Spring2016AbstractBook

Title: Recovery after Disaster: An American Red Cross Case Study
Name: Kariman Abdalla
Preceptors: David Huang, Disaster Program Specialist
Agency: American Red Cross
Title: Organizing a Diabetes Program for African Americans called “The Power”
Name: Nour Abrahim
Preceptor: Serena Collado, BS, MS; Director of Community Health
Agency: RWJ Barnabas Somerset Community Health Department
Title: Identifying Health Conditions of Patients with Developmental Disabilities
Name: Abimbola Adegbola
Preceptors: Deborah M. Spitalnik, PhD, Executive Director of Boggs Center, Professor of
Pediatrics
Agency: The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities
Title: 2016 New Jersey Rural Health Symposium
Name: Jason Adegbola
Preceptors: Tim Prol, Director of Operations; Project Supervisor, Marwa Chebli, Communications
and Grants Coordinator
Agency: New Jersey Primary Care Association
Title: Using OSHA to Prevent Workplace Injuries, Illnesses, and Deaths
Name: Adesewa Adewusi
Preceptors: Magdalena Frangos, Helen Perez
Agency: Woodbridge Township Personnel Department
Title: The Vagina Monologues: The Revolution Starts Here
Name: Yakira Aguasvivas
Preceptors: Lisa Smith, Coordinator for Domestic Violence Services. Brady Root, Prevention
Education Coordinator
Agency: Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (VPVA)
Title: The Pancreatic Cancer Walk Campaign
Name: Tasnim Ahmad
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: John Dowd
Agency: The Middlesex County Office of Health Services
Title: Ensure the Safety and Integrity of the American Workplace
Name: Ezekiel Ahn
Preceptors: Jim Chou, CEO
Agency: IQ Research LLC
Title: Needle and Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP)
Name: Quincy Akaba
Preceptors: Deloris Dockrey, Director of Community Organization
Agency: The Hyacinth AIDS Foundation

Title: Improving Accessibility to Quality Healthcare Services for Rutgers Student-Athletes
Name: Chiamaka Akunne
Preceptors: Joseph G. Barone, MD, President/CEO, Robert Wood Johnson Medical Group
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Title: Evaluation of Senior Fitness Program
Name: Adebusola Aladegbami
Preceptors: Gina Stravic, Executive Director
Agency: Raritan Valley YMCA
Title: Strategies to Improve Use of Social Media in Health care
Name: Shaheerah Allen
Preceptors: Director of Annual Giving: Shawna Rodgers
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Foundation
Title: Healthy Kids Hero
Name: Maiya Alston
Preceptors: Aditi Bothra: Health Educator
Agency: Burlington County Health Department
Title: Middlesex County Mental Health Guide
Name: Adenike Animasaun
Preceptors: Maria Pellerano, Assistant Professor
Agency: Alliance for a Healthier New Brunswick, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical
School
Title: Job Satisfaction amongst Obstetric and Gynecology (OB/GYN) and Surgical Residents
at an Academic Center
Name: Edna Antwi
Preceptors: Gloria Bachman, Program Director; Chi-Wei Lu, Study Coordinator; Juana
Hutchinson-Coal, Supervisor
Agency: Women’s Health Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical Hospital
Title: Homeless and Indigent Population Health Outreach Project (H.I.P.H.O.P.)
Name: Ugochi Anyanwu
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Susan Giordano, Program Coordinator
Agency: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Title: Enhancing The Patient Experience When Scheduling Appointments
Name: Fedak Arashi
Preceptors: Dana Cartin, Program Manager; James Schneider, Project Manager; Andy Mitchell,
Process Improvement Specialist
Agency: John F. Kennedy Medical Center
Title: 2016 Presidential Lens on Health Policy
Name: Victor Arroyo
Preceptors: Professor Debra Borie-Holtz, Assistant Teaching Professor
Agency: Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy

Title: Progressive Scribes: The Handbook
Name: Rabiah Asif
Preceptors: Joanna Lind, Chief Scribe
Agency: PhysAssist (St. Mary’s Medical Center)
Title: Customer Service Skills, P.A.C.E. Project (Patience,Attentiveness,Clear
communication,Empathy)
Name: Olufunke J. Ayetigbo
Preceptors: Veronica Gomez, Assistant Director
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson Hospital - Patient Access Department
Title: Providing and Promoting Hospice Care Through Social Media
Name: Shane Barrett
Preceptors: Ralph Addonizio, Director of Volunteer Services
Agency: Embracing Hospice Care
Title: New Jersey Region Access and Functional Needs Tactical Doctrine
Name: Ashley Belz
Preceptors: Michael Prasad, Disaster Support Functions Director
Title: Mobile Stroke Unit
Name: Stephanie Berke
Preceptors: Judith Lane, Director of Neuroscience and Director of Comprehensive Stroke Center
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Title: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Community Health Worker in Increasing
Postpartum Care Visits Among Women
Name: Manu Simriti Bhandari
Preceptors: Nicole Pratt, Preceptor; Jamila McLean, Graduate Intern for DOH (Rutgers School of
Public Health); Loletha Johnson, MSN, RN - Nursing Consultant
Agency: Statewide Parents Agency Network of New Jersey & New Jersey Department of
Health
Title: Improving Mental Health Services for African American College Students
Name: Josephine Boa-Amponsem
Preceptors: Mark Cruz, Supervisor; Francesca Maresa, Agency Director
Agency: Health Outreach Promotion and Education (H.O.P.E)
Title: Reaching Underserved Students Without Access to World Language Programs
Through “My Dream Speaks”
Name: Raul Bustamante
Preceptors: Rebecca Anderson, Program Manager
Agency: Global Language Project
Title: Augmenting Trinitas High-Risk Chronic Kidney Disease Intervention Program
Name: Marjorie Cadestin
Preceptors: Joseph, McTernan, DHSc, MBA, FACHE Senior Director Community and Clinical
Services; Ruby Codjoe, RN, BSN, CNN, Unit Manager Linden/ Satellite Dialysis
Agency: Trinitas THRIVE Renal Services Program: The High Risk- Intervention Via Education
Program

Title: Youth Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening Rate Assessment
Name: Kristel Calderon
Preceptors: Stephanie Franklin, Executive Director
Agency: Masakhane Center
Title: Utilization of Preventive Services Among Age Groups within MSSP ACO
Name: Amanda Rose Camarda
Preceptors: Cortney Panzarino, MPH, Outcomes Analyst, Clinical Epidemiologist
Jojy Cheriyan, MD, MPH, MPhil, Clinical Informatics Specialist
Agency: Meridian Health Department of Population Health
Title: Improvement of Peer Educator’s Self-Efficacy
Name: Paul Campbell
Preceptors: Mark Cruz, Health Education Specialist
Agency: Rutgers Health Services: Health Outreach Promotion Educations
Title: Tutor Checklist Effectiveness: Community After School Tutoring (C.A.S.T.)
Program’s Evaluation System
Name: Amanda Capitummino
Preceptors: Barry Smith, Y.E.S. Founder and Executive Director
Agency: Youth Empowerment Services (Y.E.S.)
Title: Minority Students Mental Health Pilot Assessment
Name: Charlene Caranda
Preceptors: Francesca Maresca, PhD, CHES, Director
Agency: Health Outreach Promotion and Education, (H.O.P.E.)
Title: Dental Hygiene Advocacy
Name: Michelle Cerda
Preceptors: Dr. Michael Lorman, DMD
Agency: Joseph DeRario & Associates
Title: Evaluation of Katy Abbott’s Neighborhood Assistant Pilot Project
Name: Brian Cha
Preceptors: Chief Operating Officer: Donna Lazartic, Senior Nursing Home Administrator: Carol
Burt, Senior Director of Nursing: Mike Yannotta
Agency: Francis E. Parker Memorial Homes
Title: Mobile Integrated Health System
Name: Gabriella Champoux
Preceptors: Margaret Chandler (APN)
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson Mobile Health Service
Title: The benefits of Manual Therapy vs Modalities or Physical Exercises on patients
Name: Rawar Chaudhry
Preceptors: Amanda Gaal, PHD
Agency: JAG Physical Therapy Center

Title: Improving Patient Satisfaction Program at Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Name: Ikhtesham Chaudhry
Preceptors: Yaniris Garcia, Patient Advocate
Agency: Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Title: Promoting Alcohol Awareness Among the Rutgers Greek Community
Name: John Chavez
Preceptors: Tanisha Riley, Health Education Specialist
Agency: Health Outreach Promotion & Education (H.O.P.E), Rutgers University
Title: Improving the Quality of Healthcare for Transgender Adolescents at Robert Wood
Johnson Hospital
Name: Elikemi Cisco
Preceptors: Gloria A Bachmann, MD Interim Chair, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology &
Reproductive Sciences Associate Dean for Women’s Health
Agency: The Women's Health Institute of the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Title: Developing a Behavioral Health Resource Guide for Middlesex County
Name: Lyndsey Cleary
Preceptors: Margaret Drozd, Director of Community Mobile Health Services; Zachary Taylor,
Coordinator for the Community Health Consortium for Central Jersey
Agency: Saint Peter’s University Hospital Community Mobile Health Services
Title: Utilizing Outdoor Resources to Promote Healthy Behaviors in Middlesex County
Name: Michael Clothier
Preceptors: Marge Drozd, MSN, RN, APRN-BC; Zachary Taylor, MEd, CHES
Agency: St. Peter’s University Hospital: Community Mobile Health Services
Title: Post-Partum Visits Program
Name: Yamel Contreras
Preceptors: Laurie Navin, Director of Program Services, Loletha Johnson, MSN RN, Jamila
McLean, Graduate Intern
Agency: Rutgers Health Services: Health Outreach Promotion Educations
Title: Clinical Endoscopic Patient Throughput
Name: Andrew Crespo
Preceptors: Sara Gonzalez, Administrative Director- Lean Process Improvement
Title: Successful Diet Guide for Kids
Name: Nicole Cunha
Preceptors: Barry Smith, Founder and Executive Director
Agency: Youth Empowerment Services
Title: KinderSmile Oral Health Outreach Program Assessment
Name: Nicole Czajka
Preceptors: Dr. Nicole McGrath, DDS, Executive Director and Founder of KinderSmile
Foundation
Agency: KinderSmile Foundation

