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Loyola University Chicago Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health

News & Events

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Read past newsletters: April 2024, October 2024

Loyola University Chicago and MATTER announce 2024 Loyola Chicago Health Equity Quest winner

Wave takes home grand prize of $20K with transdiagnostic model supporting mental health

Pictured left to right: Kevin Longino, CEO, National Kidney Foundation; Dr. Holly Mattix-Kramer, Jackie Burgess-Bishop, FACHE, CEO, National Kidney Foundation of Illinois; Mark Schwartz, NKFI Board Treasurer and son of Harold & Molly Schwartz

Holly Mattix-Kramer receives prestigious Harold & Molly Schwartz Founders' Award from National Kidney Foundation of Illinois

Public Health Sciences professor recognized for her dedication as a clinician, educator, advocate, and donor who is instrumental in advancing kidney health.

Parkinson Healthcare Administration students win national case competition for second year in a row

Students participating in Penn State Health Policy and Administration Case Competition gain valuable experience applying classroom learning to a real-world case, while honing problem-solving and presentation skills.

2024-25 President's Medallion Recipient

Barrett Barscz, a senior in Exercise Science, recognized for his leadership, scholarship, and service.

2024-25 Parkinson Scholars Announced

The Parkinson Scholars represent a group of exceptionally talented students from the school’s Applied Health Sciences, Healthcare Administration, and Public Health Sciences departments.

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Parkinson researchers find potential in diabetes drugs for treating addiction

Researchers at Loyola University Chicago’s Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health have uncovered promising findings that medications like Ozempic, often prescribed for diabetes and weight loss, may also reduce the risks associated with opioid and alcohol use disorders.

Loyola University Chicago and MATTER announce 2024 Loyola Chicago Health Equity Quest finalists

Innovators to pitch mental health solutions for the chance to win up to $35K

Ozempic (and similar medications) may be the new treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorder

Study led by Fares Qeadan, associate professor of biostatistics at Loyola University Chicago, shows that medications like Ozempic, used for diabetes management and weight loss, may help reduce the risk of overdose and alcohol intoxication in people with substance use disorders.

Breaking the cycle: a mission to address intimate partner violence

Sara Ruiz, an MPH student, was recently awarded the prestigious Schweitzer Fellowship. Her fellowship project will focus on raising awareness among women, particularly from Latin/x communities, about intimate partner violence.

Interdisciplinary as a mission

The Parkinson School prizes an interdisciplinary approach to nurture student growth and ensure students are prepared for the realities of the contemporary health care environment.

The Power of Engaged Learning

Through service-learning courses and academic internships, Parkinson School students gain real-world experience alongside established community partners.

A Perfect Match

All five students enrolled in Loyola’s MD/MPH program match with their top residency choice.

Longtime Loyola faculty member Joanne Kouba retires

The founding director of Loyola’s Dietetic Internship program, Kouba inspired students, colleagues, and partners through her teaching, research, and collaborative energy.

Congratulations, Class of 2024

We are proud of the Class of 2024! Parkinson graduates are among society’s next generation of problem-solvers who will improve the health of individuals, communities, and systems of care.

Class of 2024 Student Recognition & Awards

Parkinson is proud to recognize Class of 2024 graduate and undergraduate students.

2024 Student Commencement Speaker: Danica Denning

Danica Denning, an MHA graduate, Alpha Sigma Nu inductee and mother of four who works as a department administrator at Loyola Medicine, is the 2024 Student Commencement Speaker.

2024 Graduate Spotlight: Joaquin Guzman

Joaquin Guzman, a first-generation college student who attended Arrupe College, reflects on his Parkinson experience pursuing his dual BSPH/MPH degree.

Center for Health Outcomes and Informatics Research awards three funding recipients

Funding awarded to three recipients addressing health disparities.

Humanizing Data Science

Leveraging first-person accounts and careful consideration of the world around us, Loyola’s Center for Health Outcomes and Informatics Research aims to make data science more approachable and spur personal connections at its second annual Salon event on May 16.

Loyola Stands Against Gun Violence readies for 5th Annual Community Advocacy and Violence Prevention Summit

Five Loyola Stands fellows, all students in the Parkinson School’s Master of Public Health program, have propelled the committee’s evolution and helped steer planning for the April 3rd Summit on Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus.

Back to School

Exercise Science double alumni Stephanie Vazquez and Conor Deal enthusiastic about joining Loyola’s faculty ranks.

Practicing with a public health perspective

Nearing the end of her medical school journey, MD/MPH student Angelika Kwak is excited to bring a public health lens to her work as a clinician.

