Who We Are

Patrick Jouissance

MPH – Global Communicable Diseases, 2010

Background – Patrick was a practicing family physician in Haiti before enrolling at USF for his MPH.  He thought that having an MPH would help him to better understand public health issues and challenges in Haiti, and enable him to have a greater impact in his community.

Interest in TAI – Patrick was working with HIV-TB co-infected patients in Haiti as a clinician, but he didn’t have a policy and advocacy background.  He was interested in the work TAI is doing and learning more about how policy and advocacy are important factors in reducing the burden of HIV in this population.

Current Field/Future Plans – Patrick is a Fulbright-Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Fellow in the area of Health Systems based on Primary Health Care.  He is currently based in Washington, D.C.

"I learned a lot, it was a good experience.  I think you must have an interest in the field, and do your best to get involved right from the beginning."

Finnette Louis

MPH - Health Policy Management, 2010

Background:Finnette gained a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing and decided to pursue a MPH in health policy and management.

Interest in TAI: Finnette was interested in interning at TAI because she believed that she would make an impact in what she considered an ideal organization.

Current Field/ Future Plans: Finnette is currently employed as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Care Unit providing care to premature and critically ill infants. Finnette wishes to grow in her career by becoming involved in quality improvement or the improvement of clinical standards.

“The work at TAI was meaningful and the overall goal was clear”

“I think Michelle impacted me the most; she seemed to genuinely love what she does and is knowledgeable in all aspects of TAI. I would hope to be as enthusiastic about my future career choice”

Christine Spiker

MPH - Public Health Education, 2010

Background: Christine has over 5 years experience in the health and wellness field. She began her academic career as a pre-nursing student at FSU and later decided to transition to a career field that focused on disease prevention. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Public Health. She ultimately decided to attain a MPH in Public Health Education.

Interest in TAI: Christine decided to complete her field placement at the AIDS Institute because it was outside of her comfort zone and unlike any other prospects being offered to her.

Current Field/Future Plans: Christine currently works as a Health Education Specialist for the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging she implements health education programs for seniors in a five county area. In addition she teaches diabetes prevention at the Y and also works for a worksite wellness company. Christine hopes to continue working with seniors to increase their quality of life.

 “Michelle [Scavnicky] and Michael [Ruppal] were great to work with. They were always open to new ideas and our input. I have become so interested in HIV/AIDS issues since I interned there.”

Anita Brown

MPH - Social Health Sciences, 2011

Background: Anita has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and minor in Chemistry from Francis Marion University in South Carolina. Anita later decided to pursue a MPH in Socio-Health Sciences.

Interest in TAI: Anita was initially interested in working with TAI because she was eager to understand the HIV epidemic from a different perspective: an angle more focused on policy rather than prevention.

Current Field/Future Plans: Anita is expected to graduate Summer 2011. She is interested in working within a community based STI/HIV prevention organization as a program analyst or program planner.

“I have a greater appreciation for TAI and organizations like them that are so instrumental in helping prevention organizations reach their goals.”

Devin Bryant

MPH – Global Communicable Diseases, 2011

Background: Devin has a Bachelors in Nursing, and has been a practicing Nurse in the Army for 10 years. Over the last several years she moved into Public Health Nursing and began to work with people with HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections. After a few years in this area she decided to pursue a Masters of Public Health, with a concentration in Global Communicable Diseases.

Interest in TAI: Devin was interested in doing a field placement with The AIDS Institute because she enjoyed working with patients with HIV/AIDS, but did not know much about the policy side. The AIDS institute offered a semester worth of hands on training in Global, Federal, National, State and Local Policy Development and Advocacy.

Current Field/Future Plans: Devin will graduate with her MPH in May of 2011, and then move to Washington DC with the Army. Her future job will be working as a Nurse Clinical Trials Coordinator on mainly Infectious Disease Vaccines.

"Never have I worked with a group of professionals more passionate about their jobs. To work in HIV/AIDS Advocacy you have to be patient, diligent, and persistent every day of the year, to see the changes come about that improve the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Institute is a great place to do a Field Experience and learn what effective Advocacy from the local to the Global level looks like."

Kemesha Gabbidon

MPH - Global Communicable Diseases, 2011

Background: Kemesha has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Chemistry and has long been interested in disease prevention and health promotion. With her interests identified she was able to find the ideal field of interest through public health.

Interest in TAI: Kemesha was interested in completing her field placement with TAI because of their national impact on HIV/AIDS advocacy that stemmed from grassroots beginning.

Current Field/Future Plans: Kemesha is interested in health promotion and prevention particularly of infectious diseases in which HIV/AIDS is the primary focus. However she is interested in numerous aspects that affect our global health ranging from prevention to advocacy.

“The AIDS Institute was able to broaden my knowledge of the various branches of public health targeted at reducing and ending the spread of HIV/AIDS in conjunction with that the staff was instrumental in ensuring a worthwhile experience”

Dawn Marie Hunter

MPH – Global Communicable Diseases, 2011

Background – Dawn is the first student to enroll in the MPH/JD program between USF and Stetson College of Law.  She has undergraduate degrees in both English and Microbiology, and had completed a year of law school before beginning her MPH work at USF.

Interest in TAI – Dawn was working as a microbiologist at the USF Center for Biological Defense, and was considering a field placement in one of the affiliated labs.  However, her advisor suggested finding a field placement that would teach her something new, and help bridge the MPH and JD programs.  TAI was the perfect fit.

Current Field/Future Plans – Dawn will complete her MPH in the summer of 2010, then return to Stetson Law with plans to graduate in 2013.  Her long-term interest is in public health policy and advocacy related to neglected and emerging diseases.

 “Everyone should have a field experience like this. The practical application of everything you learn in class is invaluable, and I have learned so much.  The AIDS Institute is a great place to be no matter what your concentration, because the work done here is inter-disciplinary.”

Reina Patel

MPH – Epidemiology, 2011

Background – Reina has an undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences.  She currently works as a pharmacy technician while finishing her special project.

Interest in TAI – The AIDS Institute was the first field experience option Reina heard of and decided to pursue.  She thought that Michelle Scavnicky, Director of Education and field placement supervisor, was very helpful and a great supervisor.

Current Field/Future Plans – Reina’s future plan is to apply to medical school.

“My assignments and tasks will have a great impact on my career choice because they not only helped me learn more about HIV/AIDS in the science aspect, but it helped me to see what The AIDS Institute is all about and how much work they do and how many people's lives they help.  Also, participating in the Florida AIDS Walk really opened my eyes.”

Courtney Smith

MPH - Epidemiology, 2011

Background: Courtney Smith has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Courtney ultimately decided to pursue a MPH in Epidemiology.

Interest in TAI: Courtney chose to intern with TAI because of her interest in infectious disease, especially the HIV/AIDS epidemic. During the interview Courtney realized she would be able to attain a more comprehensive view of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and so she was enthused about the prospect.

Current Field/Future Plans: Courtney is interested with working with infectious disease outbreaks at a local or state level.

“The greatest impact was Michelle’s kindness and willingness to stop and help you regardless of what she was doing.”