Master of Public Health

New study finds associations between use of skin care products and exposure to potential developmental toxicants

mthomp7 — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:15:40 +0000

New study finds associations between use of skin care products and exposure to potential developmental toxicants mthomp7 Wed, 09/04/2024 - 09:15

In This Story

Michael S. Bloom, PhD, MS, FACE

Use of skin care products is associated with exposure to phthalates and phthalate-replacement chemicals in young children, according to the new and first-of-its-kind study at ��AV's College of Public Health.

A new study led by primary investigator Michael S. Bloom, professor in the Department of Global and Community Health at George Mason’s College of Public Health, has found that use of skin care products including lotions, hair oils, hair conditioners, ointments, and sunscreen is associated with higher levels of phthalates in children’s urine. The associations depend in part upon the child’s racial and ethnic identity and their sex as assigned at birth. The study was co-authored by two George Mason Master of Public Health alumni, Juliana Clark and Kelly Garcia.

A new study led by primary investigator Michael S. Bloom has found that use of skin care products including lotions, hair oils, hair conditioners, ointments, and sunscreen is associated with higher levels of phthalates in children’s urine. Photo by Michelle Thompson/College of Public Health

“This is the first study to suggest that different skin care products used by young children may differentially increase exposure to endocrine-disrupting phthalates and phthalate replacements in young children,” said Bloom.

Phthalates and phthalate-replacement compounds are endocrine-disrupting chemicals, meaning they may interfere with the body’s hormones. Exposure to these chemicals in early childhood has been associated with neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and metabolic disease concerns in previous studies. Some of these chemicals are often used as carriers for the active ingredients in skin care products; others may be used in plastic packaging.

The study collected medical data from 630 children between the ages of 4 and 8 from 10 different sites across the United States, including a clinical examination and a urinalysis. The child’s parent or guardian was also asked to complete a survey within 24 hours prior to the child’s examination, which included questions regarding the child’s sociodemographic information (race/ethnic identity, sex assigned at birth, etc.). It also asked parents to list all the skin care products, including lotions, soaps, shampoos, oils, and cosmetics, that were applied to the child’s skin in the 24 hours prior to their examination, with as much specificity as possible regarding the product type and brand or generic name.

“We found associations between recent use of different skin care products and higher concentrations of phthalate and phthalate-replacement compounds,” said Bloom. “There were different relationships between the use of skin care products and the endocrine-disrupting chemicals in children depending on their racial and ethnic identities and their sex assigned at birth. We also found that distinct patterns of using multiple skin care products were predictive of higher concentrations of phthalates and phthalate replacements.”

While Bloom and his team say that further studies are necessary to confirm these findings, the results suggest that children in different racial and ethnic groups may experience different levels of risk for exposure to phthalates. In particular, they found the highest levels of phthalates and phthalate replacements in the urine of non-Hispanic Black participants. The differences may correlate to brand availability and preferences, methods and timing of product application, and/or the frequency of use by children with different racial and ethnic identities.

“The results can inform policies to address the use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in skin care products that may be used on children and to help advise parents’ decisions about using products to limit their children’s exposure to potential developmental toxicants,” said Bloom.

“Impact of skin care products on phthalates and phthalate replacements in children: the ECHO-FGS” was published online in Environmental Health Perspectives in September 2024. This research was funded by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) study.

Additional authors include: Juliana Clark, ��AV; John L. Pearce, Medical University of South Carolina; Pamela L. Ferguson, Medical University of South Carolina; Roger B. Newman, Medical University of South Carolina; James R. Roberts, Medical University of South Carolina; William A. Grobman, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Anthony C. Sciscione, Christiana Care Health System; Daniel W. Skupski, New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital; Kelly E. Garcia, ��AV; John E. Vena, Medical University of South Carolina; Kelly J. Hunt, Medical University of South Carolina; the ECHO-FGS study group.

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Mason public health student’s research will improve the postnatal outcomes of mothers of color

Shayla Brown — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 18:52:42 +0000

Mason public health student’s research will improve the postnatal outcomes of mothers of color Shayla Brown Mon, 12/04/2023 - 13:52

��AV graduate student Archana Vardhan was one of 20 students nationwide selected for a summer fellowship through the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) called the Graduate Student Epidemiology Program. Her area of expertise is the mental and physical health of postnatal mothers of color.

“There have been research studies on prenatal mothers, but not much data is available for postnatal mothers,” said Vardhan, who is working on a master of public health degree in the College of Public Health. “I look at the challenges [Black and African mothers] face—discrimination and other barriers—and what education models can be provided to them for their optimum health and mental peace.”