Title: Newborn Screening Dried Blood Spot Quality Improvement
Name: Rachel Darbee
Preceptors: Donna McCourt, Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Supervisor; Scott Shone,
Newborn Screening Program Manager
Agency: New Jersey Department of Health Newborn Screening Laboratory
Title: Sanction and Exclusion Screening Process
Name: Nicole Degel
Preceptors: Leslie Boles, Physician Educator/Compliance Auditor
Agency: Saint Peter’s University Hospital
Title: Doctor-Patient Portal Project
Name: Kajal Desai
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Dr. Steven Levin, Medical Director of Eric B. Chandler
Health Center
Agency: Eric B. Chandler Health Center, New Brunswick, NJ
Title: New Brunswick Community Assessment Research
Name: Luz Maria Diaz
Preceptors: Dr. Debra Borie-Holtz, Special Projects Manager, ECPIP
Agency: Eagleton Center of Public Interest Polling (ECPIP)
Title: Increasing Revenue Reimbursement from Blue Cross Blue Shield at Robert Wood
Johnson University Hospital Laboratory Outreach
Name: Emily Rose Dominguez
Preceptors: Karen Shepherd, Director of Laboratory Outreach Services
Douglas Katz, Field Service Coordinator of Laboratory Outreach Services
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Laboratory Outreach Services
Title: Violence Against Women Social Media Campaign
Name: Samaa Elbery
Preceptors: Alyssa Cannizzaro
Agency: National Organization for Women
Title: College Readiness Assessment
Name: Suzanne Elfarra
Preceptors: Salman Khan, Guidance Counselor; Dalia Ahmed, Guidance Counselor; Amanny
Khattab, Principal
Agency: Noble Leadership Academy
Title: Injury Prevention Program / Trauma Survivors Network
Name: Francesca Elghoul
Preceptors: Stephanie Kropf, Social Worker; Diana Starace, Injury Prevention Coordinator
Agency: RWJ Barnabas Health
Title: Historic Preservation and Growth Management in Middlesex County
Name: Shima Essam
Preceptors: Mirah Becker, Supervising Planner
Agency: Middlesex County Planning Commission

Title: Bingo Is More Than a Game
Name: Mowda Fadl
Preceptors: Director of Nursing (DON): Lorelei A. Ramos
Agency: Happy Days Adult Medical Day Care
Title: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Public Safety: What You Need to Know
Name: Ashli Farfan
Preceptors: Lisa Asare and Susan Evans
Agency: New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)
Title: Identifying Barriers to Contraception Among Youth in Newark, NJ
Name: Brittany Fermin
Preceptors: Stephanie Franklin, Founder/Executive Director
Title: How often should women have Mammography and breast examinations; a public
health dilemma?
Name: Arielle Fleischer
Preceptors: Supervisor: Ruby P. Huttner MD, Physician at Affiliates in Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Clinical Professor, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Agency: Affiliates in Obstetrics and Gynecology, P.A
Title: Indoor Air Quality
Name: Doris Fonseca
Preceptors: Marc Longo, Supervisor
Agency: Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety
Title: Healthy Diet and Exercise Education Program for Children
Name: Elana Forgash
Preceptors: Executive Director: Laura Eppinger
Agency: New Brunswick 4-H
Title: Disaster Relief Reintegration Program
Name: Tasnim Ghani
Preceptors: Lauri Gill, Regional Mass Care Manager
Title: Breaking Communication Barriers to Empower The Hispanic Population
Name: Silvio A. Giraldo
Preceptors: Family Liaison: Armaan Saxena, Spanish Interpreter: Regina Burden, Executive
Director: Glenn Jenkins
Agency: Embrace Kids Foundation

Title: Feedback on the Live Well-Vivir Bien New Brunswick Mobile Application
Name: Shivum Gohil
Preceptors: Director of Community Health: Manuel Castaneda
Agency: New Brunswick Tomorrow
Title: Investigating Distracted Driving Among Undergraduate Students
Name: Amber Gourdine
Preceptors: Dr. Derek Shendell Director of Center for School & Community Based Research
Agency: Center for School & Community Based Research
Title: New Jersey Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Services Naloxone Analysis
Name: Evan Gross
Preceptors: Dr. Terry Clancy, Chief of Education, Certification, and Technology
Agency: New Jersey Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS)
Title: Global Health Experiential Learning Opportunity
Name: Jyoti Guglani
Preceptors: Professor Ann Marie Hill, Internship Coordinator
Title: Women’s Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Awareness Program
Name: Zofshan Gulzar
Preceptors: Dr. Jisoo Han, Medical Doctor
Agency: Best Choice OB/GYN
Title: The Culture of Safety
Name: Mackenzie Haggerty
Preceptors: Supervisor: Mary McTigue; Preceptor: John Lanier
Agency: Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Title: Health Professional Recruitment Project
Name: Shannon Haines
Title: Educational Module on Fatigue for Oral Cancer Survivors
Name: Rehvin Hao
Preceptors: Dr. Sharon Manne, Associate Director of Cancer Prevention & Control; Sara
Frederick, Program Coordinator; Travis Logan, Research Teaching Specialist
Agency: The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Title: Why is Energy Important to You?
Name: Ariel Hartman
Preceptors: Dev Meyappan, South Brunswick Franchise Director, Usha Algappan, Class
Coordinator
Agency: Bricks 4 Kidz of South Brunswick

Title: Site monitoring at a Clinical Research Department
Name: Alyssa Henry
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Jan Stange, Vital Therapies Preceptor: Cindy Law, Julie Magnuson
Site Supervisor: Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos, Serban Andrew Moroianu
Agency: Vital Therapies
Title: Assessment of Physical Health Related Behaviors and Perceptions of College Students
Name: Payal Hirpara
Preceptors: Dr. Usha Ramachandran, M.D., SATHI Advisory Committee Member
Agency: South Asian Total Health Initiative (SATHI) - Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical
School
Title: Passive messaging campaign to educate Rutgers University students on risk reduction
and safer behavior regarding alcohol
Name: Bao-Y Ho
Preceptors: Director Supervisor: Tanisha Riley
Agency: Health Outreach Promotion and Education (H.O.P.E)
Title: Clean Energy Revolution Caucus Event
Name: Kimberly Hong
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Matt Smith, Regional Organizer
Agency: Food & Water Watch
Title: New Brunswick Tomorrow Longitudinal Community Study, Focus on Youth &
Children
Name: Faisal Hossain
Preceptors: Dr. Debbie Borie-Holtz (Special Project Manager), Ashley Koning (Assistant
Director
Agency: Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling (ECPIP)
Title: Community Cancer Outreach Program, Evaluation, & Analysis
Name: Nicole Hurtado
Preceptors: Mr. Gilbert Baez, Manager of Outpatient Oncology Services and Mrs. Amy Lewis,
Coordinator of NJCEED Program
Agency: Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center and NJ Cancer
Education and Early Detection (NJCEED)
Title: Sisters Informing Healing Living and Empowering (SIHLE)
Name: Adeima Ibanga
Preceptors: Deloris Dockrey, Director of Community Organizing; Tyeisha Adams, Prevention
Education Health Educator
Agency: Hyacinth AIDS Foundation
Title: Patient Satisfaction
Name: Anthony Ikotidem
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: David Pinsky, Respiratory Care Unit Nursing Director
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Respiratory Care Unit

Title: Shaping Elizabeth
Name: Munachiso Ilogu
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Garlic Krishna, Director of Department of Health and Human
Services; Project Supervisor: Alane McCahey , Senior Director, Community
Initiatives, The Gateway Family YMCA
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, City Hall Elizabeth; The Gateway Family
YMCA
Title: Home Health Aide Certification Changes
Name: Nicole Jackson
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Chrissy Buteas, President and CEO; Karen McCoy, RN, BSN,
Director of Professional Development & Support
Agency: Home Care and Hospice Association of New Jersey
Title: Home Fire Disaster Preparedness
Name: Priya Jethwa
Preceptors: David Huang, Disaster Relief Specialist
Agency: The American Red Cross
Title: Project Inspire- Childhood Health Education Awareness
Name: Nidhi Jha
Preceptors: Yesenia Hernandez, Program Coordinator; Leslie Malachi, & Marlene Spina
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital- Community Health Promotion Program
Title: The Degree Without Barriers Program
Name: Odalys Jimenez-Castano
Preceptors: Betzaida Feliciano-Berrios, Assistant Dean, Enrollment and Student Services
Agency: Rutgers University, University College Community
Title: Leadership Hyacinth Advocacy Training Program
Name: Ebony Johnson
Preceptors: Deloris Dockrey, Director of Community Organizing
Agency: Hyacinth AIDS Foundation
Title: Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy (ABA) Utilization
Name: Laura Johnston
Preceptors: Dr. Walter Zaharodny, Principle Investigator; Josephine Shenouda, Project Coordinator
Agency: NJ Autism Study
Title: Flu: Myths, Prevention and Vaccines
Name: Sameerah Jones
Preceptors: Dr. Vijaya Radhakrishna M.D., F.A.A.P, Pediatrician and Owner
Agency: Dr. Vijaya Radhakrishna & Associates
Title: Hire Newark: Defeating Chronic Unemployment
Name: Devon Judge
Preceptors: Zachary Lipner
Agency: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Title: Joint Commission Accreditation of Primary Substance Abuse Partial Care Facility
Name: Aiden Jung
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor. Project Supervisor: Alexandra Lopez, Director of Clinical
Operations
Agency: Brooktree Health Services; Footprints to Recovery
Title: Mass Prophylaxis/vaccination
Name: Aubrey Kaale
Preceptors: John Festa ( South Orange Township Health Officer)
Agency: South Orange Township Health Department
Title: National Outreach Assessment of Sports Teams
Name: Samrah Kamal
Preceptors: Beth Stefanacci, Executive Director
Agency: Go4theGoal
Title: Evaluation of CATCH nutrition for afterschool children
Name: Mariam Kapanadze
Preceptors: Gina Stravic: Executive Director , Brenda Dempsey: Afterschool Director
Title: Building Resilience in Military Children and Their Families
Name: Ilija Karafiloski
Preceptors: Geraldine V. Oades-Sese, Ph.D
Agency: Department of Pediatrics Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Title: Disaster Preparedness Program
Name: Ramandeep Kaur
Preceptors: David Huang, Disaster Specialist
Title: 2016 Tides of Change Gala Planning and Execution
Name: Erin Kearns
Preceptors: Lacey LaManna, Distinguished Event Coordinator and Senior Development Manager
Agency: The American Cancer Society, North Brunswick
Title: Assessment of Outstanding Account Receivables for Medicare Patients
Name: Kristi Kenny
Preceptors: Karen Shepherd, Director of Laboratory Outreach; Douglas Katz, Field Service
Coordinator
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson Laboratory Outreach
Title: Racial Disparities Among Obesity and Hypertension
Name: Najm S Khan
Preceptors: Dr. Mark Magariello MD, Medical Director of AfterOurs Urgent Care
Agency: AfterOurs Urgent Care

