“This partnership reflects ĚÇĐÄvlog’s deep commitment to serving the public good through impactful, community-based collaboration,” said President Jonathan Koppell. “We are proud to expand our myriad of partnerships with Essex County and grateful to County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo for recognizing what is possible when academic expertise of our Department of Public Health is aligned with Essex County’s forward-thinking leadership. Together, we are building a model for how universities and local governments can work together to strengthen public health infrastructure, train the next generation of professionals and improve the well-being of the communities we serve.”

Dean Ron Werner-Wilson of Montclair’s College for Community Health added, “We are committed to teaching, research and service that promotes equitable healthcare and wellbeing in New Jersey and beyond. As the Dean of the College, I am delighted that this Academic Health Department partnership with the Essex County Office of Public Health Management will enable us to join our individual commitments to public health, multiplying our impact on Essex County residents, while building our students’ skills and expertise.”

“Montclair State always has been a great partner with us and their involvement and presence in the community is second to none. Combining the talent and resources of both our institutions will enhance the outreach and service we provide to our residents, develop innovative approaches to enhance wellness and preparedness and create a pipeline to develop future public health officials,” DiVincenzo said.

“County Executive DiVincenzo understands the importance of public health and I appreciate the guidance and support he has given as we have worked to create a public health program that responds and can adapt to the needs of our diverse community. Joining with Montclair State brings two public health powerhouses together in a relationship that will benefit our residents,” said Maya Harlow, Essex County Public Health Officer and Director of the Essex County Office of Public Health Management.

The agreement formalizes an existing working relationship between the two entities and strengthens their shared commitment to serve the public, foster research initiatives and share resources when needed. By working more closely together, the County and University will be able to create a coordinated approach to preventing disease, promoting wellness and public health education and preparing for emergencies. The combination of practical experience by the County’s public health officials and academic insight from the University’s teachers and students is an opportunity to improve outcomes, create innovative approaches to promoting public health and serve as a model for community-centered public health practice.

In addition, the agreement creates a workforce development pathway for ĚÇĐÄvlog students to gain real-world, research and data analysis experience by interning with the Essex County Office of Public Health Management. Interns would be involved in data collection and analysis, assist with existing public health programs and outreach initiatives, and participate in public advocacy and emergency preparedness in cooperation with Essex County. The University would ensure students meet academic requirements and understand the health department’s policies and procedures.

The Essex County Office of Public Health Management had a major role in organizing and administering Essex County’s highly successful COVID-19 testing and vaccination program during the pandemic. Through a partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, Essex County also has established a successful mobile outreach program and student vaccination clinic initiative.

The ĚÇĐÄvlog Department of Public Health, in the College for Community Health, has worked for decades to train the public health workforce of NJ, with alumni in public health leadership roles across the state and the region, to address a wide range of public health needs. These have included responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, maternal and child health challenges in the state, tobacco and substance use reduction, and more.

Discover More at Montclair

Prospective Students and Parents:ĚýPlan your visitĚýandĚýtake your first stepĚýinĚý. Learn more about theĚýDepartment of Public HealthĚýin theĚýCollege for Community Health.
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“I couldn’t hear or see anything,” Eloy says. “I had no clue the photo was being taken. All I could feel – see, sense – was joy.”

Eloy earned herĚýMaster of Public HealthĚýdegree and works as an Assistant Community Director at the Village Apartments. Her celebration on the Prudential Center floor marked more than just the end of a degree – it was the fulfillment of years of dedication, resilience and faith.

“In that moment, all of the hard work, prayers, trials and obstacles that I had overcome were brought to remembrance. This is a celebration of the journey ahead and the many more milestones I will accomplish.”

From Graduation to Global Impact

While pursuing her MPH, Eloy interned at Be Well Women’s Health, an OBGYN practice in Northfield, New Jersey, where she connected her coursework to clinical practice.

“In my time there, I worked on cultural competency, addressing health disparities, and ensuring quality patient care,” she says.

Eloy isn’t done yet. She plans to continue her education and attend medical school – driven by a lifelong passion for health care and a desire to give back.

