students
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?
Benish Syed, MPH Student
I am a first year MPH student at UAlbany School of Public Health and my work with Dr. Manganello is related to social media and pediatric injury. Currently, I am working on an independent study pertaining to how social media presents information about child injury prevention. I truly value this opportunity as it will allow me to enhance my writing and data analysis skills.
I am a first year MPH student at UAlbany School of Public Health and my work with Dr. Manganello is related to social media and pediatric injury. Currently, I am working on an independent study pertaining to how social media presents information about child injury prevention. I truly value this opportunity as it will allow me to enhance my writing and data analysis skills.
Past students: Where are they now?
Taylor Swanson, BA
I had the pleasure of working as a research assistant for Dr. Manganello on her project investigating child injury prevention on social media platforms during my 3rd and 4th years as an undergraduate student at UAlbany. This opportunity allowed me a very hands-on research experience in the public health field along with a wonderful mentoring relationship with Dr. Manganello. Currently, I am a clinical research coordinator for a longitudinal exploratory study examining how genes and environment influence eating behavior and health in children and adolescents at the National Institutes of Health. I plan on applying to doctoral programs in clinical health psychology next year.
I had the pleasure of working as a research assistant for Dr. Manganello on her project investigating child injury prevention on social media platforms during my 3rd and 4th years as an undergraduate student at UAlbany. This opportunity allowed me a very hands-on research experience in the public health field along with a wonderful mentoring relationship with Dr. Manganello. Currently, I am a clinical research coordinator for a longitudinal exploratory study examining how genes and environment influence eating behavior and health in children and adolescents at the National Institutes of Health. I plan on applying to doctoral programs in clinical health psychology next year.
Konya Margai, BA
I began working with Dr. Manganello in her study regarding social media and child injury prevention in Spring 2018. Participating in the development of this study led me to further my understanding of public health and to learn about the common concepts, practices and procedures that often characterize the research process. My other research interests include international affairs and helping others through the encouragement of conflict resolution and community welfare, which I have pursued since graduating through my work at an international law firm.
I began working with Dr. Manganello in her study regarding social media and child injury prevention in Spring 2018. Participating in the development of this study led me to further my understanding of public health and to learn about the common concepts, practices and procedures that often characterize the research process. My other research interests include international affairs and helping others through the encouragement of conflict resolution and community welfare, which I have pursued since graduating through my work at an international law firm.
Elizabeth Burnette, MPH
My work with Dr. Manganello was about health communications and health literacy for people with disabilities. I have presented to medical professionals about improving health facilities' access to people with disabilities, with a personal emphasis on the access for deaf and hard of hearing community. I also have presented to faculty, staff, and students at the school of public health about improving public health research for people with disabilities. I was born deaf, and have known the deaf community as a tight-knit community and has a special place in my heart. I worked with Dr. Manganello to earn internship credit during my MPH degree. I currently work at the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley as a nursing home transition specialist. I advocate for and assist with transitioning people from nursing homes to community residency with any nursing services they need.
My work with Dr. Manganello was about health communications and health literacy for people with disabilities. I have presented to medical professionals about improving health facilities' access to people with disabilities, with a personal emphasis on the access for deaf and hard of hearing community. I also have presented to faculty, staff, and students at the school of public health about improving public health research for people with disabilities. I was born deaf, and have known the deaf community as a tight-knit community and has a special place in my heart. I worked with Dr. Manganello to earn internship credit during my MPH degree. I currently work at the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley as a nursing home transition specialist. I advocate for and assist with transitioning people from nursing homes to community residency with any nursing services they need.
Mariah Barber, BA, MPH
Mariah Barber completed her Master’s in Public Health at State University of New York at Albany, through the Peace Corps Master’s International Program. During this time, Dr. Manganello served as Mariah's mentor, advisor, and supervisor. Mariah served as an intern in the Summer of 2017. This work involved coordinating, recruiting for, and helping conduct focus groups as well as training students who were added to the project. Mariah also assisted Dr.Manganello with preparing for a professional presentation given at a national health literacy conference. Following this, Barber participated in an independent study working on a professional manuscript about health literacy hashtag utilization on Twitter.
Mariah Barber attended East Carolina University where she completed her dual degrees in International Studies with a focus in Latin America and Public Health with an emphasis on community health. Additionally, she completed certificates in Global Understanding and Cultural Competency through the ECU Department of Anthropology. Mariah is a certified health education specialist, writer, advocate and researcher currently working in HIV/AIDS as a Ryan White project officer for HRSA (HIV/AIDS Bureau). Her research interests include health disparities; community based mixed method interdisciplinary work, health literacy, as well as women’s sexual and reproductive health. M. Barber is an active member of SFAA (Society for Applied Anthropology), APHA (American Public Health Association and AWID (Association of Women in Development).