Title: Parker Digital Marketing Benchmark Project
Name: Jeannie Kim
Preceptors: Fern Marder, Marketing Communications Manager; Margaret Fourounjian, Senior
Manager of Marketing and Community Relations; Lisa Slater, Director of Professional
Education
Agency: Francis E. Parker Memorial Home
Title: Monmouth County Regional Health Commission - Public Health Accreditation
Name: Danielle King
Preceptors: David Henry, Health Officer
Agency: Monmouth County Regional Health Commission
Title: Patient Satisfaction in Psychiatric Inpatients
Name: Trishna Kumar
Preceptors: Supervisor: Cheryl Kennedy, MD, DFAPA, Associate Professor
Agency: Dept of Psychiatry, Rutgers NJMS & Rutgers School of Public Health
Title: Linda & Rudy Slucker Center for Women Career Services Analysis
Name: Billie Jean Kurek
Preceptors: Sue Wasserman, Community Services Director
Agency: NCJW Essex
Title: Bike for Heart Disease & Stroke Awareness
Name: Lillian Lamptey
Preceptors: Executive Director: Anthony Smith, Marketing Director: Kim Ford
Agency: Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District
Title: Healthcare Discrimination and Sexual Minorities
Name: Nathalie Laurent
Preceptors: Supervisor: Stephanie Franklin
Title: Reducing the Barriers of Out of Pocket Costs of Diagnostic Breast Imaging for
Uninsured Women
Name: Kimberly Le
Preceptors: Dr. Nancy Louis, Clinical Director; David Landry, Research Specialist and
Operations Manager; Catherine Marcial, Program Coordinator
Agency: S.A.V. E. Women and Men Program - University Hospital - Rutgers- New Jersey
Medical School (NJMS)
Title: Crisis Intervention Team Training - Mental Health Focused Law Enforcement Training
Name: Noelle LeBlon
Preceptors: Lori Dillon, Division of Addictions and Mental Health Planning Director; Penny
Grande, Mental Health Administrator
Agency: Middlesex County Office of Human Services
Title: Writing the Paramus Health Department Strategic Plan
Name: Christina Lee
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Judith Migliaccio (Health Officer/Director)
Agency: Paramus Health Department

Title: Emerging Public Health Threats: The Four P’s of the Zika Virus
Name: Paige Lispcome
Preceptors: Chris Poulsen, Director
Agency: Bridgewater Township Department of Human Services, Division of Health
Title: Examining naloxone availability within retail pharmacies in Middlesex County, NJ
Name: Justin Lucero
Preceptors: Ezra Helfand, Director, Helen Varvi, Deputy Director
Agency: Wellspring Center of Prevention
Title: Diet and Exercise Database for Rutgers Veterans
Name: Maxwell Luo
Preceptors: Valerie Williams, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Agency: Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Rutgers University Outbased Office
Title: Cancer Support Group for 9/11 First Responders
Name: Christine Mac
Preceptors: Chauntel Wright, MPH. CHES Outreach/Member Services Coordinator
Agency: The World Trade Center Health Program at Rutgers EOHSI Clinical Center
Title: Ciclovia Health Perception Assessment
Name: Duha Magzoub
Preceptors: Yesenia Hernandez, RWJUH -CHPP Program Coordinator
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-Community Health Promotions Program
Title: Three Different Aspects of Religion and Mental Health Stigma
Name: Alexandra Maltese
Preceptors: Professor Dawne Mouzon, Ph.D
Agency: Rutgers University
Title: Performance Improvement of Cardiac Catheterization
Name: Zachary Manna
Preceptors: Julie Archer, Corporate Director of Managed Care
Agency: Meridian Health - Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Title: Volunteer Abroad Initiative: The Kyokola Project
Name: Ashley Manzo
Preceptors: Jacqueline Wolfson, CEO
Agency: The Shule Foundation
Title: Increasing HPV Vaccination Uptake
Name: Esha Manzoor
Preceptors: John Dowd, Division Head; Project Supervisor: Teri Manes, Health Educator
Agency: Middlesex County Office of Health Services
Title: Barriers to Breastfeeding in the New Brunswick Community
Name: Monica Marrone
Preceptors: Dr. Usha Ramachandran
Agency: Eric B. Chandler Health Center

Title: Spotlight on Clinical Trials
Name: Nicholas Martin
Preceptors: Cheylena Williams, MPH and Yesenia Hernandez
Agency: American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA)
Title: Children’s Nutritional Guide Program
Name: Linda Mathai
Title: Gross Motor and Fine Motor Skills Program
Name: Ashley Mathew
Title: Clean Energy Revolution Caucus Event at Rutgers University
Name: Ashni Mathew
Preceptors: Rita Yelda, Matt Smith
Agency: Food & Water Watch
Title: CCDOM Child Care Emergency Disaster Preparedness Plan
Name: Mikaela Matthews
Preceptors: Dawn Rannie-White, Assistant Program Director
Agency: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM)
Title: Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Program Satisfaction Survey
Name: Christina Mattina
Preceptors: Denise Coutsouridis, Program Director, HBPC
Agency: Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System
Title: Hospital Purchasing Performance Improvement Assessment
Name: Nicole McCloskey
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: James Childs, Program Director: Harry McCloskey
Agency: Aria Health
Title: Cell Phone Contamination Analysis & Intervention
Name: Donal McGeady
Preceptors: Pat Lafaro, Director of Infection Prevention
Title: Patient Expansion and Education Program
Name: Samantha McGowan
Preceptors: David De La Fuente, President, Owner, and Physical Therapist
Agency: Cornerstone Physical Therapy Health and Wellness Center
Title: Implementing Health Initiatives for New Brunswick
Name: Aalok Mehta
Preceptors: Dr. Debra Borie-Holtz, Assistant Professor; Ashley Koning, Assistant Director
Agency: Eagleton Center For Public Interest Polling

Title: New Jersey Resource Guide
Name: Kathryn Melton
Preceptors: Jessica Delgado, Middlesex County Council for Young Children (CCYC) Project
Coordinator; Stephanie Michael, Parent Education and Technical Assistance (PETA)
Program Coordinator.
Agency: Prevent Child Abuse - New Jersey
Title: Promoting Healthy Relationships: A Community Health Promotions Program
Name: Emmanuel Mensah
Preceptors: Elaine Hewins, CSW, DVS, Domestic Violence Education & Awareness Program
Coordinator
Agency: RWJUH Community Health Promotion Program
Title: An Ethics Critique of Supreme Court Public Health Cases’ Decisions
Name: Steven Mercadante
Preceptors: T. Patrick Hill, PhD
Agency: Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy
Title: Improving Health & Wellness Through Social Outreach and Sales Assessment
Name: Brad Meyer
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Daniel Wynn, General Manager; Project Supervisor: Tim Nase,
Membership Sales Representative & Head Personal Trainer
Agency: Fusion Gyms
Title: Adult Hepatitis C Screening Program Development
Name: Surayya Millar
Preceptors: Program Coordinator Roseann Marone
Agency: Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School-RWJ AIDS Program
Title: Mercer County High Schools’ Substance Abuse Prevention Program Evaluation and
Implementation
Name: Amber Minnick
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Geetha Arulmohan, Executive Director; Preceptors: Dr. Sharese
Dawes, Program Coordinator; Barbara Sprechman, Program Coordinator
Agency: Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
Title: BMI Analysis in African American Women with Breast Cancer
Name: Alisha Mir
Preceptors: Elizabeth Szamreta: Research Teaching Specialist IV
Agency: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Title: An Evaluation of a Hospital Based Smoking Cessation Program
Name: Danielle Monteiro
Preceptors: Gilbert Baez, Manager of Outpatient Oncology Services; Lisa Picciuti,
Oncology Social Worker; Joan Corasaniti, Pulmonary Nurse Navigator
Agency: Morristown Medical Center

Title: Orthopedic Comprehensive Joint Replacement (CJR) model for hip and knees
Name: Amer Mur
Preceptors: Alrex Matulac, Vice President of Peri-Operative services;
Dustin Connelly, Business Director of Peri-Operative services
Title: Joint Commission Accreditation: Performance Improvement & Quality of Care Policy
Name: Seaham Musa
Preceptors: Alexandra Lopez, Director of Clinical Operations
Agency: BrookTree Health Services, Footprints To Recovery
Title: Failed Casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey
Name: Nicole Muth
Preceptors: Briavel Holcomb
Agency: Rutgers University
Title: Media use in Non-governmental organizations
Name: Ebere Ndumele
Preceptors: Ayshia Greene, Programs and Administration Manager
Agency: Nigerian Healthcare Foundation
Title: Uninsured vs. Insured Patient Dental Health Care Outcomes Assessment
Name: Frances Nedler
Preceptors: Vladislav Gerts, Doctor of Dental Surgery
Agency: Smile For You Dental
Title: Developing Competent Caregivers through Clinical Orientation
Name: Danielle Neuman
Preceptors: Margaret Evans, MSN, RN, Director of EBP Dev. & Patient Safety
Agency: Children’s Specialized Hospital
Title: Johnson and Johnson School Health Leadership Program (JJSHLP)
Name: Rachel Norcross
Preceptors: Elizabeth Amaya- Fernandez, Direct Supervisor, Senior Program Coordinator;
Danielle Cooper, Project Supervisor, Senior Project Coordinator
Agency: Rutgers University- Center of Alcohol Studies
Title: Educational Initiative: The Importance of a Vaccination Schedule
Name: Nnenna Nwanonyiri
Preceptors: Dr. Larnie Booker, M.D.
Agency: Mid-Jersey Pediatrics
Title: Healthy Campus Environmental Audit (HCEA)
Name: Ogu’ike Offoaro
Preceptors: Dr. Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Ph.D., R.D., F.A.N.D., Professor of Nutrition;
Jessica McKinley, R.D.
Agency: Department of Nutritional Sciences

Title: The Utility of New Jersey Immunization Information Registry (NJIIS)
Name: Ruth Ogega
Preceptors: Rose Jean-Baptiste, Program Manager of Quality Assurance/Quality
Improvement; Beverly O'Shea, Nursing Manager & Director of Nursing
Title: Wellness Newsletters for Female Athletes at Rutgers University
Name: Ugochi Oguh
Preceptors: Dr. Francesca Maresca, Director of H.O.P.E
Agency: Rutgers Health Outreach, Promotion and Education (H.O.P.E.)
Title: Creating A Healthier New Brunswick
Name: Babajide Okesola
Preceptors: Barry Smith
Title: Interactive Cross Tumor Approach to Medical PowerPoint Presentations
Name: Erika Olijslager
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Tara Calvo, Account Manager
Agency: Alligent Group
Title: The Relationship Between Domestic Violence and Postpartum Depression among
Women
Name: Esther Oluyemi
Preceptors: Dr. Gloria Bachmann, Program Director; Chi-Wei Lu, Study Coordinator
Agency: Women’s Health Institute of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Title: Risk of Infections After Orthopedic Surgery
Name: Milly Olympio
Preceptors: Ann Marie Hill, Internship Coordinator, Dr. Andrew Harrison, Chief Surgeon,
Monmouth Medical South Campus(MMSC), lakewood, NJ.
Agency: Central Jersey Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center- Lakewood, NJ
Title: Mental Health and Substance Use Assessment for South Asian Students
Name: Chinelo Onyebeke
Preceptors: Dr. Usha Ramachandran, Clinical Asst. Professor, Department of
Pediatrics, Rutgers, RWJMS; SATHI Advisory Committee Member
Agency: SATHI-South Asian Total Health Initiative; Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Title: Assessment of Digital Education Tools in Community Initiatives
Name: Daniela Ortega
Preceptors: Program Coordinator: Luis Fernandez, New Brunswick Chapter Coordinator
Manager: Gabriella Estevez, Non-Profit Organizations Team Leader
Agency: Google Community Leaders Program
Title: Accountable Care Organization Data Management and Compliance
Name: Nicholas Otieno
Preceptors: Victoria E. Riley, Manager, Global Banking Compliance, Edward Filippazzo, VP,
Compliance and Ethics, Kimberly Goh, Analyst, Bank Affiliate Engagement
Agency: American Express

