Launched in 2024, Powered By You transforms engagement survey feedback into action through a series of collaborative meetings that promote learning, transparency, and innovation. The fall session advanced this mission with research presentations, open discussion, and activities that encouraged shared problem-solving and cross-team collaboration.
Looking ahead, the initiative will transition to the Miller School’s Ignite framework, aligning with broader efforts to enhance engagement and well-being across the institution.
Building Culture Through Connection
Interim Chair Kathryn E. McCollister, Ph.D., opened the meeting by inviting participants to consider what it means to “ignite” within the workplace and beyond. “Connection and engagement are the sparks that keep our community thriving,” she said. Dr. McCollister emphasized the importance of balance and collective effort in fostering creativity and productivity, themes that parallel the Miller School’s Ignite: Empowering Faculty and Staff Wellness initiative.
The meeting also welcomed new faculty, including Drs. Nguyen, Ping, and Zhu, whose expertise supports the department’s continued growth in education, research, and service.
Showcasing Innovation and Discovery
The program spotlighted recent research and emerging collaborations.
Vanina Pavia, M.D., M.S., alumna of the Prevention Science and Community Health program, presented updates from Sara St. George, Ph.D., and the Healthy eLifestyles Lab, which develops multigenerational digital interventions to promote healthy behaviors among Hispanic families.
Dr. Pavia discussed ongoing projects such as Healthy Juntos, a digital obesity prevention trial for Hispanic adolescents, and Con Cariño, Abuelita, a Family-based digital lifestyle intervention for female cancer survivors and their adult daughters/grandchildren.
Jie Ping, Ph.D., a new faculty member in Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, shared her research on cancer genetics and health disparities. Her work, featured in Nature Communications and The American Journal of Human Genetics, examines genetic susceptibility across ancestries and integrates omics data to identify biomarkers for cancer risk and prognosis.
Catalyzing Future Growth
The session also introduced Momentum, a new mentorship and professional development program led by Alberto Caban-Martinez, D.O., Ph.D., M.P.H., Alberto Caban-Martinez, D.O., Ph.D., M.P.H., deputy director of the Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative, professor of public health sciences and associate vice provost for research regulation, integrity, security and evaluation.
Momentum is designed to support early- and mid-career faculty through structured collaboration and accountability. “It takes a village to help every faculty member progress,” he said.
An interactive activity led by Rosa Verdeja, M.Ed., and Manuela Lopez, Ed.D., M.B.A., encouraged creative thinking and teamwork through lighthearted challenges that reminded participants of the value of communication and collaboration in everyday work.
Powered By You continues to evolve as more than a meeting; it is a movement of engagement and empowerment, ensuring that every voice has a place in shaping the future of public health.
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on October 24, 2025.
