Rising to the Challenge

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Innovative Ways to Teach, Train and Engage the Next Generation of Students

Sarah Cercone Heavey

Sarah Cercone Heavey headshot.

Jessica Kruger

Jessica Kruger headshot.

Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Noon-1 p.m. EST

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced many challenges for methods of teaching in higher education. Faculty in the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior in the School of Public Health and Health Professions are rising to meet these challenges. Prior to the pandemic, our department has offered online, distant learning opportunities for students beyond the Western New York region. Our existing online individualized MPH program, coupled with the pandemic and the need for grander virtual learning opportunities, has our faculty teaching, training and engaging with the future of public health professionals in innovative ways. Join us as we discuss how to deliver a world-class education to today's students.

About Sarah Cercone Heavey & Jessica S. Kruger
Sarah Cercone Heavey, PhD, MPH (PhD '17, MPH '11) is the Director of MPH programs and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions. Dr. Heavey is a substance use and mental health researcher. Currently, her work focuses on opioid overdose, including issues related to naloxone access as well as intentionality in opioid overdose. She completed a NIMH-funded T32 fellowship at the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center. Prior to this, she received her MPH and PhD in Community Health and Health Behavior at the University at Buffalo. Dr. Heavey has worked in public health for many years, as a researcher and educator, as well as in health promotion and community lead poisoning prevention. In addition, between her MPH and PhD, Dr. Heavey completed a fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health, in Atlanta, GA.

Jessica S. Kruger, PhD is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior and Interim Coordinator for Teaching Innovation and Excellence, School of Public Health and Health Professions. Dr. Kruger is a health educator whose research focuses on consumption and addictive behaviors, health behavior decision-making, and pedagogy in public health. She collaborates with a wide variety of community-based organizations and advises students at the Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic and the Seneca-Babcock Community Center, both in the Buffalo area. Dr. Kruger is co-editor of the Journal of Student-Run clinics and continues to promote the importance of public health within free medical clinics, as well being a member of the leadership team of Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice at UB. Most recently, Dr. Kruger has been named a 2021 SUNY Online Ambassador for her enthusiastic, effective virtual teaching and advocacy of online education in the SUNY community. Dr. Kruger completed her PhD in health education at the University of Toledo.