Are you interested in working with me?
I have the following openings for students interested in working on health communication or health literacy related projects:
I truly enjoy involving students in my work and mentoring students. It is one of my favorite things about being a professor! See below for information about some of my current and former students.
- DrPH students at the School of Public Health (committee chair or committee member)
- PhD students in other departments or universities in any country (external committee member)
- graduate student internship (for academic credit)
- graduate student independent study (for academic credit)
- undergraduate student research placement (for academic credit)
- paid research assistant position postings will be added here as they become available
I truly enjoy involving students in my work and mentoring students. It is one of my favorite things about being a professor! See below for information about some of my current and former students.
Current students: What are they doing?
Gabrielle Estep, Undergraduate Student
I am very excited to be working as an undergraduate Research Assistant for Dr. Manganello during the Fall 2017 academic semester. I will be assisting Dr. Manganello on her project concerning health literacy. Our team will conduct background research, recruit human subjects, and organize several focus groups of various demographics in order to achieve quality data. Ultimately, we strive to improve health literacy in the younger population to achieve better health outcomes. I currently attend The University at Albany majoring in Human Biology, with a minor in Public Health on the pre-med track. I plan to graduate this semester, December 2017. I know this experience will offer me valuable skills and insights that will help me excel in Public Health research. I value the opportunity to learn from Dr. Manganello to help me shape my future career in the Public Health field.
I am very excited to be working as an undergraduate Research Assistant for Dr. Manganello during the Fall 2017 academic semester. I will be assisting Dr. Manganello on her project concerning health literacy. Our team will conduct background research, recruit human subjects, and organize several focus groups of various demographics in order to achieve quality data. Ultimately, we strive to improve health literacy in the younger population to achieve better health outcomes. I currently attend The University at Albany majoring in Human Biology, with a minor in Public Health on the pre-med track. I plan to graduate this semester, December 2017. I know this experience will offer me valuable skills and insights that will help me excel in Public Health research. I value the opportunity to learn from Dr. Manganello to help me shape my future career in the Public Health field.
Jerlisa Fontaine, Undergraduate Student
This fall, I am fortunate to be working with Dr. Manganello as a Research Assistant. I will be assisting with the study of health communication/health literacy through data collection taken from focus groups. It is also, my responsibility to ensure that we are reaching various demographics so that we are receiving effective data. In utilizing these practices, we are allowing ourselves to find more ways to provide more accessible health resources to people. I am a current human Biology major on the Pre-Medical Track with a double minor in Business and Africana Studies at the University at Albany. My passions consist of Women’s and Children’s health and being sure to implement opportunities to build unity in communities. This opportunity working with Dr. Manganello is certainly an eye opener for understanding the significance of studying public health. I value this opportunity which will allow me to gain the necessary skill set to impact large groups of people in the future.
This fall, I am fortunate to be working with Dr. Manganello as a Research Assistant. I will be assisting with the study of health communication/health literacy through data collection taken from focus groups. It is also, my responsibility to ensure that we are reaching various demographics so that we are receiving effective data. In utilizing these practices, we are allowing ourselves to find more ways to provide more accessible health resources to people. I am a current human Biology major on the Pre-Medical Track with a double minor in Business and Africana Studies at the University at Albany. My passions consist of Women’s and Children’s health and being sure to implement opportunities to build unity in communities. This opportunity working with Dr. Manganello is certainly an eye opener for understanding the significance of studying public health. I value this opportunity which will allow me to gain the necessary skill set to impact large groups of people in the future.
Alex Retundie, Undergraduate Student
I am currently working with Dr. Manganello as a research assistant for a project about health literacy and twitter. So far I have been helping code health literacy tweets that were tweeted over a 6 month period and will continue to assist with various project tasks. I am currently a undergraduate student at the University at Albany majoring in public health and sociology, with a minor in biology on a pre-med track. Working with Dr. Manganello I feel as if I am gaining knowledge and skills that will help me excel during my undergraduate studies.
I am currently working with Dr. Manganello as a research assistant for a project about health literacy and twitter. So far I have been helping code health literacy tweets that were tweeted over a 6 month period and will continue to assist with various project tasks. I am currently a undergraduate student at the University at Albany majoring in public health and sociology, with a minor in biology on a pre-med track. Working with Dr. Manganello I feel as if I am gaining knowledge and skills that will help me excel during my undergraduate studies.
Michaelah Townley, Second Year MPH Student
I am an MPH student at the University at Albany, School of Public Health, concentrating in Social Behavior and Community Health. Previously, I graduated from the George Washington University in Washington D.C. with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science and a minor in Public Health. I am currently working with Dr. Manganello as a student research assistant on a systematic review about the social determinants of asthma in children. Last year, I worked on a systematic review about the use of technology by families who have children with special health care needs. While working with Dr. Manganello, I have learned about how to conduct systematic reviews, use research protocols, and key issues in public health communication. My work has shaped my interests going forward in my career and I am eager to learn more through the research I do.