“I spent much of my childhood in Haiti, and over the years I’ve witnessed the challenges many face due to a lack of medical resources,” she says. “A long-term goal is to open a clinic in Haiti and provide care to those who otherwise might go without.”

As she looks ahead, Eloy says she’s more confident than ever in her calling.

“I’ve grown to see the light that shines within me, and I can’t wait to let that light shine out into the world – a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.”

This story is part of a series celebrating ĚÇĐÄvlog’s Spring Commencement 2025 graduatesĚý– students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning and contribute to the common good.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students:ĚýLearn more aboutĚýMontclair admissions, ourĚýGraduate School, and theĚýCollege for Community Health.
• Journalists:ĚýContact ourĚýMedia RelationsĚýteam to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2025.

This first-of-its-kind initiative in the state connects Montclair students with real-world public health experiences, while the Township benefits from academic research and innovative health solutions. The new Department was recently celebrated by Montclair President Jonathan Koppell, Montclair Township Mayor Renee Baskerville and other University and Township officials at an on-campus event attended by faculty, students and community partners.

Led by Montclair Township Health Officer Amy Monaco and University Department of Public Health Chairperson Lisa Lieberman, officials said they were happy to see it come to fruition.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in advancing public health education and community health initiatives,” said Koppell. “By aligning the strengths of our faculty and students with the real-world challenges faced by the Township’s Health Department, we can foster a more resilient, well-equipped public health workforce.”

Mayor Baskerville, a former physician who worked in public health, said she was thrilled to support the partnership, noting that it takes “special people” to work in the field, many of whom consider it a calling. “I’ve seen firsthand the critical role the Public Health Department plays in determining the well-being of its residents, especially those that are underserved,” she said. “I look forward to strengthening and expanding this initiative.”

How the Academic Health Department Partnership Will Work

The Academic Health Department model integrates academic research, service learning and community health efforts toĚýstrengthen both organizations’ missions. Key components include:

• Student involvement in internships, service-learning projects and research initiatives.
• Joint research activities benefiting both the University and the Township.
• Continuing education programs for Township health officials.
• Seminars, symposia, and academic conferences to advance public health knowledge.
• Exchange of research and educational materials and best practices for ongoing health improvements.

“This experience was one of the most impactful course activities in really shaping my understanding of public health work.” ~ Master of Public Heath student Bhumi Patel

Public Health Students Making a Difference

Montclair students are already engaging in vital public health work. Bhumi Patel, a Public Health graduate student, said that she and fellow students were able to work with Montclair Township on two important projects:

• Aging in Place Initiative: During her internship, Public Health student Patel worked on developed outreach materials for seniors interested in fostering pets through a Better Cities for Pets grant titled Montclair Seniors and Pets Healthy Living Initiative awarded to the Township Animal Shelter. Current intern Veronica Paniagua is creating a formal volunteer program after developing materials, doing outreach, collecting data and researching hospital volunteer programs — all with the goal of promoting the many health benefits of keeping Montclair senior citizens in their communities and homes.
• Opioid Awareness Program: Patel and her peers surveyed local businesses about opioid misuse and provided life-saving Narcan education, sharing their findings with the Montclair Health Department and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

“We were able to engage in an important public health partnership that would ensure that our data and our recommendations would be best used to benefit the community,” Patel said. “We hope that this new partnership will inspire more collaborations in the future because connecting academic institutions with local health departments is really the crux of the Academic Health Department concept, so that we can better address critical public health challenges.”

Montclair’s Growing Role in Community Health

The Academic Health Department is the latest in a series of ĚÇĐÄvlog’s collaborative partnerships with Montclair Township, including:

• The School of Nursing’s partnership with Mountainside Medical Center.
• Student volunteer projects in local food pantries, Montclair Community Farms and other non-profit organizations.
• Initiatives at the Montclair Public Library and Montclair History Center.

Koppell said that success requires broad partnerships and that “public health and health administration have been popular degrees as the sector grows, and we are responsive to what students and employers are looking for.”

Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, the partnership further solidifies the University’s role as a public-serving institution.

“Serving our students cannot stop at the campus borders,” Koppell said. “We aim to provide transformational opportunities for our students, preparing them as leaders who serve the public interest. We can help develop innovative ways to contribute to the health and well-being of New Jersey and our local communities.”

