Claire Piehowski
MPH, Community & Behavioral Health Promotion
I am the Tobacco Disparities Coordinator for the Commercial Tobacco Prevention and Treatment Program at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. In this role, I provide consultation on a statewide basis to agencies and organizations for the promotion of optimal health of populations who are disproportionately affected by the impact of commercial tobacco. Specifically, I provide presentations, assessment, analysis, and development of recommendations of statewide policies and systems change to improve the health of communities.
Research Interest: The impact of social determinants of health on commercial tobacco usage, the social and economic impacts of cancer diagnosis and treatment(s), and broadly community-based participatory research and coalition building strategies.
Email: cpiehowski@gmail.com
Jack Poland
PhD student in Public Health
I am currently a PhD student in Public Health at the Zilber College of Public Health. In addition, I am a research assistant at the Institute for Child and Family Well-Being working on the Strong and Stable Families Study.
Research Interest: My research interest is in neighborhood factors, housing, and how these impact connection to place, community, social support and subsequently mental health of individuals (particularly youth) across the life course.
Email: pollard5@uwm.edu
Isabella Walters
MPH, Community & Behavioral Heatlh Promotion
I have been a Wisconsin Population Fellow since June 2023. As a current Fellow, I work full time with the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Unit in the Division of Public Health within Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services where I support programmatic work by evaluating and managing various programs.
Email: Irwalters@wisc.edu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-rose-walters/
Teresa Ortiz
PhD, Community & Behavioral Health Promotion (candidate)
I continue to complete my research for my PhD in Public Health with a concentration in Community & Behavioral Health Promotion at the UW Milwaukee Zilber College of Public Health. This research explores the experiences of Latina and Hispanic women in Southeast Wisconsin with violence by law enforcement and the broader public health implications.
In addition, I continue to enjoy my role as a Public Health Manager at a local health department where I am able to collaborate with incredible colleagues and partners to address health inequities and improve community wellbeing.
Research Interest: I believe deeply that public health is a social justice issue. Therefore, I am committed to examining, revealing, and addressing the ways in which systems and institutions influence health outcomes and deepen social and health inequities.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-ortiz-43234155
Email: tortiz@uwm.edu
Faith Tiwaloluwa Ogungbe
PhD, Community & Behavioral Health Promotion (candidate)
I am working with the City of Racine to develop and promote a community MCH program. I am also working as a research and evaluation assistant at a firm in Milwaukee. Serving a term on a board of Directors for a Racine-area nonprofit that supports survivors of sexual assault and child abuse and continuing to work on my doctoral dissertation project.
Research Interest: Maternal and Child Health, Female Reproductive Health and Health Equity
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faithogungbe/
Email: faithtogungbe@gmail.com
Zoe Hurdle
MPH, Community & Behavioral Health Promotion
For the past two years, I’ve worked with the American Lung Association. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to both state and national programs focused on youth cessation, prevention, alternatives to suspension, and youth advocacy initiatives. It’s been incredibly rewarding to support young people in making healthy choices and to be part of a mission-driven organization working toward a tobacco and nicotine-free future.
Email: zoe.hurdle@lung.org