I am an MPH student at the University at Albany, School of Public Health, concentrating in Social Behavior and Community Health. Previously, I graduated from the George Washington University in Washington D.C. with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science and a minor in Public Health. I am currently working with Dr. Manganello as a student research assistant on a systematic review about the social determinants of asthma in children. Last year, I worked on a systematic review about the use of technology by families who have children with special health care needs. While working with Dr. Manganello, I have learned about how to conduct systematic reviews, use research protocols, and key issues in public health communication. My work has shaped my interests going forward in my career and I am eager to learn more through the research I do.
Elizabeth Rialdi, Second Year MPH Student
I am currently a second year MPH student at the University at Albany School of Public Health. I am working with Dr. Manganello as a department Graduate Assistant providing assistance on a range of projects regarding health literacy and communication. I also helped her with developing her professional website. This is my second year working with her. I graduated from the University at Albany with a Bachelor’s in public health, and a minor in psychology and sociology. My areas of interest includes sexual violence prevention, mental health and sexual health. My hope is to pursue a career in sexual violence prevention targeting college campuses.
I am currently a second year MPH student at the University at Albany School of Public Health. I am working with Dr. Manganello as a department Graduate Assistant providing assistance on a range of projects regarding health literacy and communication. I also helped her with developing her professional website. This is my second year working with her. I graduated from the University at Albany with a Bachelor’s in public health, and a minor in psychology and sociology. My areas of interest includes sexual violence prevention, mental health and sexual health. My hope is to pursue a career in sexual violence prevention targeting college campuses.
Mariah Barber, Second Year MPH Student
This fall I am working with Dr. Manganello on an independent study looking at discussion of health literacy on twitter. Over the summer I worked as a Research Assistant for an internship on a range of projects regarding health literacy and communication, including conducting focus groups to help learn more about health literacy. I also conducted literature reviews and identified health literacy resources. Currently, I am an MPH student at the University at Albany School of Public Health with a concentration in Social, Behavioral and Community health. My interests include global health, psychosocial health (relating to stress) and HIV / STI prevention in female populations. Prior to my current position, I graduated from East Carolina University (ECU) in North Carolina with a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health. I also received a Bachelor’s of Arts in international studies with a concentration in Latin America. In addition, I obtained a certificate in cultural competency and global understanding from ECU.
This fall I am working with Dr. Manganello on an independent study looking at discussion of health literacy on twitter. Over the summer I worked as a Research Assistant for an internship on a range of projects regarding health literacy and communication, including conducting focus groups to help learn more about health literacy. I also conducted literature reviews and identified health literacy resources. Currently, I am an MPH student at the University at Albany School of Public Health with a concentration in Social, Behavioral and Community health. My interests include global health, psychosocial health (relating to stress) and HIV / STI prevention in female populations. Prior to my current position, I graduated from East Carolina University (ECU) in North Carolina with a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health. I also received a Bachelor’s of Arts in international studies with a concentration in Latin America. In addition, I obtained a certificate in cultural competency and global understanding from ECU.
Past students: Where are they now?
Nora Lindner, MPH
I am currently the Marketing Coordinator for the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), assisting with the development, implementation and evaluation of their marketing and promotional materials and campaigns. While I was a student, I worked as a graduate student intern with Dr. Manganello on several projects related to health literacy and refugees. In partnership with Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, I assisted Dr. Manganello in the development of a questionnaire to measure the health care readiness and autonomy of refugees in Syracuse, NY. We also conducted a systematic literature review on what is currently known about health literacy and refugees, and I am compiled a list of resources for refugee health. Working with Dr. Manganello was a very rewarding experience. It added greatly to my knowledge and experience as a public health student at UAlbany, and I look forward to continued opportunities to learn from her.
I am currently the Marketing Coordinator for the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), assisting with the development, implementation and evaluation of their marketing and promotional materials and campaigns. While I was a student, I worked as a graduate student intern with Dr. Manganello on several projects related to health literacy and refugees. In partnership with Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, I assisted Dr. Manganello in the development of a questionnaire to measure the health care readiness and autonomy of refugees in Syracuse, NY. We also conducted a systematic literature review on what is currently known about health literacy and refugees, and I am compiled a list of resources for refugee health. Working with Dr. Manganello was a very rewarding experience. It added greatly to my knowledge and experience as a public health student at UAlbany, and I look forward to continued opportunities to learn from her.