Mariah Barber completed her Master’s in Public Health at State University of New York at Albany, through the Peace Corps Master’s International Program. During this time, Dr. Manganello served as Mariah's mentor, advisor, and supervisor. Mariah served as an intern in the Summer of 2017. This work involved coordinating, recruiting for, and helping conduct focus groups as well as training students who were added to the project. Mariah also assisted Dr.Manganello with preparing for a professional presentation given at a national health literacy conference. Following this, Barber participated in an independent study working on a professional manuscript about health literacy hashtag utilization on Twitter.
Mariah Barber attended East Carolina University where she completed her dual degrees in International Studies with a focus in Latin America and Public Health with an emphasis on community health. Additionally, she completed certificates in Global Understanding and Cultural Competency through the ECU Department of Anthropology. Mariah is a certified health education specialist, writer, advocate and researcher currently working in HIV/AIDS as a Ryan White project officer for HRSA (HIV/AIDS Bureau). Her research interests include health disparities; community based mixed method interdisciplinary work, health literacy, as well as women’s sexual and reproductive health. M. Barber is an active member of SFAA (Society for Applied Anthropology), APHA (American Public Health Association and AWID (Association of Women in Development).
Courtney Bonesteel, BA
I recently graduated from the Sage Colleges with a bachelors degree in sociology with a pathway to public health. While at Sage, I was fortunate enough to work with Dr. Manganello as a research assistant on her Get Health’e’ project. I worked with the Get Health’e’ team to develop and edit content for the eHealth intervention. Once the content was created, I helped conduct the usability study and make additional edits to the program. After the usability study was finished, I worked on planning/preparation for the pilot study. Working with Dr. Manganello and the Get health’e’ team was a great opportunity because it provided me with the research experience I find necessary to pursue a career in public health. Today, I work as a Health Home Care Coordinator at Unity House of Troy. I work with Medicaid recipients to coordinate their care in an effort to manage one or more chronic and/or mental health issues. I work directly with the recipient and their providers to encourage preventative care and reduce or eliminate hospitalizations. This experience has provided me with a better understanding of the barriers that the Medicaid population experience that prevent them from receiving care. In summer 2019, I plan to start the online MPH at the University at Albany School of Public Health. I am eager to continue learning, in an in-depth way, how social and cultural factors influence health and health behavior.
I recently graduated from the Sage Colleges with a bachelors degree in sociology with a pathway to public health. While at Sage, I was fortunate enough to work with Dr. Manganello as a research assistant on her Get Health’e’ project. I worked with the Get Health’e’ team to develop and edit content for the eHealth intervention. Once the content was created, I helped conduct the usability study and make additional edits to the program. After the usability study was finished, I worked on planning/preparation for the pilot study. Working with Dr. Manganello and the Get health’e’ team was a great opportunity because it provided me with the research experience I find necessary to pursue a career in public health. Today, I work as a Health Home Care Coordinator at Unity House of Troy. I work with Medicaid recipients to coordinate their care in an effort to manage one or more chronic and/or mental health issues. I work directly with the recipient and their providers to encourage preventative care and reduce or eliminate hospitalizations. This experience has provided me with a better understanding of the barriers that the Medicaid population experience that prevent them from receiving care. In summer 2019, I plan to start the online MPH at the University at Albany School of Public Health. I am eager to continue learning, in an in-depth way, how social and cultural factors influence health and health behavior.
Michaelah Townley, MPH
I am currently a Public Health Representative II at the New York State Department of Health. I work with the New York State Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program within the Bureau of Early Intervention as a Follow-up Coordinator. I work with hospitals, audiologists, early intervention providers, and pediatric primary care providers to increase the timely diagnosis of infants who are deaf or hard of hearing and help improve their adherence to Public Health Law. I worked with Dr. Manganello as a student research assistant on her eHealth literacy intervention. I also worked on systematic reviews about the social determinants of asthma in children and the use of technology by families who have children with special health care needs.
I am currently a Public Health Representative II at the New York State Department of Health. I work with the New York State Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program within the Bureau of Early Intervention as a Follow-up Coordinator. I work with hospitals, audiologists, early intervention providers, and pediatric primary care providers to increase the timely diagnosis of infants who are deaf or hard of hearing and help improve their adherence to Public Health Law. I worked with Dr. Manganello as a student research assistant on her eHealth literacy intervention. I also worked on systematic reviews about the social determinants of asthma in children and the use of technology by families who have children with special health care needs.
Elizabeth Rialdi, MPH
I am currently working at the New York State Department of Health as a Public Health Specialist within the Rape Prevention and Education Program, assisting with the primary prevention of sexual violence through prevention education and evaluation. I worked as a department Graduate Assistant for Dr. Manganello throughout my two years of graduate school. I assisted Dr. Manganello on a range of projects regarding health literacy and communication. I also helped with developing her professional website. Additionally, I was a co-author of a paper that has been submitted for publication. I attended the University at Albany and majored in Public Health with a minor in Sociology and Psychology and graduated in May 2016. I then attend the University at Albany School of Public Health with a concentration in Social Behavior and Community Health where I graduated in May 2018 with my primary interest being sexual violence prevention.