Title: Evaluation of Maternal and Child Health Landscape in New Brunswick
Name: Adeola E. Owoiya
Preceptors: Maria B. Pellerano
Agency: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Department of Family Medicine and
Community Health
Title: Emergency preparedness through Closed Point of Dispensing (POD)
Name: Diana Palhete
Preceptors: Carrie Johnson, Coordinator, LINCS
Title: Pediatric Obesity Evaluation Program
Name: Camille Parker
Preceptors: Dr. Usha Ramachandran, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Title: Influence of Social Media on the Dissemination of Public Health Messages
Name: Aesha Patel
Preceptors: Director Supervisor: Mark Cruz, Agency Director: Francesca Maresca
Agency: Health Outreach, Promotion and Education (H.O.P.E)
Title: Doctor-Patient Portal Implementation
Name: Dharti Patel
Preceptors: Project Supervisor: Dr. Steven Levin, Medical Director of Eric B. Chandler Health
Center
Agency: Eric B. Chandler Medical Health Center
Title: Creating monthly newsletters to analyze click-rate response
Name: Neelam Patel
Preceptors: Robert Church, Executive Director
Agency: DoughMain Education Foundation
Title: South Jersey Behavioral Health Care Changes
Name: Richa Patel
Preceptors: Philip Echevarria, Policy Analyst
Agency: New Jersey Hospital Association
Title: Implementing SBIRT: Screening Brief Intervention Referral to Treatment Program
Name: Sajana Patel
Preceptors: Liz- Amaya Fernandez: Senior Program Coordinator- Community Outreach
Agency: Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies
Title: Community Satisfaction and Awareness Survey
Name: Siddhi Patel
Preceptors: Barry Smith, Founder and Executive Director
Title: HPV Initiative: Raising Cervical Cancer Awareness & Increasing HPV Vaccinations
Name: Zeel Patel
Preceptors: Professor Stanley H. Weiss, MD
Agency: Essex-Passaic Wellness Coalition

Title: Process Improvement in Medical Education Grant Development
Name: Shweta Patro
Preceptors: Joi Tisdale, Program Manager
Agency: WebMD (Medscape Education)
Title: Comparing Knowledge About Lyme Disease Among Pet Owners
Name: Dayana Perez
Preceptors: Bethanne Lokuta, DVM
Agency: Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital, Ridgewood NJ
Title: Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) Analysis
Name: Jacob Persily
Preceptors: Dr. Rajiv Arya, Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety
Title: How Big Tobacco Uses Smokers to Protect Smoking
Name: Erin Petenko
Preceptors: Dr. Jane Lewis, Director, Trinkets and Trash surveillance project; Mia
Zimmerman, MPH, research teaching specialist
Agency: Center for Tobacco Studies
Title: Increasing Awareness of Gendered Violence towards South Asian Women
Name: Michelle Philip
Preceptors: Prashanti Vasagiri
Agency: Manavi
Title: Transition of a Paper Based Conversion Disorder Binder to a Digital Binder
Name: Monishka Pierre
Preceptors: Site Supervisor: Shaloo Choudhary, OTR/L
Senior Physical Therapist and Head of Student Programs: Mary Jo Bronson, PT, DPT
OT & Project Supervisor: Kristen Digiacomo, OTR/L
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Outpatient Physical and Occupational
Therapy
Title: A Study of Emergency Department (ED) Utilization and Available Community
Resources
Name: Kathleen Pinon
Preceptors: Kwaku Gyekye, Administrative Director, Population Health & ACO
Agency: Jersey City Medical Center/Barnabas Health- Wealth from Health®
Title: Expanded Carrier Screening Assessment
Name: Talia Plaut
Preceptors: Elena Ashkinadze, Supervising Genetic Counselor
Shama Khan, Genetic Counselor and Research Coordinator
Agency: Perinatal Genetics Department at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Title: Factors of Recidivism Amongst Sex Offenders
Name: Deborah Ragbir
Preceptors: Dr. Kristen Zgoba
Agency: NJ Department of Corrections (NJDOC)

Title: Tobacco Industry Surveillance System
Name: Tasnim Eva Rahman
Preceptors: Dr. Jane Lewis, Associate Professor Rutgers School of Public Health,
Mia Zimmermann, Project Coordinator
Agency: Center for Tobacco Studies, Rutgers University School of Public Health
Title: Assessment of HIV Prevention, Care, and Treatment in Young MSM
Name: Pooja Rana
Preceptors: Ann Dey
Agency: Rutgers HIV Prevention Community Prevention Support and Development Initiative
Title: Monitoring/Evaluating Contaminant Remediation in Middlesex County
Name: Anthony Ravino
Preceptors: Gary Rojek, GIS Specialist I
Agency: Middlesex County Environmental Health Division
Title: Donate a Photo Social Media Engagement Strategy
Name: Brianne Reed
Preceptors: Marketing Manager: Lorie Kraynak, Digital Strategy Engagement Manager: Jake
Lepiarz
Agency: Johnson & Johnson
Title: New Brunswick Community Food Assessment
Name: Saba Rehman
Preceptors: Kathe Newman, Ph.D
Agency: The Ralph W. Voorhees Center for Civic Engagement at Rutgers University
Title: School Health Profiles Survey: Assessing Sexual Education in Health Education
Class throughout New Jersey
Name: Johannie Reyes
Preceptors: Siobhan Foley, Assistant Director of Educational Research
Agency: Bloustein Center for Survey Research
Title: A Teenager’s Guide for Struggling with ADHD and Dyslexia
Name: Gina Rhim
Preceptors: Jane Alves, CEO
Agency: She Can Be
Title: Comparing Acetaminophen to Narcotics for Same Day Surgery Pain Management
Name: Danlet Robert
Preceptors: Dr. Shaul Cohen, Anesthesiologist; Dr. John Choi, Research Assistant;
Dr. Preet Patel, Research Assistant
Title: Lace Up and Go: The 4-Week Walking Challenge
Name: Madelyn Rodriguez
Preceptors: Yesenia Medina-Hernandez
Agency: RWJUH Community Health Promotions Program

Title: Surgical Residency Process Improvement
Name: Julia Roehrich
Preceptors: Vincent Joseph
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH)
Title: Analysis of the Factors Contributing to High Rates of 30-day Readmissions
Name: Jason Rojas
Preceptors: Cortney Panzarino, MPH, Outcomes Analyst
Agency: Meridian Health
Title: Effects of Occupational Therapy on Children with Developmental Delays
Name: Lisa Ryoo
Preceptors: Leigh-Anne Delport
Agency: AHRC New York City
Title: Crown That Tooth: A Dental Crown Assessment
Name: Magdoleen Saad
Preceptors: Dr. Marinet Jacob, DMD and Dr. Joseph Jacob, DMD
Agency: Brunswick Family Dental and Implant Center
Title: Monmouth County Regional Health Commission (MCRHC) Competent Staff Job
Description
Name: Raiqa Salam
Preceptors: Mr. David A. Henry, Health Officer
Agency: Monmouth County Regional Health Commission #1
Title: A Study of Physical and Occupational Therapy Intervention for Concussion Patients
Name: Alyssa Sanfilippo
Preceptors: Site Supervisor: Shaloo Choudhary, OTR/L; Senior Physical Therapist:
Mary Jo Bronson, PT, DPT;Project Supervisor: Mona Patel, OTR/L, MOT
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Outpatient Physical & Occupational
Therapy Department
Title: SNAP-Ed Healthy Eating Behavior Promotion
Name: Giselle Sena
Preceptors: Carmen Calvimontes, Program Associate, Department of Nutritional Sciences,
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Agency: SNAP-Ed Program
Title: Assessing Patient Readmission for Improving Quality of Healthcare
Name: Manali Shah
Preceptors: Dolores Van Pelt, Director of Organizational Effectiveness & Karen Hepworth,
Performance Improvement Specialist
Agency: Hunterdon Healthcare
Title: Infectious Disease Response in New Jersey Healthcare
Name: Elizabeth Seroczynski
Preceptors: Phil Echevarria, Policy Analyst; Samantha DeAlmeida, Legislative Strategist
Agency: New Jersey Hospital Association

Title: A Peer Education Program on the Effect of Proper Nutrition on Mental Health
Name: Nisha Shah
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Mark Cruz, Agency Director: Francesca Maresca
Agency: Health Outreach, Promotion and Education (H.O.P.E.)
Title: Theory and Best Practices in Medication Adherence Analyses
Name: Reema Shah
Preceptors: Ruwani Ekanayake, Surveillance and Evaluation Specialist
Agency: New Jersey Department of Health
Title: Beliefs on Smoking and Tobacco Use Among College Students
Name: Shivani S. Shah
Preceptors: Dr. Michael Steinberg, MD, MPH
Agency: Rutgers Tobacco Dependence Program
Title: Reducing Preterm Birth Rates in Different Areas throughout New Jersey
Name: Sadaf Shakeel
Preceptors: Laurie Navin, Director of Program Services
Agency: March of Dimes
Title: Qualcare MEWA Department Performance Analysis
Name: Kareem Shama
Preceptors: Stephanie Alfonso, Program Manager
Agency: Qualcare Alliance Networks
Title: Vaginal Thickness Measurements: A New Diagnostic Tool
Name: Theresa Sheen
Preceptors: Dr. Gloria Bachmann, Medical Director; Dr. Chi-Wei Lu, Director of Research
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Women’s Health Institute
Title: Safe Kids WorldWide Moment of Silence Distraction Study
Name: Stacey Shewitz
Preceptors: Diana Starace, Injury Prevention Coordinator
Carol Lavitt, Safety Ambassador Program Coordinator
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson Injury and Trauma Prevention
Title: Blood Loss During Suction Evacuation of Pregnancy (D&E): General Anesthesia with
Inhalation versus Intravenous Propofol
Name: Jasleen Singh
Preceptors: Shaul Cohen, M.D.; John Choi, M.D.
Agency: Department of Anesthesiology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Title: Open the Conversation: OTC Medicine Literacy Program for Middle School Children
Name: Navneet Singh
Preceptors: Diana Starace (Injury Prevention Coordinator)
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital- Trauma & Injury Prevention Department
Title: Employment Retention Analysis
Name: Pritya Singh
Preceptors: Mark Hersh
Agency: Friends of Cyrus

