FAMU CoPPS, IPH Celebrates Spring 2026 Doctor of Public Health Graduates
“The Great Eight” DrPH candidates is the largest class in 30 years of IPH’s presence
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health (CoPPS, IPH) will recognize eight candidates for the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree during Spring 2026 commencement exercises, highlighting scholarly work that addresses critical public health challenges affecting underserved and vulnerable populations.
Presented by Interim Dean and Professor Dr. Seth Y. Ablordeppey, the Spring 2026 DrPH graduates represent a broad range of public health research priorities, including cancer prevention and screening, food safety, firearm injury, environmental exposures, vaccination uptake and health equity for African American and rural communities.
“The Doctor of Public Health degree is designed to prepare practitioner-scholars who can translate research into action,” Ablordeppey said. “These graduates exemplify FAMU’s mission by producing impactful, community-centered research that advances health equity and strengthens public health practice at the local, state and national levels.”
Graduation candidates include Nicholas Alford, whose mixed-methods research examined preventive health care utilization among African American men in Louisiana; Veronica Bruton, who analyzed foodborne illness outbreaks in Florida restaurants; and Michelle Fedrick, whose dissertation explored racial and age differences in breast cancer screening and genetic testing behaviors. Candidates also include Allison Griswold, who studied individual and neighborhood factors associated with firearm reinjury in metropolitan Atlanta; Kellon Banks Henderson, who investigated HPV catch-up vaccination intentions among African American women in rural Gadsden County, Florida; and Deloria Jackson, whose work examined fibroid awareness, quality of life and lived experiences of Black collegiate women across the Southern United States. Research by I’Reka Jordan focused on occupational exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) among firefighters and first responders in Georgia, while Sandy Noel Jones examined multilevel determinants influencing colorectal cancer screening intentions among middle-aged adults in Florida.
“These dissertations reflect the real-world complexity of public health challenges and the importance of culturally responsive, data-driven solutions,” said Dr. Cynthia M. Harris, associate dean of the Institute of Public Health. “Our DrPH students are trained as leaders who understand community context and are prepared to influence policy, programs and practice.” She emphasized, "The Institute of Public Health continues to contribute significantly towards the University goal of reaching Carnegie R 1 status! It is particularly exciting that our largest number of graduates occurs within our 30th year! This milestone is the result of a dedicated faculty and staff who've worked diligently with these graduates. I am deeply appreciative!"
Faculty mentorship played a critical role in guiding doctoral scholarship, with dissertation chairs representing expertise across cancer prevention, environmental health, epidemiology, behavioral science and health policy. The program emphasizes applied research, leadership and practice-based learning to ensure graduates are prepared for executive and senior leadership roles in public health agencies, healthcare systems and academic institutions. “The success of our DrPH students is a testament to the strength of our faculty, our curriculum and our community partnerships,” Ablordeppey said. “We are proud of the contributions these graduates will make as they move forward to address pressing public health issues.”
The DrPH program is housed within FAMU’s College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, a nationally recognized leader in educating a comprehensive pharmacy practice, public health, research and community-responsive workforce committed to health parity, social justice and service. This premier academic unit provides a robust education, hands-on experiences, and guidance from expert faculty and staff to prepare individuals for a successful career.