Miss Serrano goes to Washington

Medical Laboratory Science graduate student Elizabeth Serrano accompanies Parkinson School professor Kristen Pesavento on advocacy trip to Capitol Hill.

Loyola alum charts new path in Nutrition and Dietetics

Madeline Butler-Sanchez used her dietetic internship experience to pivot from a career in Industrial chemical engineering to a professional path driven by a deep-rooted passion for healthy eating.

Health Equity Quest addresses climate change and healthcare delivery

One-day summit co-hosted by the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health and MATTER convened national thought leaders and innovators to discuss how to make healthcare delivery more sustainable

Loyola University Chicago joins new biopharma hub funded by the National Institute of Health

Partnership to help deliver innovative treatments and technologies to patients faster

Exploring an important research question on behalf of veterans

During an eight-week, summer internship with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Parkinson undergraduate Jennifer Gaucin investigated connections between water toxins and female infertility and miscarriages at Camp Lejeune.

2023-24 President's Medallion Recipient

Daniel Gans, a graduate student in Exercise Science, recognized for his leadership, scholarship, and service.

Matt Anderson, PhD, inducted as ASAHP Fellow

Healthcare Administration Chair recognized by the Association of Schools Advancing Professionals (ASAHP) for his significant contributions to allied health.

Pamela Xaverius named inaugural associate dean for research and scholarship

Calling upon her extensive research and practice-based experience, Xaverius will lead the Parkinson School’s swelling research and scholarly enterprise.

Loyola alum recalls journey to becoming a registered dietitian

Rebecca Perkins Eberspacher, a virtual one-on-one diabetes counselor, worked as a nutritionist before returning to Loyola to earn her MS in Dietetics.

2023-2024 Parkinson Scholars Announced

The Parkinson Scholars represent a group of exceptionally talented students from the school’s Applied Health Sciences, Healthcare Administration, and Public Health Sciences departments.

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“I look forward to collaborating with faculty, students, staff and external partners in my new role and fostering a climate of academic excellence and collaborative, interdisciplinary education committed to health equity.”

Welcome to new associate dean of academic affairs

Jenny O’Rourke, PhD, APN-BC, CHSE, brings 25 years of patient care, education and leadership experience to Parkinson.

Parkinson holds annual Celebration of the Magis

Recognizing graduates and their continual drive to learn more and be of service to the greater good.

Addressing the gun violence public health crisis

A summit hosted by Loyola Stands Against Gun Violence welcomed gun violence prevention advocates and community members to Loyola.

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Welcome to the new Healthcare Administration chair

Matt Anderson, PhD, brings 13 years of higher education teaching and administration experience to Parkinson.

MORE

Lincoln Academy honors Parkinson senior

Farah Elhoumaidi was selected as Loyola’s Lincoln Laureate in recognition of her leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity.

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Announcing the Health Informatics and Data Science chair and CHOIR director

Nicholas Soulakis, PhD, is a pioneering leader in the field of quality informatics and patient outcomes focusing on underserved populations.

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NIH awards partnership a $51 million grant

Loyola University Chicago is one of six organizations teaming up to improve health equity with the support of this grant.

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“Loyola and Parkinson have the right approach for creating scalable, sustainable solutions for improving societal health and reducing health inequities,” says Michael Bloom, incoming founding director of the Center for Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Announcing the founding director of CHIE

Michael Bloom, PhD, will lead Parkinson’s Center for Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

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Pitch your solutions at the intersection of health equity and climate change for a chance to split $75,000.

Announcing the Loyola Chicago Health Equity Quest

The competition in partnership with MATTER will advance solutions at the cross-section of health equity and climate change. Winners split $75,000.

MORE

Amy Bohnert (left) is a professor of clinical and developmental psychology at Loyola's College of Arts and Sciences. Trish Sheean (right) is an associate professor of dietetics at Loyola's Parkinson School.

CHOIR and Health EQ Collaborative announce funding recipients

Funding awarded to two studies focused on addressing health disparities.

READ

Senior Spotlight: Isabelle Stewart

BSPH senior Isabelle Stewart reflects on Loyola experience

Senior Spotlight: Vinti Bakhshi

BSPH senior Vinti Bakhshi reflects on Loyola experience

Spero Manson announced as 2022 Commencement Speaker

Leading Native American health expert will give keynote address at May 11 Commencement ceremony for the Parkinson School

Analyzing behavioral trends of teens

Study led by Parkinson faculty examines the prevalence of opioid misuse, social support, and suicide attempts among American Indian/Alaska Native high school students

Faculty Spotlight: Samie Tootooni

Professor reflects on the Parkinson School's interdisciplinary culture, informatics research

Changing the system from within

Radhika Arora’s commitment to advancing health equity and improving healthcare access

Caring for the community

Village Press article highlights CERCL's ongoing vaccine, testing, and support efforts in surrounding communities.