Are you a student/parent…

Interested in public health? Learn more atĚýĚýCollege for Community HealthĚýor theĚýDepartment of Public Health. Become a Red Hawk,Ěýapply now! Or submitĚýyour depositĚýtoday!

Journalist: Contact theĚýMedia Relations teamĚýfor assets or to schedule an interview.

Public Health Professor Stephanie Silvera, an epidemiologist at ĚÇĐÄvlog, explains how to stay healthy, recognize symptoms, and reduce your chances of getting sick this winter.

Vaccines Help Reduce Severe Illness

It’s easier to get vaccinated these days, as vaccines are widely available. However, while vaccines can reduce the risk of getting infected, “it’s not what they’re designed to do; their main purpose is to reduce the risk of severe illness. Severe illness is defined as sickness that requires hospitalization. “You can get COVID and feel absolutely awful and be in bed for days, but if you’re not in a hospital, that’s not a severe illness.”

Respiratory Illnesses Likely to Rise

Vaccine rates jumped during the COVID pandemic, resulting in far fewer cases of the flu, but that has since changed. Slightly more than half of New Jerseyans 6 months and older have received , according to the Center for Disease Control, down from previous years. Even fewer people are receiving a COVID booster, , according to USA Facts.

“Both flu and COVID booster rates are down,” Silvera says. “Thankfully right now, hospitalization rates are still low, but they will tick up after the holidays. It’s just a pattern we see. We need to encourage people at greater risk for severe illness to get vaccinated.” New Jersey is among 28 states where hospitalizations are expected to increase, as COVID-19 infections are “,” according to the CDC.

For older adults and people who have increased risk, however, things can be more serious. In addition, there’s been an uptick this year in the cases of walking pneumonia, particularly among young people, Silvera says. “I would like to see more people get vaccinated because you don’t know which one is going to get you.” This is especially important for those at increased risk for severe illness (people 60 years or older, who have asthma, diabetes, are undergoing cancer treatment, and smokers, for example) or for those who live with someone who is.”

Feeling Sick? Know the Symptoms

Knowing the distinct symptoms of colds, flu and COVID-19 can help people get tested and seek treatment quickly. Silvera breaks down the differences between common respiratory illnesses and how to identify them:

Cold and RSV

• Runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and sore throat
• Gradual onset with no fever or deep fatigue

Flu

• Symptoms resemble a cold but hit quickly
• High fever, extreme fatigue, and possible shortness of breath

Walking Pneumonia

• Cold-like symptoms that persist
• Respiratory distress may develop

COVID-19
Flu-like symptoms with added:

• Loss of taste or smell
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Potential gastrointestinal distress

Silvera says it’s possible that many healthy adults have had RSV. “It’s very common but we don’t know it because we typically go, ‘Oh, it’s probably just a cold,’ and for the average person who’s not at increased risk, it probably feels like a really bad cold, and then you get over it.”

What to Do If You Get Sick

See a Doctor Early

• “If you can, see a healthcare provider and get tested so that you can get treatment,” Silvera advises.
• Antivirals like Paxlovid (for COVID) and others for flu are most effective within 24 to 48 hours.

Stay Home and Isolate

• Avoid work, school, and gatherings to prevent spreading illness.
• If you must interact with vulnerable people, wear a mask.“Masks are effective to prevent the spread of disease; they will reduce your risk but they’re better at reducing the risk of spreading what you have to others.

Be Compassionate

• Silvera advises students who may return to multi-generational homes during the holidays to get tested and take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of harming loved ones, such as infants and older adults. In short, she advises: “Be compassionate and caring for people who may be at greater risk than you are.”

Top Tips for Staying Healthy This Winter

Silvera suggests being mindful of crowds and clean air to avoid respiratory illnesses. “If we had high-grade, hospital-quality HEPA filters everywhere, that would dramatically reduce the risk,” she says, “but there are ways to manage without.”

