The retreat gathered faculty to discuss innovative teaching methods, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the classroom, and to review and provide feedback on the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) competencies for the Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program during their open survey period.
Expert-led discussions showcased the potential of AI to enhance teaching and learning.
Derin Ural, Ph.D., a professor from the College of Engineering, shared insights on utilizing chatbots as teaching assistants. At the same time, WayWay Hlaing, Ph.D., professor and director of the Ph.D. in Epidemiology Program, highlighted her experience incorporating AI-supported assignments into her courses.
Faculty exchanged strategies for implementing AI in their teaching, emphasizing its growing importance in preparing students for the future of public health practice.
In a collaborative exercise, faculty envisioned key challenges shaping public health in the coming decade, including climate change, antibiotic resistance, health inequities, rising healthcare costs, and the aging population. These reflections emphasized the importance of preparing students to address these pressing issues through innovative and inclusive educational approaches.
During the retreat, faculty reflected on the Framing the Future 2030 initiative, identifying strengths such as the department’s robust community partnerships. These collaborations allow students and faculty to work alongside community members to address emerging public health issues and advance equity.
Discussions also focused on the value of experiential education, envisioning curricula that combine community-based projects, co-created learning, and simulated environments to prepare students for public health practice. Feedback on CEPH competencies emphasized the need to ensure they are both actionable and measurable, aligning with the department’s dedication to rigorous, applied education.
The retreat reinforced the Department of Public Health Sciences’ dedication to preparing the next generation of public health leaders through innovation, collaboration, and meaningful community impact by bringing together expertise, creativity, and a shared vision for the future.
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on January 14, 2025.
