For The Sehovics, the USF College of Public Health is a family affair. Mom Marina earned a master of public health in epidemiology (MPH) last summer. And, daughter Ivana Sehovic graduates this May with an MPH in epidemiology.
A native of Sarajevo, Bosnia, Ivana chose to research cancer during her matriculation. Her special project explored the fertility values of adolescent cancer patients. This entailed the creation of a rating scale and a guidebook to assist practitioners in developing an approach to discussing the impact of cancer treatment on future fertility, as well as preservation options that take into consideration the adolescent’s knowledge, desire, and value of parenthood.
After graduation, she plans to continue working at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute.
“I really enjoy doing qualitative research,” and Sehovic finds the Health Outcomes and Behavior Department at Moffitt to be the perfect environment to hone her skills.
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A few years ago, Patrick Johnson arrived at the College of Public Health with a PharmD and keen interest in global health and neglected diseases. This May, he graduates with an MPH and a wealth of experience in the field.
During his tenure in the college, Johnson served as a graduate assistant with a consortium dedicated to product innovation and translational medicine, specifically optimizing detection, prevention and treatment of vector borne diseases.
For his culminating experiences, Johnson constructed a target product profile for drugs to treat dengue fever. And, as an intern with United Therapeutics Corporation in Silver Spring, Maryland, he helped an integrated product development team develop a “roadmap to druggability” of potential therapies.
Johnson’s work is well received within the public health community. Last year, he presented a grant portfolio at the 2011 American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene meeting in Philadelphia. In November, he will present at the 2012 meeting in Atlanta and report his findings on the target product profile for drugs to treat dengue fever.