Here, Silvera shares tips for a sick-free winter:

Get Vaccinated

• Vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV are essential, especially for high-risk individuals (60+ years, smokers, diabetics, or those with asthma).
• When to get vaccinated: Peak months for these illnesses are December to February but Silvera says it’s never too late to get vaccinated. Vaccines take two weeks to offer full protection.

Wear a Mask, Respect Others

• KN-95 masks still are the most effective at preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Silvera says to be mindful of others wearing masks, even if you opt not to, as people’s medical situations and needs vary.

Improve Air Circulation

• Use HEPA air purifiers or slightly open windows to reduce shared air particles. “That’s going to reduce the risk of inhaling other people’s exhaled particles,” Silvera explains.

Practice Good Hygiene

• Wash hands frequently
• Sneeze into your elbow, and maintain healthy habits:
• Manage Stress – Reducing stress — through physical activity, alone time or rest —can help support the immune system.

Take Care of Yourself — and Others

In a country where many lack paid sick leave, people often work while sick, spreading illness unintentionally. Silvera urges: “When you’re sick, the key is how to not spread it to others. We need to care about the impact we have on others. If we figure that out, we’ll be a healthier population overall.”

Stay vigilant, stay compassionate and prioritize health this winter.

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Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about Public Health or other programs in the College for Community Health or plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Journalist? Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with the researcher about this topic. See more Faculty Experts and hi-res media assets available for download.

Maternal health statistics

• With the in the country, New Jersey has placed a growing emphasis on maternal health.
• The numbers are higher for Black women who are three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related complications.
• Up to 60 percent of these deaths are preventable, according to national data, says Montclair’s Assistant Director for Maternal-Infant Health Policy Jill Wodnick.

What Montclair experts say about maternal health

“The state of maternal health is in desperate need of transformation,” says Wodnick, a perinatal educator and doula mentor at Montclair and former member of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women’s Global Prenatal Initiative.

Whether looking at maternal morbidity and mortality rates or how many infants survive until their first birthday, “all of those indicators that are used by the CDC [Center for Disease Control] that are used by federal and state governments, the indicators for consumers show that maternity care is inequitable, unjust and unsafe.”

“Maternal health requires bigger structural changes that allow early, consistent access to prenatal care.”

–Stephanie Silvera, Professor, Department of Public Health

As a member of various federal and state task forces, Wodnick says she is fortunate to work on systems to improve maternity care in New Jersey. “Montclair brings to the table a diverse, inclusive, incredibly interdisciplinary approach to complex issues that we can’t be reductionist about, that we have to be thoughtful, intentional and collaborative about.”

Taking action on maternal and child health issues

To that end, Montclair’s Department of Public Health, part of the College for Community Health, has created the PHAST-Track Institute to focus on “building and supporting public health workforce capacity and capability.” PHAST stands for Public Health Advancement, Scholarship and Training.

Public Health Professor Stephanie Silvera is interviewed by NJ Spotlight News. (Photo by Erika Bleiberg)

The brainchild of Public Health Professor Stephanie Silvera, the Institute held its first conference this summer, convening state and community partners to discuss maternal and child health.

Such collaboration between institutions, community organizations, and professionals to address maternal and child health issues are necessary, says Silvera, adding that a more diverse healthcare workforce can better serve underserved communities, which is key to addressing health disparities. While the state now requires implicit bias training for all maternal healthcare workers, she says there’s more work to be done.

Among the topics covered during the Institute’s conference were bias training for health care workers, developed by the State’s Department of Health, and the role of fathers in maternal and child health outcomes.

Another benefit of working with community partners, Silvera says, is creating research, internship and employment opportunities for Montclair undergraduate and graduate students.

Workforce development for professionals will continue to be the focus of the PHAST-Track Institute, which will address an array of other critical public health topics, according to Professor and Chair of the Department of Public Health Lisa Lieberman.

As part of the PHAST-Track Institute, Montclair will offer asynchronous courses to those in the healthcare workforce. Silvera says she’s excited about making the courses accessible to people who have not had an opportunity to obtain a college degree.

I’m a ______, tell me more…

Prospective Student / Parent: Learn more about Public Health and other health programs, plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Media: Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with our public health experts about this topic. See more Faculty Experts and hi-res media assets available for download.