Brittany Enekes, MPH
I currently work at Prevent Child Abuse New York as a program coordinator. I worked with Dr. Manganello from 2015-2016 as a research assistant conducting a systematic literature review related to social determinants and asthma. I helped create our research protocol, developed key word searches, used Covidence to review the articles from our search, and extracted data from the final sample of articles using a codebook we developed for our article review. I also had the opportunity to assist in different capacities on other literature reviews Dr. Manganello was working on related to health literacy and technology and health. Through my work, I learned a great deal about the systematic review process and how to create research protocols and data extraction tools. The skills and knowledge I gained working with Dr. Manganello enriched my own learning experience at UAlbany and has provided a wonderful base to build my own future career as a public health professional.
I currently work at Prevent Child Abuse New York as a program coordinator. I worked with Dr. Manganello from 2015-2016 as a research assistant conducting a systematic literature review related to social determinants and asthma. I helped create our research protocol, developed key word searches, used Covidence to review the articles from our search, and extracted data from the final sample of articles using a codebook we developed for our article review. I also had the opportunity to assist in different capacities on other literature reviews Dr. Manganello was working on related to health literacy and technology and health. Through my work, I learned a great deal about the systematic review process and how to create research protocols and data extraction tools. The skills and knowledge I gained working with Dr. Manganello enriched my own learning experience at UAlbany and has provided a wonderful base to build my own future career as a public health professional.
Angela Falisi, MPH
I am currently a Cancer Research Training Award Fellow in the Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch (HCIRB) of the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. I earned my Master of Public Health in Social Behavior and Community Health from the University at Albany School of Public Health in May 2015. I also hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Society with distinction in research from Cornell University. Both as a student and post-graduation, I collaborated with Dr. Manganello on a variety of projects, including two recently published manuscripts: one focused on injury information seeking among mothers, and the other on the relationship of health literacy with the use of technology for health information. Additionally, I worked closely with Dr. Manganello as a course facilitator and co-instructor for courses at the University at Albany (Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health - graduate; Mass Media and Health Behavior - undergraduate). I am passionate about the power of digital and mobile technology to transform health care and inform innovative health promotion and communication strategies. As a mentor, Dr. Manganello has played a major role in supporting and encouraging these interests, while providing ample opportunities to develop professionally in the field of public health.
I am currently a Cancer Research Training Award Fellow in the Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch (HCIRB) of the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. I earned my Master of Public Health in Social Behavior and Community Health from the University at Albany School of Public Health in May 2015. I also hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Society with distinction in research from Cornell University. Both as a student and post-graduation, I collaborated with Dr. Manganello on a variety of projects, including two recently published manuscripts: one focused on injury information seeking among mothers, and the other on the relationship of health literacy with the use of technology for health information. Additionally, I worked closely with Dr. Manganello as a course facilitator and co-instructor for courses at the University at Albany (Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health - graduate; Mass Media and Health Behavior - undergraduate). I am passionate about the power of digital and mobile technology to transform health care and inform innovative health promotion and communication strategies. As a mentor, Dr. Manganello has played a major role in supporting and encouraging these interests, while providing ample opportunities to develop professionally in the field of public health.
Nancy (Blake) Katagiri, MPH, CPH
I began working with Dr. Jennifer Manganello in 2006 as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University at Albany School of Public Health. Dr. Manganello and I worked together to conduct a content analysis of health messages in a variety of media types in the United States from 1985-2005, resulting in publication in the peer reviewed journal, Health Communication. My experience as a Graduate Research Assistant provided me with the opportunity to develop skills in data collection and analysis, grant writing, and manuscript preparation. I went on to serve in a variety of positions within the New York State Department of Health, including in the Bureau of Dental Health, the Office of Public Health Practice, and the Disability and Health Program. Currently, I am the New York State Arthritis Program Coordinator, overseeing a six-year cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve arthritis outcomes in New York State. I received her Master of Public Health Degree in Social Behavior and Community Health from the University at Albany School of Public Health in 2008 and a Bachelor of Arts in Health Communication from James Madison University in 2006. I am also Certified in Public Health and a member of the Delta Omega National Public Health Honor Society. Health communication has remained an interest of mine throughout my career. My work with Dr. Manganello contributed to an excellent foundation in public health.