Vardhan, who is also a mother to two small children, said the education models created for the postnatal mothers will include how they can take care of themselves after delivery, what herbal remedies can be used in addition to the treatment if they have any medical problems, and how they can advocate for themselves.

In addition to her graduate studies, Vardhan, who is originally from India and came to Virginia in 2013, works full-time as a clinical research specialist at Inova Health System.

Archana Vardhan. Photo provided.

For her fellowship, she was assigned to work with a health department in Portland, Oregon, where her role included developing a survey about maternal well-being and designing an education program.

“We built a questionnaire, which had a very good response from [around] 110 mothers. Then we did a qualitative analysis. My role was to design the survey and do the qualitative analysis and build an education model on whatever results I get from the survey,” she explained.

Vardhan also enrolled in the summer Global and Community Health (GCH) course GCH 609: Community Assessment and Partnership with assistant professor Marybeth Mitcham, where the coursework perfectly aligned with the responsibilities of her fellowship, she said.

“This course covers what I consider to be some of the most important factors in conducting any community work,” said Mitcham, “[including] the value of involving community members in every step of community work and using an interdisciplinary strategy to address problems.”

The course explores needs assessments, crafting effective surveys, focus group questions, and more, using examples of actual community work, said Mitcham, who is also director of the online MPH program.

Mitcham aims to incorporate students' interests in the classroom so that they can explore topics that are relevant to them. For GCH 609, Vardhan used her research from her summer fellowship and her work at Inova as the basis for her assignments.

“One of my favorite things about [the college] is that students are supported not just in their education and research, but in exploring potential solutions to problems about which they care,” said Mitcham. “Archana is fabulous, and I can't wait to see the amazing positive changes that will occur to the holistic health of postnatal mothers of color as a result of Archana's drive, passion, and excellence.”

Although her fellowship has ended, Vardhan still does volunteer work with AMCHP and is in constant contact with her site supervisor. AMCHP also has a program called Healthy Birth Initiatives that will benefit from Vardhan’s work.

“In the end, it is the mother who is taking care of the baby, so now after giving birth they can be taken care of too. The biggest takeaway is that postnatal care for Black mothers should be culturally sensitive, inclusive, and tailored to address the unique challenges they face,” said Vardhan.

“By focusing on these key areas, health care providers and policymakers can work toward improving the health and well-being of Black mothers and their babies. Mothers are dealing with a huge crisis in terms of emotional [health], especially mothers of color,” she said.

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CPH Blog: Top 5 reasons to get a Master of Public Health

Mary Cunningham — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:21:15 +0000

CPH Blog: Top 5 reasons to get a Master of Public Health Mary Cunningham Fri, 10/14/2022 - 11:21

GCH News

If you are looking to implement your own health promotion programs, design research projects, and open doors to new professional possibilities, earning a Master of Public Health degree could be the answer. Master of Public Health (MPH) students are instructed in the foundational competencies and practices of public health, determinants of health, cultural competence, and health assessments for diverse populations. Upon graduation, students are prepared to be public health practitioners and leaders. ��AV offers a CEPH-accredited MPH.

This is an exciting time for public health and jobs are expanding faster than ever before, with an expected growth rate of 11% by 2026. With an MPH, graduates go on to become public health educators, epidemiologists, health policy analysts, clinical research coordinators, and more.

There are a vast number of reasons why obtaining an MPH is a great personal and career choice, but here are the top five benefits:

You will make a difference for others. Are you passionate about helping people? A career in public health is a surefire way to serve communities in need. In an MPH program, you will learn the contexts of health outside the hospital setting. In addition to being able to address the burdens of populations, there is a great sense of accomplishment in earning an MPH.
There are diverse career options at your disposal. Whether you want to explore research, epidemiology, or social justice, one thing is for sure — you will never be bored. You can specialize, transition between fields, explore different settings, and travel nationally or abroad. Earning an MPH expands your qualifications and opens higher-level leadership positions in public health.
Job security. Public health is a growing field and professionals are needed to meet that demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for community health-related work between 2021 and 2031 is 12%, much higher than average. MPH graduates are prepared to enter the market in the private sector or governmental organizations on the city, state, or federal level.
You can solve big problems. Public health is all about improving health on a larger scale. Students in MPH programs learn what it means to investigate beyond the illness and address what affects health on social, behavioral, and environmental scales. MPH graduates are trained to undertake these challenges and develop solutions.
Location, location, location! Public health is everywhere. Graduates of MPH programs have unlimited options in terms of places to practice population health, including one of the nation’s epicenters of public health, Washington, D.C. What better place to be than Mason? With the university’s proximity to the nation’s capital, there are numerous opportunities for internships and employment.