I am currently working at the New York State Department of Health as a Public Health Specialist within the Rape Prevention and Education Program, assisting with the primary prevention of sexual violence through prevention education and evaluation. I worked as a department Graduate Assistant for Dr. Manganello throughout my two years of graduate school. I assisted Dr. Manganello on a range of projects regarding health literacy and communication. I also helped with developing her professional website. Additionally, I was a co-author of a paper that has been submitted for publication. I attended the University at Albany and majored in Public Health with a minor in Sociology and Psychology and graduated in May 2016. I then attend the University at Albany School of Public Health with a concentration in Social Behavior and Community Health where I graduated in May 2018 with my primary interest being sexual violence prevention.
Gabrielle Estep, BS
I worked as an undergraduate Research Assistant for Dr. Manganello during the Fall 2017 academic semester. I assisted Dr. Manganello on her project concerning health literacy. I helped with transcribing focus group data and then used NVivo to conduct qualitative analysis of the data. I attended the University at Albany and majored in Human Biology with a minor in Public Health on the pre-med track. I graduated in December 2017. I valued the opportunity to learn from Dr. Manganello to help learn new skills and me shape my future career in the Public Health field.
I worked as an undergraduate Research Assistant for Dr. Manganello during the Fall 2017 academic semester. I assisted Dr. Manganello on her project concerning health literacy. I helped with transcribing focus group data and then used NVivo to conduct qualitative analysis of the data. I attended the University at Albany and majored in Human Biology with a minor in Public Health on the pre-med track. I graduated in December 2017. I valued the opportunity to learn from Dr. Manganello to help learn new skills and me shape my future career in the Public Health field.
Nora Lindner, MPH
I am currently a Health Communications Coordinator at ICF Next in the greater Washington DC area. My work primarily supports the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health, but also various other federal public health communication contracts related to tobacco cessation, e-cigarettes, and opioids. During my time as an MPH 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 compiled a list of resources for refugee health. Working with Dr. Manganello was a very rewarding experience, and it added greatly to my knowledge and experience as a public health student at UAlbany.
I am currently a Health Communications Coordinator at ICF Next in the greater Washington DC area. My work primarily supports the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health, but also various other federal public health communication contracts related to tobacco cessation, e-cigarettes, and opioids. During my time as an MPH 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 compiled a list of resources for refugee health. Working with Dr. Manganello was a very rewarding experience, and it added greatly to my knowledge and experience as a public health student at UAlbany.
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 began my career in federal service in July 2017 as a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) in the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) of the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, working in the areas of scientific program management, communications, and planning. Prior to becoming a PMF, I worked as a Research Fellow in the Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch in DCCPS, where I was involved in several research and programmatic initiatives, including work in the areas of multi-level communication, social media in cancer survivorship, and team communication in cancer clinical trials. I hold a Master of Public Health in Social Behavior and Community Health from the University at Albany, SUNY School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Society from Cornell University. Both as a student at UAlbany (2013-2015) and post-graduation, I collaborated with Dr. Manganello on a variety of projects, including two publications: 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 began my career in federal service in July 2017 as a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) in the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) of the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, working in the areas of scientific program management, communications, and planning. Prior to becoming a PMF, I worked as a Research Fellow in the Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch in DCCPS, where I was involved in several research and programmatic initiatives, including work in the areas of multi-level communication, social media in cancer survivorship, and team communication in cancer clinical trials. I hold a Master of Public Health in Social Behavior and Community Health from the University at Albany, SUNY School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Society from Cornell University. Both as a student at UAlbany (2013-2015) and post-graduation, I collaborated with Dr. Manganello on a variety of projects, including two publications: 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).
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 my 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 my 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 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. After data collection, I was responsible for data coding and entry into Excel. In addition to my work with Dr. Manganello, 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. In Boston, I worked at both the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and the Massachusetts General Hospital managing portfolios of research projects targeting capacity building for disaster response in the Asia Pacific region and the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based mental health treatments in resource restricted settings, respectively. Currently, I am the program manager of the Biomarker Development Initiative at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Our mission is to accelerate the development and approval of biomarker assays to enable more informed diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in cancer care, thus improvising patient outcomes. My experience working with Dr. Manganello, who continues to be a trusted mentor to me, shaped my interest in academic research and helped build a strong foundation for my blossoming career in public health.
I worked with Dr. Manganello 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. After data collection, I was responsible for data coding and entry into Excel. In addition to my work with Dr. Manganello, 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. In Boston, I worked at both the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and the Massachusetts General Hospital managing portfolios of research projects targeting capacity building for disaster response in the Asia Pacific region and the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based mental health treatments in resource restricted settings, respectively. Currently, I am the program manager of the Biomarker Development Initiative at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Our mission is to accelerate the development and approval of biomarker assays to enable more informed diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in cancer care, thus improvising patient outcomes. My experience working with Dr. Manganello, who continues to be a trusted mentor to me, shaped my interest in academic research and helped build a strong foundation for my blossoming career in public health.
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.