I began working with Dr. Jennifer Manganello in 2006 as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University at Albany School of Public Health. Dr. Manganello and I worked together to conduct a content analysis of health messages in a variety of media types in the United States from 1985-2005, resulting in publication in the peer reviewed journal, Health Communication. My experience as a Graduate Research Assistant provided me with the opportunity to develop skills in data collection and analysis, grant writing, and manuscript preparation. I went on to serve in a variety of positions within the New York State Department of Health, including in the Bureau of Dental Health, the Office of Public Health Practice, and the Disability and Health Program. Currently, I am the New York State Arthritis Program Coordinator, overseeing a six-year cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve arthritis outcomes in New York State. I received her Master of Public Health Degree in Social Behavior and Community Health from the University at Albany School of Public Health in 2008 and a Bachelor of Arts in Health Communication from James Madison University in 2006. I am also Certified in Public Health and a member of the Delta Omega National Public Health Honor Society. Health communication has remained an interest of mine throughout my career. My work with Dr. Manganello contributed to an excellent foundation in public health.
Kaylie Patrick, MPH
I worked with Dr. Manganello for one year from 2012-2013 when I was a senior at SUNY Albany majoring in Public Health. My main responsibility as a Senior Research Aide was to recruit participants and conduct study appointments in a pediatric outpatient clinic for Dr. Manganello’s study of health literacy among adolescents. As part of each study appointment, I approached potential participants to explain the study, obtained informed consent and assent, and implemented health literacy assessment tools. Dr. Manganello and I also worked together to collect data in larger group settings. After data collection, I was responsible for data coding and entry into Excel. In addition to my work with Dr. Mangenallo, she served as a mentor for me as I explored options for graduate school and my future in the field. Upon completion of my work with Dr. Manganello and my graduation from SUNY Albany, I went on to earn my MPH from Boston University School of Public Health with a concentration in epidemiology. I am currently a Program Manager in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, managing a portfolio research addressing the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based treatments (EBTs). My previous work includes managing research projects throughout Nepal, China, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh at the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health My experience working with Dr. Manganello shaped my interest in academic research, research methodology, and adolescent health. Dr. Manganello continues to be a trusted mentor to me as I navigate my career as a public health professional.
I worked with Dr. Manganello for one year from 2012-2013 when I was a senior at SUNY Albany majoring in Public Health. My main responsibility as a Senior Research Aide was to recruit participants and conduct study appointments in a pediatric outpatient clinic for Dr. Manganello’s study of health literacy among adolescents. As part of each study appointment, I approached potential participants to explain the study, obtained informed consent and assent, and implemented health literacy assessment tools. Dr. Manganello and I also worked together to collect data in larger group settings. After data collection, I was responsible for data coding and entry into Excel. In addition to my work with Dr. Mangenallo, she served as a mentor for me as I explored options for graduate school and my future in the field. Upon completion of my work with Dr. Manganello and my graduation from SUNY Albany, I went on to earn my MPH from Boston University School of Public Health with a concentration in epidemiology. I am currently a Program Manager in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, managing a portfolio research addressing the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based treatments (EBTs). My previous work includes managing research projects throughout Nepal, China, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh at the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health My experience working with Dr. Manganello shaped my interest in academic research, research methodology, and adolescent health. Dr. Manganello continues to be a trusted mentor to me as I navigate my career as a public health professional.
Rachel Vancavage, MPH
During the 2015-2016 academic year, I worked as a graduate assistant for Dr. Manganello, and also completed an independent study with her. In my role as a graduate assistant, I was able to help with grant applications and learn the aspects that are involved with putting together the highly competitive grants. Additionally, I had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues both at UAlbany and elsewhere to analyze BRFSS data, create poster presentations, and even present one of these posters at the American Academy of Health Behavior’s annual conference.
Furthermore, my independent study consisted of a systematic review of health literacy and sleep. Through this process I learned how to conduct a systematic review, and it also allowed me to collaborate with researchers throughout the state. I was able to continue my independent study even after I graduated. Dr. Manganello was great to work with and really enabled me to expand my knowledge of public health, as I was not as familiar with the applications of communication, literacy, and disparities before I began. I will continue to use the knowledge that I gained as I pursue a career in medicine, and in the future I hope to act as a role model for students similarly as to how she served as one for me.
During the 2015-2016 academic year, I worked as a graduate assistant for Dr. Manganello, and also completed an independent study with her. In my role as a graduate assistant, I was able to help with grant applications and learn the aspects that are involved with putting together the highly competitive grants. Additionally, I had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues both at UAlbany and elsewhere to analyze BRFSS data, create poster presentations, and even present one of these posters at the American Academy of Health Behavior’s annual conference.
Furthermore, my independent study consisted of a systematic review of health literacy and sleep. Through this process I learned how to conduct a systematic review, and it also allowed me to collaborate with researchers throughout the state. I was able to continue my independent study even after I graduated. Dr. Manganello was great to work with and really enabled me to expand my knowledge of public health, as I was not as familiar with the applications of communication, literacy, and disparities before I began. I will continue to use the knowledge that I gained as I pursue a career in medicine, and in the future I hope to act as a role model for students similarly as to how she served as one for me.