Title: Heart Failure and the Movement Towards Nurse-Coordinated Transitional Care
Name: Kayla Skibicki
Preceptors: Tulay Sencar, RN CHFN
Agency: Nextron Infusion Services
Title: Recruitment of Volunteers to Support Evacuation Workers Statewide
Name: Kristina Snyder
Agency: The American Red Cross
Title: Creating an Emergency Database for Pharmacies in Middlesex County
Name: Leah Solodky-Terez
Preceptors: Preceptor: John Dowd, LINCS Coordinator: Carrie Johnson
Title: Effects of Community Resources on Level of Disaster Impact
Name: Kelsey Sorrell
Preceptors: David Huang, Caseworker
Agency: The American Red Cross of Central Jersey
Title: Breastfeeding Promotion: Existing Resources
Name: Andrea Standish
Preceptors: Supervisor: Dr. Usha Ramachandran, Department of Pediatrics; Project Supervisor;
Kelcie Fincham, Pediatric Resident
Title: The 39 Week Hard-Stop Policy
Name: Kara Starkey
Preceptors: Dr. Gloria Bachmann, Medical Director; Dr. Chi-Wei Lu, Director of Research
Agency: Women’s Health Institute of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Title: The American Red Cross
Name: Joshua Steinman
Preceptors: David Huang, Disaster Relief Specialist
Agency: The American Red Cross of Central Jersey
Title: Creation of Well Permit Database for Roxbury Township
Name: Joanna Stiner
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Abigail Montgomery, Senior Registered Environmental Health
Agency: Roxbury Township Health Department, Environmental Division
Title: Plainfield Health Connections (PHC)
Name: Omna Syed
Preceptors: Program Directors: Beryl Sowah, APN, Medical Director;
Wilselin Geronimo, MSW, Social Services Director
Agency: JFK Health Systems, Plainfield Health Connections
Title: Visitor Hand Hygiene
Name: Joseph Taraski
Preceptors: Timothy Braen, LNHA; Alicia Greenemeier, RN, BSN, Director of Nursing
Agency: CareOne at Morris

Title: Review of Social Determinants and Linkage to Available Services
Name: Stephanie Thomas
Preceptors: Kwaku Gyekye, ACO Director
Agency: Jersey City Medical Center- Wealth From Health
Ⓡ
Title: Parker’s Thought Leadership Project
Name: Bessie Tran
Preceptors: Megan Kovaltchouk, Director of Financial Planning and Analysis; Lisa Slater, Director
of Professional Education; Shawn Bray, Director of Talent Development; Harry
Glazer, Senior Manager of Communications
Agency: Francis E. Parker Memorial Home
Title: Effectiveness of Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Name: Sweta Ukani
Preceptors: Dr. Andrea Barrett
Agency: Belbar Dental Associates
Title: Assessing Differences in Attitudes toward Mental Health Treatment among African
Americans, African-born, and Caribbean Black Young Adults
Name: Ijeoma Unachukwu
Preceptors: Dr. Dawne Mouzon, Part-time Professor at Bloustein School of Public Health,
Researcher at the Institute of Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research
Agency: Institute of Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research
Title: Pharmacy Medication Distribution Assessment and Improvement
Name: Emily Ung
Preceptors: James Demetriades, PHCS Vice President, Operations; Marcus Garand, RD,
CLSSBB, PHCS Project Manager; Sandra Evanko, RN, MSN, CLSSGB
Agency: Princeton HealthCare System
Title: Retention Rates in Health Initiative Programs
Name: Emily Valdes
Preceptors: Xiomara Guevara, Executive Director; and Marilyn Castro, Supervisor
Agency: Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs
Title: An Examination of Patient Outcomes using Different RSI Induction Agents
Name: Matthew Valentine
Preceptors: Christopher Sharpe, EMS Education Program Coordinator
Agency: Virtua Health Emergency Medical Services
Title: College Guidance Program for Families Affected by 9/11
Name: Samantha Varga
Preceptors: Deirdre Dolan, Program Manager; Diana DeClemente, Director of Programs
Agency: Tuesday’s Children
Title: Operating Room Turnover Efficiency Assessment
Name: Frederick Weiss
Preceptors: Internship Supervisor: Doug Campbell, Vice President of Operations
Project Supervisor: Andrea Palisi, Senior Manager Preoperative Services
Agency: Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Title: Measuring the Effectiveness of Public Health Outreach to Hospital Laboratories on
Zika Virus
Name: Christine Weniger
Preceptors: Susan Mikorski, Laboratory Outreach Coordinator
Agency: New Jersey Department of Health, Public Health and Environmental Laboratories
Title: Technicist/Research Assistant
Name: Wengang Xia
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Yuantong Chen, Vice Director of Research Center;
Project Supervisor: Baoying Zhong, Senior Researcher
Agency: Geography Information and Planning Research Center, Zhaoqing Urban-rural
Planning Bureau
Title: Disaster Recovery Casework Program
Name: Edwin Xue
Title: Six Months Waiting Period for Postpartum Tubal Ligation
Name: Deborah Yeboah
Preceptors: Dr. Gloria Bachmann, Program Director; Chi-Wei Lu, Study Coordinator
Agency: Women’s Health Institute of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Title: Impact of Community Events on Overall Community Health and Fitness
Name: Melody Yuan
Preceptors: Yesenia Hernandez, Direct Supervisor; Mariam Merced, Department Supervisor
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Community Health Promotions Program
Title: Developing Local Sustainable Partnerships with Health Clinics for Female Adolescents
in Bedford-Stuyvesant
Name: Zarina Zondon
Preceptors: Nicia Fullwood M.A.Ed, BELA co-founder; Shannon Riley M.S.W, co-founder
Agency: Brooklyn Emerging Leaders Academy (BELA) Charter High School

Title: Recovery after Disaster: An American Red Cross Case Study
Name: Kariman Abdalla, Recovery Caseworker Intern
Purpose: To analyze the American Red Cross recovery process and status of their clients within the New
Jersey Region in an effort to build a tool that would increase efficiency in recovery casework.
Significance:
The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization that works towards preventing and relieving human
suffering in the face of emergency. In 2015, the American Red Cross New Jersey Region alone responded
to 885 disaster-related events, providing assistance to 1825 households and 5716 individuals. However,
despite the organization’s efforts, the process used in recovery casework does not always yield a
successful outcome, which is defined by the client’s ability to get through their recovery plan smoothly
and eventually getting back to their normal lifestyle. For this reason, the goal of this project is to
recognize inefficiencies present within this process and suggest possible improvements for the American
Red Cross to implement within the New Jersey Region. In doing so, the American Red Cross would
increase their ability, productivity, and efficiency in fulfilling their mission.
Method/Approach:
This project studied 136 cases along with their recovery-related outcomes. Each case consisted of people
within the Essex County who were assisted by the American Red Cross during the past six months in
recovering from a disaster. Furthermore, the status of each case was studied from the moment the file was
made to the moment it was closed. The variables analyzed included the amount of time spent by the Red
Cross on each case, the presence or absence of a language barrier, whether or not the client made use of
the provided county referral sheet, and whether the organization had the correct contact information on
file for the client. The collection of data occurred manually and retrospectively through the CAS 2.0
program.
Outcomes: 65 out of the 136 cases analyzed showed that about 25% from the 65 cases are considered
having a successful outcome. About 21% seemed to have a language barrier. 18.5% were able to make
use of the referral sheet successfully, and 15% did not have the correct contact information in our
databases. Data is being analyzed for the remaining 71 cases. In the process of collecting data, this project
highlights trends found in the recovery process. These trends show how these simple variables can be
enhanced to impede less on the success of our clients.
Evaluation: Each variable will be re-evaluated after the improvement plan is implemented by calculating
the percentage of each variable with more recent case studies and comparing the statistics gathered with
those obtained from this project. The same data collection methods will be applied.

Title: Organizing a Diabetes Program for African Americans called “The Power”
Name: Nour Abrahim
Preceptor: Serena Collado, BS, MS; Director of Community Health
Agency: RWJ Barnabas Somerset Community Health Department
Purpose: To coordinate and organize material for an educational diabetes prevention program.
Significance: According to the American Diabetes Association, compared to the general population,
African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes. Over 2.2 million African Americans have
diabetes. There are four times as many African Americans diagnosed with diabetes today as there were in
1968. Additionally, 13.2% of all African Americans aged 20 years or older have been diagnosed with
diabetes and they are 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. By implementing
The Power every year to African Americans from New Brunswick, Somerville, and surrounding
communities, we will be able to raise awareness, better the health outcomes and lower the prevalence
rates of diabetes in those communities.
Method/Approach: Research was conducted to contact Registered Dietitians, develop lesson plans and
promotional materials and to attend an African American social event at Rutgers. The Division of Student
Affairs department in New Brunswick was recruited to secure the first location in the Cook Student
Center. Emailing the residency administrator in the Somerset Family Practice department in Somerville
provided us with the second location. These easily accessible locations satisfy the grant fund’s
requirements, which include Middlesex and Somerset County.
Outcomes: A ten-week agenda, a lesson plan with two PowerPoint presentations and a pretest were
developed for the curriculum. Five African American Registered Dietitians were contacted via email or
telephone to provide education for the program. Two locations and dates were selected for the
program. One set to start September 14, 2016, in Somerville and another set to start September 24, 2016,
in New Brunswick. Two flyers were created to promote the program. Twenty-five flyers were distributed
at a Rutgers African American social event, which resulted in a total of 23 individuals pre-registered for
The Power.
Evaluation: Evaluations of this program’s success will be based on pre and post-test knowledge surveys
which will continue to reflect the satisfaction process. Assessment of registration and attendance to
determine the dropout rate is an overall indicator of the recruitment and retention process.
References:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1td3dDvdZoOSwYQBZq-Sycmo6y_34b0aJZKG5Bu61fxE/edit?usp=sharing

Title: Identifying Health Conditions of Patients with Developmental Disabilities
Name: Abimbola Adegbola
Preceptors: Deborah M. Spitalnik, PhD, Executive Director of Boggs Center, Professor of Pediatrics
Agency: The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities
Purpose: To identify health conditions in a group of adult patients with intellectual and developmental
disabilities.
Significance: People with disabilities have gone unrecognized as a health disparity population. They are
four times more likely than those without disabilities to report their health as fair or poor. This population
has higher rates of obesity, lack of physical activity, and chronic conditions, but they are significantly less
likely to receive preventative care (Krahn, 2015). There is a strong relationship between disability and
poor health. Being able to identify the health needs of the population and observe the relationship
between disability and poor health is integral to influencing change. Once problems are identified,
healthcare providers and policy makers can be more knowledgeable in order to reduce these disparities.
Method/Approach: The data was collected on patients who receive primary care at the Family Medicine
Center Monument Square with care coordination supported by The Boggs Center. Using a list of 155
patients with developmental or intellectual disabilities, data was obtained from Electronic Medical
Records and organized in an Excel spreadsheet. Data included patients’ weights, heights, BMI,
disabilities, living situation, chronic conditions, and mental health conditions. SPSS was then used to run
frequencies and crosstabs to identify prevalence of health conditions and relationships between variables.
Outcomes: Of the sample size (n=155), majority (58 percent) of the patients lived in group homes, 29.7
percent lived with family, and nine percent lived independently. Of these patients, 56.8 percent had
intellectual disabilities that ranged from mild to profound. In terms of chronic conditions, 41.6 percent of
patients were obese according to their BMI. Also, 36.8 percent had seizure disorders, 15.5 percent were
diagnosed with diabetes, 29.7 percent were diagnosed with hypertension, 13.5 percent had high
cholesterol, and 10.3 percent were incontinent. In terms of mental health, 18.7 percent of patients had
depression, 12.9 percent had anxiety disorders, and 19.4 percent had psychiatric disorders.
Evaluation: Data indicates that the patients in this sample have higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes,
and hypothyroidism than the state and national prevalences. The prevalence of hypertension is similar to
that of NJ, whereas, the high cholesterol prevalence is lower than the U.S prevalence. Data also indicated
that there was a relationship with patients’ living situations and their illnesses, which differed depending
on which variables were studied. Overall, this data gave an overview of health of The Boggs Center’s
clients to be used for future research on this population.

