is pertinent to their work with families and children. Interested faculty and staff in the School of Public Health are invited to attend.

The event includes presentations from University of Minnesota researchers, Megan Gunnar, director of the Institute on Child Development and Regents Professor, and Ann Masten, Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Psychology and the Director of Project Competence.

In addition to presentations, County staff will engage in facilitated conversations with each other and University of Minnesota staff to explore how research findings can be applied to their work. There will also be a practitioner and policy panel, followed by open discussion. 

Coffee and rolls will be provided in the morning and a networking lunch will follow the last presentation.

Learn more and register

Catherine A. Solheim, Ph.D.

Research collaboration is the focus of this event in the Teaching and Learning Series, which takes place Thursday, May 30, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Cowles Auditorium. Speakers and panelists will address faculty collaboration with graduate students, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with research partners in the community.

Catherine A. Solheim, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Family Social Science provides the keynote presentation. Solheim will participate in the panel discussion together with Dung Mao and Veronica Deenanath, doctoral students in the Department of Family Social Science.

Learn more and register »

Prior to the public event, faculty and staff judges interviewed the students whose research abstracts ranked highly in the first round of judging. Prizes were awarded in two categories, MPH/MS and PhD. The top three winners in each category took home Visa gift cards — and five honorable mentions in each category received gift cards from the University of Minnesota bookstore.

Photos & Video

Visit our Research Day 2013 Flickr set to see 50 photos featuring the participants and their posters close up. And, once again this year, SPH dean John Finnegan captured the energy of the event with his iPhone, interviewing students about their work. Take a look!

Congrats to the winners

MPH/MS category

• Nora Hoeft, Public Health Nutrition (MPH)
  If You Sell It, Will They Come? Testing the Feasibility of The Minneapolis Healthy Corner Store Program
   
• Ejovwoke Raymond Ogagarue, Epidemiology (MPH)
  Association of Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics and Retinal Microvascular Findings
  Coauthors: Aaron Folsom, Barbara Klein, Ronald Klein, Pamela Lutsey
   
• Tessa Acker, Public Health Nutrition (MPH)
  Nutritional Priorities in Iringa, Tanzania: Using Health Professionals’ Perceptions and Opinions to Deliver Nutrition Education Radio Messages

PhD category winners and honorable mentions

PhD category

• Debashree Ray, Biostatistics 
  A Bayesian Reduction Approach for Detection of Multi-Locus Interaction in Case-Control Studies
  Coauthors: Saonli Basu, Xiang Li, Wei Pan, James Pankow
   
• Nicole VanKim, Epidemiology 
  Obesity and Weight Behavior Disparities by Sexual Orientation
  Coauthors: Melissa Laska, Darin Erickson, Katherine Lust, Marla Eisenberg, Simon Rosser
   
• Elizabeth Allen, Environmental Health 
  Cancer Incidence Among Minnesota Taconite Workers
  Coauthors: Bruce Alexander, Richard MacLehose, Jeffrey Mandel, Gurumurthy Ramachandran

Congrats to the honorable mentions

MPH/MS category

• Julia Peasley, Public Health Nutrition (MPH)
  Nutrition and Health Assessment and Evaluation of a Community Health Worker-led Program in Huehuetenango, Guatemala
   
• Ramatoulie Jallow, Community Health Promotion (MPH)
  Barriers to Buying and Carrying Condoms among Female Teens: A Qualitative Analysis of the TeensTalkHealth Website
  Coauthor: Sonya Brady
   
  
  

  MPH/MS category winners and honorable mentions

• Prathayni Muthiah, Community Health Promotion (MPH)
  Immunization coverage and associated factors among children below two years of age in rural and urban slums of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  Coauthors: Vinupriya Dhevadason, Sharmila Ramachandran, Sriram Chandramohan
   
• Rebecca Burton, Environmental Health (MPH)
  Effects of Various Control Measures on Concentrations of Airborne Laboratory Mouse Urinary Proteins
  Coauthors: Michael Austin, Neil Carlson, Gurumurthy Ramachandran
   
• Ashley Suchomel, Environmental Health (MPH)
  Potential Hazards of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids and Voluntary Disclosure for Public Health: A Case Study of the Bakken Shale Play in North Dakota

PhD category

• Elizabeth Bell, Epidemiology 
  Glycemia (Hemoglobin A1c Concentration) and Incident Venous Thromboembolism in the Artherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
  Coauthors: Mary Cushman, Aaron Folsom, Pamela Lutsey, Vijay Nambi, Elizabeth Selvin
   
• Amruta Marwah, Environmental Health 
  Plasmid Profile Studies of Lactobacillus Species from Raw Milk Samples for Antibiotic Resistance
   
• Jooyeon Hwang, Environmental Health 
  Reconstructing historical exposures to elongated mineral particles on Minnesota’s Iron Range for 1955-2010
  Coauthors: Bruce Alexander, Richard MacLehose, Jeffrey Mandel, Gurumurthy Ramachandran, Peter Raynor, Andrew Ryan
   
• Jing Zhang, Biostatistics 
  Toward Patient-Centered Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials with Binary Outcomes: Reporting the Proper Summaries
  Coauthors: Bradley Carlin, Haitao Chu, Robert Kane, James Neaton, Lei Nie, Guoxing Greg Soon, Beth Virnig
   
• Thomas Murray, Biostatistics
  Hierarchical Models for Failure Time Outcomes that Facilitate More Efficient Clinical Trials
  Coauthors: Bradley Carlin, Brian Hobbs, Ted Lystig

Commencement takes Monday, May 20, 5 p.m., Mariucci Arena.