Last year, the American Library Association documented nearly 730 attempts to censor library resources, targeting nearly 1,600 books. That’s the highest number of banning attempts since the organization began compiling records 20 years ago.

Dr. Eva Goldfarb, Professor in the Public Health Department, argues for access to books for children. She stated it’s important to examine where young children are getting their information about sex and sexuality, noting the internet, television, and peers are common sources.

“There is so much in culture that is teaching our young children about sex and sexuality, and I would argue, not necessarily in a healthy way,” Dr. Goldfarb said.

Dr. Goldfarb said when parents and educators don’t teach or talk about aspects of sex education — like anatomy, healthy relationships, and setting boundaries — it creates a culture of silence.

And she said that taboo and the shame that comes with it can harm children more than it can protect them.

“By taking books off shelves, and curriculum out of schools, you’re basically leaving it up to culture at large for kids to learn things,” Goldfarb said. “And it can lead to so much more confusion.”

It was Islas’ mother who told her to go for it. “She always tells me, ‘You don’t have anything to lose; don’t count yourself out,’” the sophomore says.

Worried that previous scholars were mostly science majors, Yaire Hernandez, a junior Public Health major, also was hesitant and applied only a couple of weeks before the deadline, at the urging of her Public Health professor, Amanda Birnbaum. “She was very excited, and she thought I was a perfect candidate for it,” Hernandez says. Although prior winners appeared to be “lab-based majors” and Hernandez had no lab experience, she says she decided to “give it a shot.”

It was the first time each student had ever applied for a scholarship – and it paid off in a big way.

Both Islas and Hernandez, along with four other fellow Red Hawks, were namedĚý, earning the University the largest number of scholarship winners in its first year of participating in the program. The Montclair six are among 30 scholars selected from across the country. In addition to Islas and Hernandez, they include: Kenneth Mosquera-Reinoso, a senior Biochemistry major; Jeffrey Yumbla, a sophomore Biochemistry major; Melissa Spigelman, a junior Molecular Biology major; and Lizet Negrete, a senior Public Health major. Additionally, Islas, Mosquera-Reinoso and Yumbla areĚýHealth Careers ProgramĚýstudents.

“It’s a very competitive program. I was excited when Montclair came on board, and the scholars that were chosen are just top notch,” says Mitzi Cardona, AHA’s portfolio advisor – Collegiate Diversity Partnerships – Hispanic Serving Institutions. “All of these scholars truly represent Montclair in such an amazing way, and it’s such a privilege for us to have them join our program because they’re inspiring other scholars across the nation.”

Spigelman, in particular, has taken a leadership role, Cardona says: “When I think of a leader in the pack, I always think of Melissa.”

TheĚýĚýis in its second year. Funded by Secaucus-based Quest DiagnosticsÂŽ, the program works with 18 Hispanic-serving colleges and universities in Los Angeles, Puerto Rico, Miami, Houston, Chicago, New York and now New Jersey (a William Paterson University student also was named a Scholar). AHA also offers other programs, including one working with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“The intent for this program was to develop a pipeline of Latino/Hispanic students in the science fields and in the healthcare workforce,” Cardona says. “We know that as they prepare to be future physicians, nurses, researchers, healthcare administrators and public health professionals, this program will help build their professional skills.”

She and Katia Paz Goldfarb, associate provost for Hispanic Initiatives and International Programs, credit Provost and Senior Vice President Junius Gonzales for bringing the AHA opportunity to Montclair. Calling it a “perfect partnership,” Cardona says Gonzales “was totally on board with exposing this opportunity to his students.”

Paz Goldfarb says: “It is always incredible when you can bring another wonderful and paid resource to our students. In our first year, we are the single-most represented with six Hispanic Scholars. This is another way that ĚÇĐÄvlog, the largestĚýHSI in New Jersey, is being recognized at the national level.”

The program provides students with an academic year of scientific research experience, professional mentoring, leadership skills workshops and cultural competency training, Cardona says. Each student receives a $7,000 scholarship and an all-expenses paid trip to the Association’s annual conference in Chicago next month, where they will participate in scientific sessions and network with top physicians and researchers from across the country. In the spring, the scholars will present their research findings at a research symposium on the Montclair campus, where more than 100 students from AHA’s various scholarship programs will gather. The students also will receive a medallion during a ceremony celebrating their achievements.