Title: 2016 New Jersey Rural Health Symposium
Name: Jason Adegbola
Preceptors: Tim Prol, Director of Operations; Project Supervisor
Marwa Chebli,Communications and Grants Coordinator
Agency: New Jersey Primary Care Association
Purpose: To educate and raise awareness of the unique and important issues New Jersey faces in rural
communities to improve the quality of health.
Significance: The Rural Health Symposium is a great opportunity for healthcare professionals to
collaborate and speak on the current rural health issues of importance. Its goal is to strengthen both
primary and preventative care and reduce barriers to health care for medically underserved residents of
rural communities across New Jersey. The symposium will address healthcare challenges the
communities face such as lack of healthcare providers, the aging population, and larger populations of
uninsured citizens. The NJPCA has helped approximately 484,406 patients receive affordable health care.
Method/Approach: An agenda was provided by the Director of Operations. This was used as a guideline
to organize the Rural Health Symposium taking place on April 21, 2016. Important tasks included
creating a brochure, selecting a theme, selecting keynote speakers, selecting a training venue, creating a
floor map of the location, and creating training evaluations for each event at the symposium. The rural
health symposium will provide trainings for emergency preparedness, behavioral health, and health
disparities within community health centers. Keynote speakers will speak on access to care in rural areas,
rural veterans, and addressing HIV In rural communities. Evaluations will be distributed to attendees to
measure the knowledge of each instructor and keynote speaker, the quality of the training, and the quality
of the training facility.
Outcomes: The symposium is expected to have an attendance of about 300 people. This will generate
attention from sponsors in the future, which can possibly result in grants that can be used to improve
health centers and expand services.
Evaluation: Evaluation results will be collected and used to improve future trainings and key speakers in
order to better educate healthcare providers of New Jersey and train federally qualified health centers.
Surveys will allow us to see how successful the health symposium was. NJPCA will also take advantage
opportunity to meet new CEO’s of FQHCs & collaborate with board members.

Title: Using OSHA to Prevent Workplace Injuries, Illnesses, and Deaths
Name: Adesewa Adewusi
Preceptors: Magdalena Frangos, Helen Perez
Agency: Woodbridge Township Personnel Department
Purpose: To prevent workplace incidents and injuries through the analysis of data collected via OSHA
and the development of educational interventions.
Significance: According to the United States Department of Labor, more than 4,679 people were killed in
2014 due to work related incidents. Falls, electrocution, being struck by an object, and being stuck/caught
in between objects were labeled the “Fatal Four” responsible causes of more than half (58.1%) of the
workplace deaths related to construction. Apart from deaths, 23,000 workplace injuries occur in the
United States every single day, adding up to 85 million injuries a year. Not only do workplace
injuries/deaths affect the workers and their families, they also affect the economy in regards to the
massive dollar amounts that must be spent each year on workers compensation and medical bills.
According to Liberty Mutual Research Institute, in 2012, $49.97 billion went to the top 10 leading causes
of workplace injuries alone. Alongside deaths/injuries, workers also develop illnesses in the workplace,
some of which may be long term illnesses, costing on average $58 million a year to treat. In fact, the rate
of deaths related to workplace illness is much higher than that of deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes
and homicide. All in all about $192 billion are spent on covering the costs of workplace illness, death, and
injuries a year. In order to combat this issue, OSHA sets conditions and standards in place that will create
and ensure a safer working environment for all employees.
Method/Approach: Each month, every workplace injury that occurred in Woodbridge Township was
entered into the OSHA software with specific information such as time of incident, nature of incident, etc.
The data from the OSHA report was then analyzed by the department heads who completed a Supervisor
Injury Form that included a description of the incident, contributing factors & action taken to prevent
reoccurrence. The data were also reviewed at the quarterly Safety Committee meetings where supervisor
forms were reviewed and other actions to prevent recurrence were discussed and enforced.
Outcomes: Overall OSHA has been successful thus far in its mission to provide a safer, healthier work
environment for all workers across the nation. Workplace fatality rates have greatly decreased since 1970
by more than 66% and injuries and illness by more than 67%. Last year, a total of 84 workplace
occurrences were reported by Woodbridge Township. The total for this year is still in progress, and at the
end of the year total occurrences of both years will be compared. By reporting and documenting all
workplace incidents and injuries that occur in Woodbridge Township, we are adding to OSHA’s success.
Evaluation: By using pre and post tests at the end of the year to compare the total amount of workplace
occurrences from 2015 to 2016, we will be able to determine the extent to which enforcements of
standards based on the assessment of data were successful.

Title: The Vagina Monologues: The Revolution Starts Here
Name: Yakira Aguasvivas
Preceptors: Lisa Smith, Coordinator for Domestic Violence Services. Brady Root, Prevention
Education Coordinator
Agency: Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (VPVA)
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Vagina Monologues in raising awareness and increasing
knowledge about violence against women, as well as to raise money for local beneficiaries that are
working to end violence.
Significance: Violence against women is a major public health problem and violation of women’s human
rights. Recent universal figures indicate that 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced either physical
and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. It has serious consequences on women's mental and physical
health, including their reproductive and sexual health. The social and economic costs of violence are
immense and have ripple effects throughout society. Violence against women affects everyone males and
females of every race, ethnicity, and social class. These women are the mothers, daughters, sisters, and
friends of the present and future. There is some evidence from high-income countries that school based
programs to prevent violence have shown effectiveness. The Vagina Monologues are giving an increasing
amount of women a voice to fight against the violence they have been victim to, and serve to empower
and to encourage other survivors to speak up about their stories. The performance addresses
discrimination against women and promotes gender equality in a fun innovative way.
Method/Approach: A random sample of pre/post-tests (n=100) were collected, 150 were distributed. The
survey was administered to a mix of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey students and
community members who attended the performance. Participants were asked 6 questions that seek to
capture demographic, how they came to learn about the production, prior knowledge and increase in
knowledge on sexual violence against women. The survey was administered on the three nights of the
performance. Responsibilities included advertising and raising funds for the performance, as well as
creating the survey that was administered.
Outcomes: Self reports of knowledge on violence against women on a scale from 1=poor to 5= excellent
averaged 3 before the show and 4 after attending the show. There was an increase in the importance of
bringing awareness to violence against women pre show 3.9 which increased to 5 after the show. The last
question was, if seeing the Vagina Monologues increased your awareness on the subject 96% of
respondents said yes. Participants were also asked to write where they saw the event promoted in order to
better promote future performances
Evaluation: The data demonstrates that the production is having a positive effect on awareness of
violence against women as well as an increase in knowledge of the subject. With only a 66% response
rate and some non-responses there would have to be more data collected on how to better promote the
production.

Title: The Pancreatic Cancer Walk Campaign
Name: Tasnim Ahmad
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: John Dowd
Agency: The Middlesex County Office of Health Services
Purpose: To assist with the Eighth Annual Pancreatic Cancer 5k Run in June by raising awareness about
pancreatic cancer.
Significance: According to the Center of Disease Control, pancreatic cancer is the 4th-leading cause of
death among cancer related deaths in both men and women. The symptoms of pancreatic cancer are
similar to other diseases, which makes it harder to detect. Studies have shown the survival rate for this
cancer is very low. In recent statistics, about 53,070 people have been diagnosed with the disease and an
estimate of 41,780 people have died from it.
Method/Approach: The goal of this project was to enhance The Middlesex County Office of Health
Services’ social media connections. The project consisted in updating flyers, brochures, and fact sheets
for the walk. After gathering some data from the past years’ walks, a survey was made to provide
feedback on how to improve marketing methods. About 20 past participants advised to advertise the
project on websites such as Facebook, Twitter and the Middlesex County website to reach a wider
audience. A Facebook event was created in order to further improve the project and reach a wider
dynamic of people. The participants also suggested implementing automatic emails to the people on file
in order to send out registration information as well as reminders when the event approaches closer.
Outcomes: Data were collected on the statistics for the number of people that had been affected by the
cancer, the number of years people have participated in the walk and advertising suggestions. After the
information was gathered, graphs and charts were created using the qualitative approach in order to assist
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services in marketing the walk better to get more of an audience
this year.
Evaluation: The amount of people attending the event has been increasing over the span of 5-7 years,
with an expectancy of around 200 participants at the walk this year. Between the years of 2009-2015, the
Middlesex County Office of Health Services raised up to $115,000. With the help of the increased
marketing and advertising plans, the estimated total is going to be about $20,000 this year.

Title: Ensure the Safety and Integrity of the American Workplace
Name: Ezekiel Ahn
Preceptors: Jim Chou, CEO
Agency: IQ Research LLC.
Purpose: To maintain the safety and continuity of the workplace by screening applicants at the
Middlesex County Superior Courthouse criminal records division.
Significance: The American workplace is constantly evolving, with inflows of employees eager for a
start to their careers. Prospective workers come from all walks of life, and employers should seek not only
their education and work history, but also their place and history in society. In order to keep both the
integrity and safety of every American industry, background checks should be instituted. While
employment screening upholds the integrity of experience provided by the given applicant, criminal
record screening ensures that the workplace is safe from offenders and swindlers. Implementing detailed
and accurate background checks on potential new hires not only upholds the much needed integrity in the
workplace, but also brings out the best of new employees entering the American workforce.
Method/Approach: Lists of applicants in the tri-state area ranging from 700 to 1,900 names are sent by
screening clients on a daily basis, and are split amongst workers stationed at Middlesex County Superior
Court. The Promis/Gavel System is utilized in searching for and marking prospective employees to have
criminal records and deemed unsafe for the workplace. Upon finding a criminal record, investigative
protocol is as follows: 1) record case number and relevant dates, 2) report counts and types of crimes
committed, 3) find disposition and end results of case, 4) submit to respective clients. Researchers are
informed of the significance of this task as posed above, and complete these tasks in an efficient and
timely manner.
Outcomes: After research and studies, it was found that around 10% of individuals on lists ranging from
700 to 1,900 names were marked as those with a criminal record. It is apparent both in the NJ-area and
from academic studies regarding this matter that applicants without a record receive significantly more
call-backs for employment than those with a record. This ties in with the concept where a need for clean
backgrounds correlates with safety in the workplace. Through the administration of background checks,
prospective employees realize the value of maintaining an honest history of both criminal and civil
natures. In addition, the workforce is safe from offenders and criminals who can endanger not only the
companies that hire them, but the very people they live and work with. With the proper implementation of
court records research, integrity is achieved in the workplace through our justice system.
Evaluation: Feedback from my internship supervisor and e-mails from clientele would serve as effective
strategies to ensure long-term purpose, significance, approaches, and outcomes provided. Every single
step in the methods of this job must fall into place in order for the company to run successfully, which
serves as a constant evaluation and accountability factor for this internship.

