U-SEEE is pleased to announce the selection of  Ryan Newkirk, MPH, as our second U-SEEE Fellow

Initial award period: August 17, 2009-August 16, 2010

Ryan is a third-year PhD student in Epidemiology at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. Ryan earned his MPH with an Epidemiology concentration at the Saint Louis University School of Public Health in 2003. Prior to coming to the University of Minnesota, Ryan served as Director of Evaluation Research and Research Coordinator at the Heartland Center for Public Health Preparedness, where he managed evaluation for bioterrorism and pandemic influenza simulations, Public Health Leadership Institutes, HRSA Advanced Disaster Life Support Curriculum, and other education and training programs, as well as creating and overseeing preparedness education and training activities. Also at Saint Louis University, Ryan served as Research Coordinator/West Nile Study Director at the Centers for the Study of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infections. Ryan currently serves as a Graduate Assistant at the National Center for Food Protection and Defense at the University of Minnesota, and conducts research on foodborne disease outbreaks, intentional contamination events, and risk assessments. In the context of his work in St. Louis and at the University of Minnesota, Ryan has given presentations to various professional, academic, and student audiences.

As a U-SEEE Fellow, Ryan will engage in research and fieldwork around the food and public health systems, including system vulnerabilities and related education and training opportunities. He will also assist with teaching at the 2010 Public Health Institute and other courses during the academic year.