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?
Elizabeth Burnette, MPH Student
My work with Dr. Manganello is in health communications and health literacy for people with disabilities. So far, 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 was born deaf, and have known the deaf community as a tight-knit community and has a special place in my heart. I am in my second year to earn my Masters in Public Health, and I decided to work with Dr. Manganello to earn internship credit. My concentration in my MPH is environmental health, and I am hoping to work in environmental health communications.
My work with Dr. Manganello is in health communications and health literacy for people with disabilities. So far, 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 was born deaf, and have known the deaf community as a tight-knit community and has a special place in my heart. I am in my second year to earn my Masters in Public Health, and I decided to work with Dr. Manganello to earn internship credit. My concentration in my MPH is environmental health, and I am hoping to work in environmental health communications.
Konya Margai, Undergraduate Student
I am a senior at the University at Albany studying Globalization Studies with double minors in Public Health and Political Science. I began working with Dr. Manganello in her study regarding social media and child injury prevention at the beginning of the Spring 2018 semester. As a research assistant, a few of my tasks include collecting and screening media posts from social media platforms, and performing data entry to reflect project progress. Upon graduating, I will pursue a career in international affairs and help others through the encouragement of conflict resolution and community welfare.
I am a senior at the University at Albany studying Globalization Studies with double minors in Public Health and Political Science. I began working with Dr. Manganello in her study regarding social media and child injury prevention at the beginning of the Spring 2018 semester. As a research assistant, a few of my tasks include collecting and screening media posts from social media platforms, and performing data entry to reflect project progress. Upon graduating, I will pursue a career in international affairs and help others through the encouragement of conflict resolution and community welfare.
Taylor Swanson, Undergraduate Student
I started working with Dr. Manganello as a research assistant in her study on child injury prevention and social media in the beginning of the Spring 2018 academic semester. Some of the tasks within my position include collecting social media posts, developing the codebook, and organizing and coding social media posts used. I am in my third year of my undergraduate studies at the University at Albany, majoring in Psychology, Public Health, and Human Development. My interests include human behaviors that enhance and compromise health and the promotion of healthy behaviors to prevent illness. Being able to work with Dr. Manganello is an opportunity that I take pleasure in, as it is giving me a first-hand experience working as a researcher within the field of Public Health.
I started working with Dr. Manganello as a research assistant in her study on child injury prevention and social media in the beginning of the Spring 2018 academic semester. Some of the tasks within my position include collecting social media posts, developing the codebook, and organizing and coding social media posts used. I am in my third year of my undergraduate studies at the University at Albany, majoring in Psychology, Public Health, and Human Development. My interests include human behaviors that enhance and compromise health and the promotion of healthy behaviors to prevent illness. Being able to work with Dr. Manganello is an opportunity that I take pleasure in, as it is giving me a first-hand experience working as a researcher within the field of Public Health.
Past students: Where are they now?
Jerlisa Fontaine, Undergraduate Student
This year, I am fortunate to be working with Dr. Manganello as a Research Assistant. I am assisting with the study of health communication/health literacy with data collection for focus groups. I am also helping develop content for an online eHealth literacy intervention. 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 year, I am fortunate to be working with Dr. Manganello as a Research Assistant. I am assisting with the study of health communication/health literacy with data collection for focus groups. I am also helping develop content for an online eHealth literacy intervention. 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.
Courtney Bonesteel, BA
I am a senior at the Sage Colleges and perspective MPH student at the University at Albany School of Public Health. I am a sociology major with a pathway to public health. I am particularly interested in receiving a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in social behavior and community health because I want to continue learning, in an in-depth way, how social and cultural factors influence health and health behavior. When I better understand this relationship, I will be able to create interventions to help my community. My background in sociology will provide the interdisciplinary skillset I see as necessary to foster true community change, a mindset particularly key for work with vulnerable populations who are already at a disadvantage with healthcare. I am fortunate enough to be working with Dr. Manganello as a research assistant on her Get Health’e’ intervention. This semester, I am working with the Get Health’e’ team to develop content for the eHealth intervention. This opportunity is providing me with insight into what it takes to create a public health intervention. Ultimately, this is a great learning experience and is providing me with the fundamental skills necessary to do research at a higher level and create change within my community.
I am a senior at the Sage Colleges and perspective MPH student at the University at Albany School of Public Health. I am a sociology major with a pathway to public health. I am particularly interested in receiving a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in social behavior and community health because I want to continue learning, in an in-depth way, how social and cultural factors influence health and health behavior. When I better understand this relationship, I will be able to create interventions to help my community. My background in sociology will provide the interdisciplinary skillset I see as necessary to foster true community change, a mindset particularly key for work with vulnerable populations who are already at a disadvantage with healthcare. I am fortunate enough to be working with Dr. Manganello as a research assistant on her Get Health’e’ intervention. This semester, I am working with the Get Health’e’ team to develop content for the eHealth intervention. This opportunity is providing me with insight into what it takes to create a public health intervention. Ultimately, this is a great learning experience and is providing me with the fundamental skills necessary to do research at a higher level and create change within my community.
Michaelah Townley, MPH
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 developing her eHealth literacy intervention. I have also worked 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 developing her eHealth literacy intervention. I have also worked 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, 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.
Mariah Barber, MPH
I am currently in the Peace Corps. I worked with Dr. Manganello on an independent study looking at discussion of health literacy on twitter during the Fall of 2017. Over the summer of 2017 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. I was 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 being at UAlbany, 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.
I am currently in the Peace Corps. I worked with Dr. Manganello on an independent study looking at discussion of health literacy on twitter during the Fall of 2017. Over the summer of 2017 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. I was 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 being at UAlbany, 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.
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 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 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 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. 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 (MGH) managing a portfolio research addressing the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based mental health treatments. Our work focuses on bridging the gap between science and practice through the use of community-based participatory research strategies. We partner with several Boston-based community organizations, and our participant populations include ethnic minorities at community health clinics, homeless individuals, and young men at risk of reincarceration. We also aim to bridge the gap on the global scale, partnering with a Mexican university on a project aimed to build research capacity in low- and middle-income countries. Prior to joining MGH, I managed research projects throughout Nepal, China, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh at the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at the 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. 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 (MGH) managing a portfolio research addressing the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based mental health treatments. Our work focuses on bridging the gap between science and practice through the use of community-based participatory research strategies. We partner with several Boston-based community organizations, and our participant populations include ethnic minorities at community health clinics, homeless individuals, and young men at risk of reincarceration. We also aim to bridge the gap on the global scale, partnering with a Mexican university on a project aimed to build research capacity in low- and middle-income countries. Prior to joining MGH, I managed research projects throughout Nepal, China, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh at the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at the 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.