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Loyola student elected to AAPHP executive board

As the sole student representative, Alyssa Stuck will advocate on behalf of public health students from the 22 member school of the Association of Accredited Programs of Public Health.

Elaine Morrato signs amicus brief supporting OSHA's vaccinate-or-test mandate

Parkinson's founding dean joins other deans and public health scholars from across the nation in amicus brief.

Student Spotlight: Amanda Gelasi

Parkinson Scholar combines dietetic passion with interdisciplinary education

President's Medallion 2021-22

Alyssa Stuck reflects on her experiences at Loyola as an online graduate student and how they’ve shaped her outlook on health care and public health.

From left to right: Mihir Shah, Dr. Katherine Grill, and Dr. Yair Saperstein

Winners announced for 2021 Innovation Challenge

Katherine Grill, PhD, of Neolth has been selected to receive a $35,000 award, and two runners-up have been selected to each receive a $20,000 award.

APHA honors Daniel Swartzman with Lifetime Achievement Award

Associate professor recognized for contributions to public health law

Loyola & Lyfebulb announce 2021 Innovation Challenge Jury

Judging panel consists of leading public health and industry professionals from across the country.

Loyola and Lyfebulb announce 11 finalists for 2021 Innovation Challenge

Finalists will compete for a total of $75,000 to be distributed among up to three winners

DETAILS

Faculty Spotlight: Fares Qeadan

Meet Associate Professor of Biostatistics Fares Qeadan

Congratulations to our Fall 2021 Parkinson Scholars

The Parkinson Scholars represent a group of exceptionally talented students from the school’s Applied Health Sciences, Healthcare Administration, and Public Health Sciences departments.

MORE

Loyola faculty appointed to  2021 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Board of Examiners

Maggie Ozan Rafferty joins an elite board that evaluates nominees for the nation’s highest honor in organizational innovation and performance excellence.

Loyola researchers join global team to publish groundbreaking research in Science

Large-scale study shows new understanding of how and when human metabolism changes

Faculty Spotlight: Ruth Kafensztok

Educating the future public health workforce

Loyola University Chicago and Lyfebulb Announce Partnership and Launch 2021 Innovation Challenge

A total of $75,000 will be distributed to up to three finalists

DETAILS

Sarah Strom (left) and Natalie Contreras (right) will present their research at the American Public Health Association's 2021 annual meeting.

Future leaders in women’s health

Public health students take national stage to present research.

Alumni Spotlight: JB Bertumen

Parkinson alumnus accepted to CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service fellowship.

Loyola resident uses data to develop surgeon-scientist career

Dr. Kulshrestha: "Informatics can unlock data and make it more accessible."

World Food Prize Foundation selects Maya Roytman for prestigious internship

Public health student Maya Roytman will join the World Food Prize Foundation as one of its 2021 George Washington Carver Summer Interns.

Parkinson's Lara Dugas receives AXA Research Chair in Africa

“Our thanks to AXA for recognizing the importance of funding collaborative, inter-disciplinary, global research to promote health equity and to our partner, the University of Cape Town,” said Elaine Morrato, DrPH, MPH, CPH, founding dean of the Parkinson School.

Celebration of the Magis

Recognizing Exercise Science and Healthcare Administration graduates and their constant drive to learn more and be of greater service.

Commencement 2021

Register for Parkinson Commencement Week events!

DETAILS

Building Bridges to Better Health During National Public Health Week and Beyond

Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health is proud to be a partner with the American Public Health Association during its National Public Health Week.

DETAILS

Lessons in public health

High schoolers learn from MPH students in new virtual workshop

Parkinson School of Health Sciences & Public Health, Community Partners Secure State Grant to Develop Social Enterprise Project

Project promotes youth development and economic opportunity in Maywood

Alumni Achievement

The Chicago Healthcare Executives Forum honored Jordan Wirtz with the ACHE Administrative Fellow Leadership Award.

DETAILS

COVID-19 and You

Please note our 2021 summer courses are still being finalized. Many of the courses listed here will be offered again, so please check back regularly for updates.

Celebrate our inaugural cohort of social justice scholars

Named for Loyola alumni Robert (“Bob”) and Betty Parkinson, this award honors their commitment to helping ensure access to quality health care and the recognition that health care is a basic human right.