There are many things to keep in mind when considering pursuing an MPH. There are time and financial commitments, but the rewards yielded will undoubtedly be worth it. For those who work full-time, Mason offers flexible class time and online options.

Learn more about Mason’s Master of Public Health.

Thumbnail photo by Ian Schneider via unsplash

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Alumni Mentorship Program Boosts Students’ Career Readiness

John Brandon Cantrell — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 13:00:23 +0000

Alumni Mentorship Program Boosts Students’ Career Readiness John Brandon C… Fri, 08/05/2022 - 09:00

The pilot program increased graduating students’ confidence in navigating their careers after graduation.

Students graduating with a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a Master of Science in Global Health degree are met with many career prospects; however, navigating today’s job market can be daunting. The Mason Public Health Mentor Program pilot aims to support graduating Global and Community Health (GCH) graduate students by pairing them with GCH alumni mentors, who provide professional guidance and career advice in the public health field.

The pilot mentorship program had successful outcomes for both students and alumni. Students reported increased confidence in their academic and professional endeavors, while alumni valued the chance to give back to their Mason community by sharing insight into the public health field with future graduates.

Kelly Beckwith

“The program is designed to connect Mason students with someone who also graduated from Mason–who has been in their shoes and can provide guidance on an individual level,” said Kelly Beckwith, assistant director of academic programs for GCH and organizer of the mentorship pilot. “I’ve been at Mason for nearly six years and have seen so many of our graduates become accomplished alumni. I wanted to provide them with an opportunity to connect with current students, which strengthens the Mason Nation and the field of public health.”

In collaboration with other GCH faculty, Beckwith paired students with alumni working in the students’ desired field and supplied the pairs with a workbook to help lead the discussion on professional development and understanding the current job market.

The pilot program during the 2021-22 school year allowed students and alumni mentors to explore topics on career readiness, such as practicing mock interviews, incorporating work-life balance in careers, confronting imposter syndrome, and identifying workplace bias.

Reena Rhim

Reena Rhim, a 2022 MPH graduate, found the mentor program helpful with her job search.

“I am so thankful for this [mentorship] program,” Rhim said. “I was able to build a deeper connection with my mentor and [explain] what I was going through. The mentorship allowed me to ask questions and gain honest feedback —specifically on what to expect during my practicum, outside of graduation, and when working in the public health field. I had several concerns about job searching after graduation, and my mentor addressed my concerns with open and honest advice, which genuinely helped me succeed in finding a job.”

After graduating, Rhim accepted a position as a health policy project analyst at Discern Health, where she conducts research on health care topics as well as analyzes and interprets health care legislation and regulations related to federal value-based payment programs.

Elizabeth Bramhall

Elizabeth Bramhall, a 2014 MPH alumna and Rhim’s mentor in the program, enjoyed sharing professional guidance and building a professional relationship with Rhim.

“Having the opportunity to give back and make even a small difference in someone's career is extremely rewarding,” said Bramhall, who works as a biological safety officer for the U.S. Army. “My goals for entering the mentorship program were to engage with the current MPH program and to be a sounding board for my mentee. I believe I met these goals and would like to continue to participate in the mentorship program in the future.”

Bramhall encourages Mason students to seek support from alumni members when entering the professional workforce.

“Many alums love to find ways to give back,” Bramhall said. “They may not be able to get you a job directly, but they may be able to set you up with more contacts and open your eyes to new career paths that you didn't know existed before.”

For Beckwith, the pilot program gave her the opportunity to help more students advance their professional development and career prospects.

“I hope that future students see this as an exciting opportunity for them to get a leg up on the job market as they leave Mason and go out into the public health workforce,” Beckwith said. “By strengthening their career development skills, as well as strengthening the connection between students and alumni, I hope we can make an even bigger impact on the public’s health throughout the area.”

For questions about the Fall 2022-Spring 2023 Mason Public Health Mentor Program, please reach out to Kelly Beckwith at kbeckwi2@gmu.edu.

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Graduation Profile: Biostatistics Leads MPH Student to Discover New Career

Mary Cunningham — Tue, 10 May 2022 13:16:17 +0000

Graduation Profile: Biostatistics Leads MPH Student to Discover New Career Mary Cunningham Tue, 05/10/2022 - 09:16

In This Story

Jenna Krall, PhD

Master of Public Health Student Colin Tran discovered coding and his love of helping people through data after taking the required Biostatistics course

Colin Tran, MPH '22. Photo provided.