Title: Needle and Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP)
Name: Quincy Akaba
Preceptors: Deloris Dockrey, Director of Community Organization
Agency: The Hyacinth AIDS Foundation
Purpose: To analyze the need for a Needle and Syringe Program (SNEP) in Trenton and assess the
current success of SNEP in the reduction of the co-infection rate of Hepatitis and HIV in the NJ area.
Significance: New Jersey has the 5th highest incidence of adult AIDS (Syringe Access in New Jersey). In
New Jersey, more than 40% of cumulative HIV/AIDS cases are injection-related. Compared with other
states, New Jersey ranked second in the percentage of HIV cases acquired through injection drug use
(IDU) in 2010 and 4th in the percentage of HIV diagnoses attributable to injection drug use in 2011
(Trenton HIV stats, 2014). HIV contracted from used needles and syringes has been an epidemic since the
1900s causing not only HIV/ AIDS but viral hepatitis as well. Trenton is among the top ten cities with the
highest incidence in NJ, reporting 2242 cases in 2014. Thirty-three of the reported cases have been due to
IDU, which the second highest cause of HIV/ AIDS cases behind heterosexual contact, which is 34%.
The implementation of a federally funded NSEP program reduces not only the number of cases of
HIV/AIDS but its co-infectors viral hepatitis as well provide help and knowledge to IDU and the general
public.
Methods: Using survey data collected from current NSEPs such as: the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, and
The Need for Sterile Syringe Access in NJ, and the NJ Department of Health, an analysis of the
population of IDU and people living with HIV in the Trenton area was collected and assessed. From
there, a pilot exchange site was created based on the need. The number of IDUs who visited, the needles
exchanged and the patients who seek help or education was then analyzed.
Outcomes: In New Jersey, as of November 2011-2014 at least 8000 IDU have utilized on-site HIV
testing at the current syringe access programs in NJ. Over 1,000 people had been tested for hepatitis C
either on site or via referral. The SNEP has had a huge success rate with over 10,000 participants enrolled
with about 25% of participants have successfully entered drug treatment. The 5 current NSEP programs in
NJ have reported through survey data of their program participants that 295,186 syringes has been given
out and 160,617 returned to be exchanged, which is a rate of 54% which is significant.
Evaluation: Through the program, the amount of people who contract HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis
through IDU can be collect from the NJ Department of Health surveys. Furthermore, data on the progress
of the program will also be collected through the exchange rate of syringes and needles, the number IDUs
who use the program or are referred to treatment centers, and the rate of needles and syringes being
improperly disposed, which will be collected from the NJ Sanitation Department.

Title: Improving Accessibility to Quality Healthcare Services for Rutgers Student-Athletes
Name: Chiamaka Akunne
Preceptors: Joseph G. Barone, MD, President/CEO, Robert Wood Johnson Medical Group
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Purpose: To develop a proposal aimed at improving the quality of and accessibility to healthcare services
for current and prospective Rutgers University student athletes.
Significance: In comparison to their non-athlete counterparts, collegiate student athletes experience
higher risks of physical and mental health issues as a result of their athletic involvement. Research
conducted by the NCAA and the National Trainers’ Association revealed that there are approximately
12,500 injures per year amongst athletes. In addition, research conducted by Eugene Hong of the Division
of Sports Medicine at Drexel University revealed that approximately one out of four NCAA Division I
student athletes show signs of “clinically relevant” depressive symptoms. The increased risks of health
issues amongst student athletes call for the existence of university sports medicine programs that can
effectively deliver quality and accessible health services to student athletes. This proposal aims to
improve services at the Rutgers University Sports Medicine Department.
Method/Approach: Online research was conducted by individuals at Robert Wood Johnson Medical
School and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital to identify how the Rutgers University’s Sports
Medicine Department compares to those of its BIG10 counterparts. In addition, several meetings were
held between stakeholders at Rutgers Athletics and RWJMS and RWJUH to identity the needs of Rutgers
University's Sports Medicine Department. The data compiled was used to develop a proposal that would
help improve the current state of Rutgers University’s Sports Medicine Department. The data was also
used to develop a budget to fund the proposed changes.
Outcomes: Individuals at RWJMS and RWJUH developed a comprehensive proposal aimed at
improving the Rutgers University Sports Medicine Department. The proposal analyzes the flaws of the
current state of sports medicine at Rutgers compared to other Big 10 schools. This includes the lack of an
adequate number of healthcare providers, the lack of specific health services, and the lack of an adequate
health care facility. The proposal also consists of recommendations aimed at improving the sports
medicine department, such as increasing the number of healthcare personnel, uniting all personnel and
services under an integrated system, and building a new sports medicine facility. A detailed budget with
risk assessment was provided. This proposal will result in greater availability of healthcare services to
Rutgers student athletes and improvements in overall healthcare delivery.
Evaluation: The Chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences and the CEO of RWJUH have
reviewed and approved the proposal based on the background information, scope of new services
outlined, and the financial model presented. The effectiveness of this proposal is based on its approval by
Rutgers and RWJUH senior leadership.

Title: Evaluation of Senior Fitness Program
Name: Adebusola Aladegbami
Purpose: To evaluate the senior fitness program and develop an education component aimed at
increasing participants knowledge and awareness of exercise benefits on their health.
Significance: According to the Administration of Aging, in 2013, America’s population consisted of 44.7
million older adults, those 65 years and older; comprising 14.1% of the overall population, a number that
is projected to increase in the years to come. Along with the aging process comes the deterioration of
health, which causes a rise in health care spending. In order to alleviate this financial burden, healthy
aging must be promoted beyond health care facilities. According to the National Institute of Aging
Director, Dr. Richard J. Hodes, “ One of the best-established interventions capable of improving health at
all ages, including older ages, is exercise.” This indicates the importance properly implementing exercise
programs for seniors in frequently accessed, community organizations such as the YMCA.
Method/Approach: For the evaluation of the current senior fitness program, the New York City
Department of the Aging (DFTA) guidebook for “Creating an Effective Senior Center Fitness Program”
was used. Using the included “Fitness Program Evaluation Worksheet”, each fitness class offered was
evaluated for the recommended weekly allowances of the five components of senior fitness (aerobic
fitness, muscular fitness, flexibility, balance, and relation), accessibility, and improvements to the existing
program. Depending on results found from evaluation, a pre and post-test will be given to evaluate
effectiveness of improvements made.
Outcomes: The evaluation worksheet found that there are opportunities for Y Senior members to get the
recommended weekly allowance by attending a combination of classes offered throughout the week, but
the current fitness program lacked health education. In order to bring in education, a pilot-test was
conducted adding five educational sessions to one class. A pre- and post- test will show whether or not
this addition is effective or necessary for the senior members to later implement in other fitness classes at
the Y.
Evaluation: To examine the effectiveness of the educational addition, pre and post-tests were used to
evaluate the participants’ knowledge and awareness of the fitness components incorporated into the class
workouts. It was found that more people were aware that the class covered all five components of fitness
after the educational sessions were given (pre-test: 80%, post-test: 90%). Seventy one percent of the
participants were taking the class in order to stay fit and active through exercise. Results showed that
participants had specific reasons for taking the exercise class and were already aware of the health
benefits of exercise. Although awareness increases, a conclusion could be drawn that educational sessions
would be more beneficial for people who have not yet taken the initiative to join their local YMCA or
gym.

Title: Strategies to Improve Use of Social Media in Health care
Name: Shaheerah Allen
Preceptors: Director of Annual Giving: Shawna Rodgers
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Foundation
Purpose: To develop a ten best practice list based on researching local and national foundations and how
they use social media to connect with their communities and stakeholders.
Significance: Social media is a tool that allows people or companies to create, share, or exchange
information, ideas and pictures. Using Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites is an effective way
for health systems to manage population health. Sequoia Hospital Foundation use Facebook to promote
campaigns, events and to build awareness for their audience (followers). However, the Sequoia Hospital
Foundation uses a time frame to reach their audience because of the age range.
Method/Approach: Research the top ten best practices a successful social media fundraising campaign
should include. Then, conduct a formal review of the RWJUH Foundation’s social media sites to see if
they fully meet those best practices, partially meet them or do not meet them at all. Comparisons to other
hospitals (both adult and children’s hospital that are in and out of state) are also included when
conducting this review.
Outcomes: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Foundation does not fully meet the ten top best
practices of social media on Facebook or Twitter. On the RWJUH Twitter page there should be a post for
each day to let the audience know RWJUH is active. The more active RWJUH is on Facebook and
Twitter, the more followers their page will gain and better connections to other organizations. RWJUH
should be more proactive, instead of reactive. Monitor general feeds in the industry to pick up a variety of
posts that do not mention the RWJUH brand but are still valuable.
Evaluation: Most of the people that donate to RWJUH are at a higher age and does not have a good
understanding to how to use social media, so the followers on Twitter and Facebook are the young
generation. RWJUH should post later in the day (around 3pm-6pm) to have better engagement and
connection to younger audience by informing the public about conditions, treatments, events and news.

Title: Healthy Kids Hero
Name: Maiya Alston
Preceptors: diti Bothra: Health Educator
Agency: Burlington County Health Department
Purpose: To inspire and gain the support of restaurants in Burlington County to encourage the promotion
of nutritious eating for children.
Significance: In the United States more than half of adults are obese, and 17% (12.7 million) of children
and adolescents ages 2-19 suffer from obesity. Obesity can increase the risk of having certain diseases
such as: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. According to the Burlington County Community
Health Improvement Program, 25.4% of Burlington County residents are obese compared to the state’s
26%, 11.5% consume fast food on a daily basis, and 10.1% have a sweetened drink daily. In addition,
25.4% have a BMI over 30, and 20% of residents do not participate in any sort of physical activity. In
order to reduce these high rates, residents must be more aware of what they are putting into their body. It
is extremely important for residents to be aware of their food choices to help reduce or keep their obesity
risk low. We know that the nutrition decisions of adult residents directly impact the health of children,
who have primary access to food through their guardians. By meeting our residents where they are and
offering healthier choices to our highest-risk population, the children, it will help establish healthy habits
that will follow them as they grow and develop.
Method/Approach: After viewing the county’s interactive map, there were only 25 restaurants in the
county that offer healthy menu choices. The Healthy Kids Hero program was created to educate and
incentivize restaurants to offer healthier menu choices for children, and help combat obesity in our
youngest residents. Locally owned restaurants that had children’s menus were chosen to participate in the
program. Restaurant management was provided with a Healthy Kids Hero folder that contained the latest
CDC data on childhood obesity, a Healthy Kids Hero program proposal, and a window cling to identify
them as a restaurant with healthy food options. If restaurants decide to move forward with the program,
they submitted a menu to be reviewed by a registered dietician, who made revisions and additions to
include healthier choices on the restaurant menu.
Outcomes: The amount of restaurants with healthy choices will increase across Burlington County, and
be added to the county interactive map. In addition, parents and children will be encouraged to
incorporate healthy eating habits into their daily lives in an effort to lower obesity rates and promote
healthier living.
Evaluation: Evaluation will be based on whether or not local restaurants choose to accept menu
recommendations made by the registered dietician provided by the health department.