Learn more »

~Post by Nichole Axtman

A few tips from the panelists…

• Remember to consider “what is in it for them (the employer)?” when you’re writing cover letters and interviewing. Think about how your skill sets would bring value to the prospective employer’s organization.
• Research the organization before you interview.  
• Persevere and follow up.
• Try new things, and be open to expanding your search to areas you perhaps were not considering. This can lead to opportunities of which you are truly passionate.
• Network, network, network — and never burn bridges.
• Volunteer for new opportunities, and create a reputation as the person willing to go the extra mile.

Thanks to the participants, including:

Neil Carlson, MS ’88 EH
Annie Fedorowicz, MPH ’12 MCH
Julia Halberg, MPH ’83 Epi
Liesl Hargens, MPH ’07 Epi
Jenna Neher, MPH ’04 CHP
Laura Perdue, MPH ’12 Nutrition

See photos from the event on Flickr >>

~Post by Career Services

Six UMN faculty members from several different colleges, including School of Public Health professor Michael Osterholm, will present “From Grand Challenges to Grand Solutions: Moving from Knowledge Generation to Real-World Action.”  

Learn more and link to the RSVP

The award recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding student leaders at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. It is presented to approximately one-half of 1 percent of the student body for exceptional leadership and service to the University and surrounding community.

This year marks a record high number of SPH student recipients.

Jason Kunz

An MS student in Environmental Health Sciences, Kunz was recognized for his involvement in leadership training, mentoring, and community organizations. He also serves as vice president and secretary of the U student chapter of the American Industrial Hygiene Association. He is the 2012 recipient of the 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division Industrial Hygiene Scholarship.

Samantha Mills

An MPH student in Public Health Administration & Policy, Mills was recognized for her work in community engagement efforts. “Throughout my roles in various organizations, I have focused on building and maintaining partnerships as these connections help to bring communities together to achieve greater goals,” says Mills.

• Watch a “My Life” video on Mills

Susan Wyatt

An MPH student in Maternal & Child Health, Wyatt was recognized for her leadership as SPH Student Senate president. During her term, she has launched several initiatives, including the development of a strategic plan and programs that have improved the efficiency of senate operations.

• Watch a “Why I chose public health” video on Wyatt

Natasha Wright

An MPH student in Public Health Administration & Policy, Wright was recognized for her involvement in scholarship committees and for volunteering with groups such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Meals on Wheels. She is a steering committee member and project manager for the student-led initiative, Common Grounds, which provides research and consultation services to community organizations.

• Watch a video about Wright’s views on leadership

This year, the entire SPH student body is invited to listen, learn, and engage in discussion with an inspiring leader. Join us Wednesday, April 24, 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Coffman Memorial Union, Room 307.

• Read an interview with Kruse
• See this event on Facebook 

~Post by Maggie Aftahi

The declaration’s launch coincides with the 58th anniversary of the announcement of Jonas Salk’s revolutionary vaccine. It calls for full funding and implementation of the GPEI strategic plan 2013-2018. With polio cases at an all-time low and the disease remaining endemic in just three countries, the GPEI estimates that ending the disease entirely by 2018 can be achieved for a cost of approximately $5.5 billion.

Student Senate works to provide a voice for the student body and to improve the quality of the educational experience for SPH students. Activities include planning and facilitating events through partnerships with the dean’s office, division heads, and program coordinators as aligned with Student Senate’s strategic priorities.

President

Maeve McClellan
Public Health Administration and Policy MPH student

“We are lucky to be at such a prestigious institution with supportive administrators and many opportunities for funding, community involvement and professional development, yet often times students are not aware of opportunities until they have passed. My work as president [will] center around connecting students with the resources and opportunities they want.”

Vice president of finance

Bridget Perkins
Master of Healthcare Administration student

“There are several directions the board could go to further the interdisciplinary and professional development of each program within the School of Public Health and I look forward to creating the most financially stable environment for these initiatives to occur.”

Vice president of operations

Travis Myers
Epidemiology MPH student

“Student Senate does an excellent job of incorporating enjoyable activities with events that bring students together, serve the community, educate, and facilitate networking. My hope is to increase student body involvement in the future as well as incorporate further community service activities.”

Vice president of communications

Parker Smith
Public Health Administration and Policy MPH student

“I hope to build on what’s already been established by improving our communication methods and by better utilizing the communication tools at our disposal. I also hope to help Senate create stronger relationships with current SPH students and faculty, as well as our partnering office and organizations.”

Vice president for student advancement

Allan Tate
Epidemiology MPH student

“I [will] advocate for and maintain grant policies that encourage professional development, advocate on [students'] behalf among the Senate review committee, and [serve] as executive sponsor for development activities that [students] propose. I [will work] towards an environment of respect for all backgrounds and an environment that encourages healthy risk-taking.”

Learn more about the SPH Student Senate »

Grants ranging from $5,000 to a maximum of $20,000 are available to occupational health and safety (OHS) researchers in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Areas of OHS include industrial hygiene, occupational and environmental health nursing, occupational and environmental epidemiology, occupational and environmental medicine, injury epidemiology and safety, ergonomics, toxicology, health physics, and occupational health psychology.

Priority will be given to:

• Research proposals with a high potential for affecting the practice of OHS
• Investigators working in complementary or non-traditional disciplines who wish to become more actively involved in addressing occupational safety and health issues
• Investigators attempting to develop innovative research efforts in collaboration with faculty from the MCOHS
• Junior investigators needing initial support for innovative research areas who lack support from other sources
• Research ideas that have the potential for being developed into proposals for more substantial funding, based on preliminary results from this research grant
• Doctoral students undertaking research required for their degree

Research must be relevant to the occupational health and safety field and focus on NIOSH NORA objectives. Potential types of projects include intervention studies, risk factor analyses, and exposure assessments affecting a broad range of employee groups, including construction workers, farmers, industrial process workers, and small business owners. 

Learn more

~Post by Joy Archibald