At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PHHP Wellness Team wanted to highlight, recognize, and learn from each other in the College of Public Health and Health Professions (PHHP). Thus, the “Workplace Connectedness Series” was born. A simple initiative to create a sense of connection during the transition away from campus at the end of the Spring 2020 semester and beyond.
Dr. Nick Green met with faculty, staff, and students within PHHP over Zoom meetings to gain lessons learned from working through these times.
From the students that moved across the state to faculty creating robot testing labs, there is lesson for everyone to learn!
Lesson #1 – UF Has Its Own Coronavirus Expert
Dr. John Lednicky is an expert virologist and faculty member in the Department of Environmental and Global Health that helped guide COVID-19 testing lab creation.
Drs. Tara Sabo-Attwood and Nick Green discuss how the Department of Environmental and Global Health in the College of Public Health and Health Professions at the University of Florida are actively contributing to COVID-19 Pandemic in Gainesville, FL.
Lesson #2 Social Distancing Is Not A Part Of Some African Cultures
Drs. Sarah McKune and Nick Green discuss how her research in Senegal, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso has been impacted by the coronavirus. In this brief interview, we discuss: – The hiccups of conducting research in Sub-Saharan Africa during a pandemic – Social distancing is not a part of particular cultures – The reaction time of social distancing guidelines among different African nations – How Sarah describes this pandemic as a “great pause”
Lesson #3 Our COVID-19 Robot Processes 350 Samples Per Day
Sarah Bisesi, Head Analyst for Dr. Tara Sabo-Attwood’s COVID-19 testing lab at the University of Florida shows behind-the-scenes access to her daily work and teaches us how her robot runs multiple samples.
Lesson #4 Students Moved To Miami To Trace COVID-19
Alyssa Falise, 1st-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Epidemiology (College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida) discusses her fieldwork and challenges related to COVID-19 Contact Tracing in Miami-Dade county.
Lesson #5 Social Distancing Is Not Feasible For Every Positive COVID-19 Patient
Akemi Wijayabahu, 3rd-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Epidemiology (College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida) discusses her fieldwork bringing a unique perspective as an international student.
Lesson #6 The Community Is Willing To Step Up with Contract Tracing
Sara Nutley, 2nd-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Epidemiology (College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida) discusses her fieldwork and challenges related to COVID-19 Contact Tracing in Sumter County in Florida. Sara brings a unique perspective study both epidemiology and psychiatry.
Lesson #7 COVID-19 Contact Tracing Is Different Because Most People Know About it
Erta Cenko 2nd-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Epidemiology (College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida) discusses her fieldwork and challenges related to COVID-19 Contact Tracing in Gainesville, FL
Lesson #8 During A Pandemic, People Are Impacted, Flee, Or Become Helpers.
Jerne Shapiro, lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology (College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida) discusses her fieldwork and experience with contact tracing during the current pandemic.
Lesson #9 Do Something Every Day For Yourself (and Your Health)
Linda Cottler, Associate Dean for Research and Dean’s Professor in the Department of Epidemiology (College of Public Health and Health Profession, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida), discusses HealthStreet and conducting community research during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lesson #10 Sleep Is Incredibly Important Because It Affects Your Entire Day.
Lisa King, Clinical Assistant Professor, in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, (College of Public Health and Health Profession, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida), discusses the transition to telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.