Title: Middlesex County Mental Health Guide
Name: Adenike Animasaun
Preceptors: Maria Pellerano, Assistant Professor
Agency: Alliance for a Healthier New Brunswick, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Purpose: To promote awareness and knowledge about behavioral health issues among residents of
Middlesex County.
Significance: According to the New Jersey Hospital Association Behavioral Health Volume Report, there
was a 128% increase of behavioral health patients seen in Emergency Departments across Middlesex
County. Many community and faith based employees do not know how to recognize when a client is in
crisis and where to refer them for assistance. By supplying organizations and community leaders with the
knowledge they need, they can make more informed decisions when it comes to referring their clients to
behavioral and mental health resources.
Method/Approach: Collaboration between the Alliance for a Healthier New Brunswick and the
Community Health Consortium for Central Jersey led to the development of the Mental Health Resource
Guide to assist community-based and faith-based organizations as they help their clients with available
behavioral health resources. The leading agencies employed a collaborative community engagement
process with approximately twenty community stakeholder organizations to create the Resource Guide.
The initial draft of the resource guide was created with definitions of behavioral health issues and
explanations of the common symptoms of these issues. A navigation portion and a list of facilities located
in Middlesex County were later added to the draft. Community members from different organizations
were invited to review the guide and make any suggestions they felt necessary. After approval by
community organizations, the guide will be sent to behavioral health providers, medical librarians, and
consumer health information specialist librarians for content and literacy review.
Outcomes: In early Summer 2016, final copies of the resource guide will be distributed to community
leaders, community based organization, faith based organizations, school nurses, and other organizations
in Middlesex County. The resource guide will be readily available to theses individuals so that they can
have a better understanding of behavioral and mental health issues, while better assisting their clients in
need. This guide will encourage the Middlesex County’s population to be more willing to take action
when it comes to their mental health and overall wellbeing. The lead agencies will conduct trainings with
staff from local organizations on using the guide.
Evaluation: Evaluation surveys will be conducted to display the effectiveness of the distributed resource
guides and the trainings. Surveys will be made available online to organizations using the resources
guides. The surveys will be able to provide constructive feedbacks on improvements that can be made for
future published guides.

Title: Job Satisfaction amongst Obstetric and Gynecology (OB/GYN) and Surgical Residents
at an Academic Center
Name: Edna Antwi
Preceptors: Gloria Bachman, Program Director; Chi-Wei Lu, Study Coordinator; Juana
Hutchinson-Coal, Supervisor
Agency: Women’s Health Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical Hospital
Purpose: A cross-sectional analysis of Ob/Gyn and Surgical residents to determine any specialty
characteristics that lead to decreased job satisfaction and/or burnout.
Significance: Burnout exist in high levels amongst residency training compared to medical student years.
Ob/Gyn and Surgical residents experience more burnout with differences in p value of the three domains
of the Maslach Burnout Inventory; emotional exhaustion(0.8719), personal accomplishments (0.7791)
and depersonalization(0.0027). Significant variance between surgery and Ob/Gyn residents with regards
to DP scores identified opportunities for improving resident wellness and job satisfaction.
Method/Approach: The study was approved by Rutgers Institutional Board. It is composed of two
independent surveys: The Maslach Burnout Inventory, which evaluates 22 questions under 3 domains of
burnout: (1) emotional exhaustion; (2) depersonalization; (3) personal accomplishment, and the Wellcoa
Job Satisfaction Survey, which has 10 questions regarding participation and interactions at work. Both
surveys have been shown to be reliable and valid. Surveys were distributed to the 279 residents via email
access with the use of Survey Monkey. Statistical analysis performed using SAS software package.
Outcomes: Of the 279 residents at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, there were 190 responses
(68%); Surgery 23/41; Ob/Gyn 14/18, 24 had missing data. All residency programs were represented,
including family medicine, general internal medicine, emergency medicine, radiology, psychiatry,
pathology, pediatrics, and anesthesia. Mean Job Satisfaction scores normally distributed with a mean of
37.7. Between the Surgery and Ob/Gyn students, a total of 21.62%, 29.73%, 13.51%,21.62%, 13.51% had
great job satisfaction(50-60), good job satisfaction(40-49), average job satisfaction(30-39), below average
job satisfaction(20-29), and poor job satisfaction(1-19) scores respectively. 27.75 Surgical residents regret
their specialty while 43.07 do not regret their specialty.
Evaluation: Study was limited because of small numbers and single study site. There was a moderate
response rate. Findings suggested overall average Job Satisfaction scores for both Ob/Gyn and Surgery
residents. There were differences noted between junior and senior Ob/Gyn job satisfaction. Juniors have
less burnout than seniors, which suggests higher Job Satisfaction. Opportunities for improving resident
wellness and job satisfaction were identified.There should be increased awareness and the importance of
resident wellness, as well as increased recognition and reward for residents’ achievements.

Title: Effects of Health Workshops on Medical Students
Name: Ugochi Anyanwu
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Susan Giordano, Program Coordinator
Agency: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Purpose: To study and analyze the effects of curriculum integrated health workshops on the attitude that
medical students hold towards at risks populations.
Significance: A study done by Mayo Clinic Proceedings reveals the impact of a physician’s attitude on
the quality of the healthcare they provide to their patients. “We want doctors who can empathize and
understand our needs as a whole person...Can healthcare really ever be high quality if the patient-
physician interaction is hurried, disrespectful, cold, callous, or uncaring?” (Bendapudi, 340) The attitude
of a physician towards their patient has immense effects only on the type of health care they receive. The
gap in health and healthcare disparities is fairly noticeable. “... people of color and low-income
individuals are more likely to be uninsured relative to whites and those with higher incomes. Moreover,
nonelderly adults have a higher risk of being uninsured compared to children (21% vs. 10%).”
(Disparities In Healthcare) Often times, at risk populations lack health insurance and/or access to quality
health care. The purpose of the project is to study the effects that interaction can have on physician
attitudes. In depth analysis and conclusions will assist incoming steering committee members of
H.I.P.H.O.P. to improve on the curriculum integrated health workshops.
Method/Approach: Identical pre and post surveys will be distributed. The pre survey will measure the
attitude that medical students have towards working with populations from different economic and
cultural backgrounds before interacting with community members. The post survey will show any
possible changes in attitudes after students interact with community members from different backgrounds.
Once all surveys have been returned, questions on the survey will be grouped into four categories:
comfortability with homeless/indigent populations, cultural understanding, community impact and role of
doctors and effectiveness of the health workshops. By doing so, data can be easily compared and
analyzed.
Outcomes: After analyzing pre and post surveys I observed the following changes: Ratings of
comfortability working with homeless/ indigent populations increased by 13%. Ratings of cultural
understanding increased by 9.7%. Medical students expectations of their community role and impact
increased by 2.2%. Lastly, students opinion on the effectiveness of the H.I.P.H.O.P. workshop increased
by 14.5%.
Evaluation: To evaluate the project there will be a comparison of changes in the pre and post surveys that
were administered to medical students. Through the use surveys as numerical data I will be able to create
charts that help provide a visual for the changes (if any).

Title: Enhancing The Patient Experience When Scheduling Appointments
Name: Fedak Arashi
Preceptors: Dana Cartin, Program Manager; James Schneider, Project Manager; Andy Mitchell,
Process Improvement Specialist
Agency: John F. Kennedy Medical Center
Purpose: To increase patient satisfaction when scheduling appointments over the phone.
Significance: Recently, the Central Scheduling Department at John F. Kennedy Medical Center has
undertaken quality improvement initiatives designed to improve the patient experience. As of today,
there’s little concrete data that shows which areas need quality improvement. According to Press Gainey,
patient satisfaction scores for the helpfulness of the schedulers ranked in the bottom half compared to
other hospitals in the region. As a result, there may be room for improvement in patient satisfaction scores
when scheduling appointments over the phone.
Method/Approach: The first step was to review the script that the schedulers followed when they spoke
to patients over the phone in order to identify which parts of the script the schedulers needed to be more
compliant in. Those parts include verifying: patient specific information (name, address, & phone
number), insurance information, and attending physician information. In order to investigate compliance
rates, 48 recorded phone calls were listened to (6 calls per scheduler; 8 schedulers studied; from Nov 15-
Jan 16) before and after the change has been implemented.
Outcomes: After listening to the first set of phone calls, it appeared that schedulers were compliant in
following the script 78% of the time (excludes name because all schedulers were compliant when
verifying name). However, attending physician information had the lowest compliance rate of 63%.
Therefore, the SMART objective became increasing the physician compliance rate by 27% from 63% to
80%.
Evaluation: By increasing compliance rates in following the script, it will not only prompt updates to
patients’ information, but also decrease errors on outpatient registration forms, which would decrease
various delays later on; and as result, will increase patient satisfaction when scheduling appointments
over the phone. Continued monitoring of phone calls will commence for another six months to determine
if the compliance rate for attending physician information has increased.

Title: 2016 Presidential Lens on Health Policy
Name: Victor Arroyo
Preceptors: Professor Debra Borie-Holtz, Assistant Teaching Professor
Purpose: To identify whether a swing state's composition of race, gender, political culture and workforce
participation, controlled by election type, primary versus caucus, had an effect on the 2016 presidential
primary outcomes.
Significance: Swing states are important battleground states for US presidential primary candidates since
the voter preferences do not always predict general election outcomes. Swing states and early voting
states receive more attention from US presidential primary candidates than states where polling for a
specific presidential candidate or party is skewed towards a favorite. Understanding what factors
influence voters in these states can inform policy and political scholars and experts making projections
about electoral decision-making.
Method/Approach: This project employs a quantitative strategy to measure if there is a statistically
significant relationship between the socioeconomic factors (IV) and political outcomes (DV). To conduct
this analysis, bivariate statistics and correlations were measured to assess the degree the IVs may have
had on contest outcomes. A regression analysis will be modeled to estimate whether a state’s composition
of race, gender, political culture and workforce can explain contest outcomes or predict the remaining
contests.
Outcomes: Descriptive statistics indicate the higher the percentage of non-minorities per state, the more
likely leading party candidates were to be selected. There was also an inverse relationship observed
between the Democrat and Republican candidates. Workforce factors appear to be correlated to the
percentage of victory by “outsider” candidates. At the time of publication, the regression analysis has not
been modeled.
Evaluation: Both descriptive and inferential statistics (bivariate, correlations and Chi squared statistics)
will be triangulated to evaluate the hypothesis that socioeconomic factors are predictive of primary
contest outcomes.

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