Student Spotlight: Dana Varughese (BS '21)

Loyola Healthcare Administration student wins 3rd place in national essay competition

Health-EQ Call for Proposals

To reach our vision of a more just society, we are soliciting proposals aiming to reduce health inequalities focused on: 1. Community Engagement / Partnership; 2. Education; or 3. Research.

DETAILS

Death Rates, Racial Equities Worsening in Several US Cities

Study finds an extra 3,804 black individuals die each year in Chicago due to higher death rates than white population.

From physics to patient care

Parkinson’s Master of Science in Medical Physics program opens enrollment for Fall 2021

DETAILS

Using AI to detect Parkinson’s Disease

A conversation with Associate Professor of Health Informatics and Data Science Oguz Akbilgic

Photo by: Candice C. Cusic Photography

Dogs Are Mobilizing to Save Their Humans

The Save Da Hoomans™ campaign is about dogs mobilizing to help save their humans from physical and mental health issues so that they can live longer, happier, healthier lives together.

Student Perspectives: Conor Deal

Conor Deal talks about his experience in Parkinson's Master of Exercise Science program.

Field Notes: Exercise Science

John Ryan De Leon talks about his experience and journey within the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health at Loyola University Chicago.

Student Perspectives: Katherine Graham

Dietetic Internship Program graduate, Katherine Graham, talks how she knew a career in dietetics was for her.

Student Perspectives: Natrina Kennedy

Master of Public Health student, Natrina Kennedy, talks about the benefits of studying Public Health at the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health.

Parkinson team wins national case competition

Three Loyola University Chicago students win the Penn State 2020 Case Competition.

Health Informatics Seminar Series

“An Under-the-Hood Introduction to Artificial Neural Networks for Epidemiologists and Health Sciences”

Loyola University Chicago Receives $1.09M Grant to Support COVID-19 Community Outreach, Research

Walder Foundation names Loyola a Chicago Coronavirus Assessment Network (Chicago CAN) grant recipient

Student Perspectives: Margaux Whitehead

Loyola Chicago student, Margaux Whitehead, talks about what it means to be studying Public Health at Parkinson during COVID-19.

Senator Durbin at Loyola

Senator Dick Durbin joins Loyola in push for better COVID-19 testing support for universities

DETAILS

Lauren Warnecke on "Talk About the Industry"

Loyola University Chicago's Lauren Warnecke talks about her career in dance, applying the principles of sports science to dancer performance, COVID-19’s effect on the industry and more during her interview with "Talk About The Industry."

CHOIR and Health EQ grants focus on projects related to COVID

Loyola University Chicago’s Health EQ Collaborative and Center for Health Outcomes and Informatics Research (CHOIR) will fund four proposals in 2020, all focusing on COVID-19 research or community engagement and partnerships.

DETAILS

Finding resilience and strength from her community during COVID-19

Mitali Shah, MPH, has been working on the front lines of health care since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“Por Favor, No Dejes que mi Hermana Muera”: A doctor’s perspective on COVID-19

Elizabeth Stranges wakes up every morning and prepares for the battle against COVID-19. As a chief resident in the Loyola University Chicago Internal Medicine Residency Program, Dr. Stranges risks her health daily to care for our community.

DETAILS

Perspectives from the front lines of a public health crisis

Less than two years into their careers at the McHenry County Health Department, Chloe Cavida and Ryan Sachs (MPH ’17) are being challenged to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic

Beyond Crisis Management

Preparing for what's next in facing COVID-19

Evening of Excellence Celebrates Graduates’ Final Projects

On May 4, 24 students completing a Master of Public Health or Master of Science program will gather in virtual rooms to share their final projects, engage in scholarly discourse and learn from fellow students and faculty.

Hidden Heroes

Global pandemic highlights importance of medical laboratory scientists

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Loyolans for Others

Dietetics interns and nutrition students help provide healthy meals to vulnerable communities.

President’s Medallion Recipient

Standout Health Care Administration Student Receives President’s Medallion

DETAILS

Hiding in Plain Sight

The medical lab scientist helps run a lab, identify and differentiate cells, and understands pathologies.

How climate change affects the spread of Zika

Loyola researcher Justin Harbison is among the experts looking at ways to control the spread of mosquito-borne illness.

COVID-19 Study

Study finds patients with end-stage kidney disease in poor urban areas at high risk for COVID-19

DETAILS

Test, trace, advocate

Colleagues from across Loyola team up to support local communities impacted by COVID-19

DETAILS

New Normal Campaign

Join Loyola and Chicago ITM partners in empowering everyone to get involved in making discoveries to improve human health.

Stay up to date with news, announcements, and information from the Parkinson School.

You can also follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Subscribe to the Parkinson Newsletter.

Read past newsletters: April 2024, October 2024