Aside from Montclair’s “amazing campus,” Cardona says she selected the University as the location for this year’s research symposium because the “team at Montclair are just incredible partners; the genuine sincerity of helping their students blew me away, and I wanted all of our scholars to feel and experience that. Beyond what they’re learning in their classroom studies, there’s something to say about powerful connections and networking – and that’s key to their success.”

Scholars’ projects

Each student is assigned a mentor who will oversee their research project. Mosquera-Reinoso’s research involves studying the cytochrome P450 enzyme, which metabolizes drugs, such as antibiotics, and other compounds that enter the body.

“We are trying to understand more about the chemistry and the interaction between the substrate and the enzyme,” he explains, “and more specifically, I’m crystallizing my protein and getting a crystal picture of it.”Ěý He says he’s excited about continuing his research during his final year at Montclair; his mentor is Chemistry and Biochemistry Associate Professor Jaclyn Catalano.

In addition to his studies and research project, Mosquera-Reinoso is involved in the Health Careers Program and serves as president of the Medical Community Assistance Club, the pre-med club on campus. In his role as president, he invites physicians, Montclair alumni and medical school admissions staff to serve on panels and speak to students. He also holds down two jobs, as a building manager at the Student Center and as a medical scribe at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck.

Mosquera-Reinoso hopes to attend medical school and while he has an interest in oncology, he has yet to decide on a specialty. Although he’s previously won scholarships, he says he’ll likely use the AHA HSI award to help pay for his continued education.

The Biochemistry major, who is Ecuadorian and has been in the United States for only five years, says he’s not traveled much and is eager to attend the AHA conference. “I’m excited to go to Chicago,” he says, smiling. “It’s far enough away that I can fly.”

Hernandez also is excited about traveling to the Windy City. For her project, she is conducting community-based research, something she wrote about in her scholarship essay. She is studying the shopping habits of minority shoppers when given the opportunity to shop at grocery stores that carry organic produce and other products versus their local grocers. Shoppers will be provided gift cards to shop. Her project mentor is Public Health Professor Stephanie Silvera.

“There’re a lot of factors and social determinants of health that we study in Public Health,” Hernandez says. “What you eat determines your health in many ways.”

Hernandez says she hopes to work for a nonprofit after she graduates. “I really just want to give back to communities,” she says, adding that as a child growing up in Morristown, New Jersey, she took advantage of various youth programs. As a result, she would like to create programs that benefit young children.

She says she will reinvest her scholarship award into her education.

“I’m really grateful for this opportunity, and I’m very excited about this scholarship and to see what opportunities it brings,” Hernandez says.

Islas, who is Mexican American, says she was shocked to learn that she’d been named an HSI Scholar. “My mom was really proud of me,” she says of her biggest supporter. “It was a really great feeling.”

The sophomore is joining fellow HSI Scholar Melissa Spigelman on her project working with zebrafish under the guidance of Biology Professor Carlos Molina. “We will be breeding transgenic zebrafish to create another generation in which we will measure any changes in their ovulation,” she says.

Islas says during her freshman year working in a lab, she found she has a passion for research. “I like working with the micropipettes and the glassware, and recording data and finding conclusions,” she says. “So, when this program connected me with a researcher and a mentor, it was a perfect fit.”

Molina, who has been overseeing Spigelman’s research, says he’s happy Islas has joined his lab and hopes she’ll stay to continue working on the project, which uses fish as a model to study both female and male reproduction.

Aside from her goal of being a health professional, Islas says she’s interested in cancer research.

“This is a field that I never really thought I would get into but I’m so grateful that I am because I’m learning new things that I can apply in my classes later on when I go into more advanced courses,” she says. “It’s such a great opportunity.”

She is eager to attend the AHA conference. “I’ve never been to Chicago. I’m so excited. I got a window seat, and I’m very happy.”

Story by Staff WriterĚýSylvia A. Martinez. Photos by University PhotographerĚýMike Peters.