Colin Tran has considered many professions—dentist, biochemist, and epidemiologist—and he thanks Biostatistics for helping him find his future career path with public health data. Tran is graduating this month with a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology and wants to use his skills to support others.

“For the longest time, I wanted to be a dentist. That went away, but my desire to help as many people as possible remained the same,” Tran said.

He received a biochemistry degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and though he enjoyed his classes, he found that the related career options weren’t appealing to him. Struggling with what path to take, Tran applied for and was accepted as a National Institutes of Health Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Fellow. This led him to public health.

“I was initially set on infectious diseases. Mason’s first-year classes helped me get my foot in the door with public health. When I took the Biostatistics course, it got me interested in coding. I found it is where my aspirations in epidemiology and analyzing data overlapped,” he said.

Biostatics fascinated him so much that he has been a teaching assistant for the past three semesters for Assistant Professor Jenna Krall.

"It’s a lot different than I expected, in a good way. I didn’t expect to develop so many skills as a teaching assistant,” said Tran. In addition to traditional assignments such as grading and he has created a resource for biostats students who have not taken a recent math course, learned new coding languages, and expanded his skills as a data analyst.

He took these skills to his practicum, where he analyzed various data sets at the Fairfax County Health Department. He’s still finalizing his post-graduation plans and hopes to continue working at a health department.

Tran is headed on a different career path than he imagined when he started at Mason, but he’s thrilled with where his experience has led him and recommends the programs to prospective students.

“Whatever you thought you knew about public health, you’ll find out a lot more,” said Tran. “It’s been very rewarding to be exposed to all these other aspects of public health that I didn’t know existed before. I’ve always enjoyed learning so being able to find new things was really exciting for me. If you’re interested in community health, global, or infectious diseases, coming to Mason you’ll be exposed to just that.”

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On the Fast Track to a Master of Public Health

John Brandon Cantrell — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 17:39:57 +0000

On the Fast Track to a Master of Public Health John Brandon C… Mon, 03/07/2022 - 12:39

Master of Public Health student Nicole Sanz shares how the bachelor’s to accelerated master’s program has supported her goal of becoming an epidemiologist.

The bachelor’s to accelerated master’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program is a great opportunity for undergraduates that are committed to pursuing an advanced degree in public health. As an MPH student in the accelerated master’s program, Nicole Sanz is already ahead of the curve on her career path at a time when there is growing demand for public health professionals.

“I have felt challenged and motivated by the program, my professors, and my peers,” said Sanz on her experience studying public health at Mason. “While we have different concentrations and career goals, my peers and I all aspire to improve the health and well-being of the public. The public health field is growing and needs dedicated individuals to contribute to the most pressing public health problems.”

The accelerated master’s program allows highly motivated students to complete 12 credits (four courses) of advanced courses that “double-count” in both their undergraduate and graduate degree program. As a result, students in the program can earn their MPH degree in a shorter time. Sanz is in her first year of her master’s program and is set to graduate in December 2022.

Sanz dreams of being an epidemiologist and investigating infectious diseases in communities. So, when she expressed interest in a master’s degree to her academic advisor, he told her about the accelerated master’s program. “I was drawn to apply because of its financial benefits and the opportunity to experience graduate-level courses,” said Sanz. Students who pursue an accelerated pathway can reduce the overall cost of obtaining a master’s degree.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

In her program, Sanz has gained hands-on experience in academic research. Previously, she worked on a research project with former Assistant Professor Suzie Carmack where she helped research how micro-breaks in movement and mindfulness could reduce suicide risk. In a different pilot study, Sanz helped Carmack code and analyze data on a wellness training intervention. In the future, Sanz is interested in researching infectious diseases and global health solutions.

Off-campus, Sanz has continued to make an impact in her community. In September, she started an internship with Fairfax County Government. In this role, she’s had the opportunity to coordinate COVID-19 surveillance testing in addition to other health and wellness events for the county.

“Courses emphasizing social determinants of health, program implementation strategies, and epidemiological concepts helped prepare me for my internship,” said Sanz about how her degree program made her a great fit for the position.

The accelerated master's program is a unique experience that has given Sanz a variety of learning opportunities beyond the classroom. From conducting research alongside faculty to working directly in the community, the accelerated master's program is equipping her with the necessary skills to achieve a successful career as an epidemiologist.

For undergraduate students considering the accelerated master's program, Sanz suggests that students talk to their academic advisor first to see if the accelerated pathway is a good fit and to compare the benefits of the program and the non-accelerated pathway. She encourages them to speak with current accelerated master's students too.

Learn more about the fastest growing health care careers, including epidemiology.