MPH Alums: Where Are They Now?
A select group of our Epidemiology MPH alumni share about their accomplishments since graduation and what they gained from the program.
Eduardo Villoch III
Graduated: Spring 2021
Infection Prevention & Control Officer, Southern Healthcare Management
Eduardo Villoch III graduated with his MPH in Epidemiology in the Spring of 2021. Currently, he works as an Infection Prevention Specialist at Duke University Hospital. This role has allowed him to be at the forefront of emergent outbreak responses and planning, analyze and present data to peers and hospital system leaders, review and develop hospital guidelines and publish research in peer-reviewed academic journals. About his time at Stempel College, he shared, it "helped introduce me to important epidemiology concepts I use in my job every day, such as contact tracing, principles of infection spread and control, assessing the function of a public health program, and effective public health communication with other experts and non-experts."
Kamelah T. Jones
Graduated: 2021
STD Epidemiologist, Florida Department of Health, Miami-Dade County
After obtaining her MPH in Infectious Disease Epidemiology from Stempel College in 2021, Kamelah transitioned in 2024 to become the Lead Epidemiologist for FDOH Osceola County. Her trajectory into this leadership role was forged by a formidable background, including her work as a post-grad research assistant with the FIU Community-Based Research Institute (CBRI), two years leading innovative STD prevention projects with FDOH Miami-Dade County and her frontline experience as a COVID-19 emergency response professional. In her current capacity, she ensures rigorous data integrity and quality control to meet state reporting standards, managing surveillance for over 100 reportable infectious conditions while safeguarding both local residents and the millions of tourists who visit the region’s amusement parks. Her tenure has already been marked by the successful identification of two major outbreaks, including a significant foodborne illness that impacted two counties.
Laura Huertas
Graduated: 2022
Biostatistician, Bascom Palmer, University of Miami
Laura Huertas graduated with her MPH in Epidemiology in 2022. While at Stempel College, she had the opportunity to take comprehensive classes in other areas of public health, which allowed her to graduate as a well-rounded epidemiologist with a diverse set of skills. As a result, she is able to hold a biostatistician position, where her main responsibilities are to consult with study investigators at Bascom Palmer and to conduct and interpret statistical analyses for progress reports, presentations and publications.
Nickolas Valencia
Graduated: 2022
Health Care-associated Infections (HAI) Epidemiologist, Florida Department of Health
Nico graduated with his MPH in Epidemiology in 2022. Currently, he works at the Florida Department of Health as a Health Care - associated Infections (HAI) Epidemiologist. In his role, he assists health care facilities with infection control assessment and responses (ICARs), multi drug-resistant organism (MDRO) case investigations, and supports the best infection prevention and control practices as per their setting type. About his time at Stempel College, he shared, this "program prepared me for my profession by exposing me to an array of subject matter experts and a multitude of diverse public health perspectives — whether from my peers or professors. From biostatistics to health equity, I was able to obtain so many valuable skills that are applicable to my current role; on that note, the practicum opportunity was truly life-changing. The program gave me the courage and skill set to enter the field of infection prevention. Additionally, by virtue of my practicum and the encouragement of my professors, I was given research experience as well. In my current field, critical thinking, research, diverse public health perspectives, and networking are important for success. I wholeheartedly believe that the MPH program gave me those tools."
Nikki Chuck
Graduated: 2014
Senior Health Educator, Florida Department of Health, Miami-Dade County
Nikki Chuck graduated from Stempel College with her MPH in Epidemiology in 2014. She previously served as a Senior Health Educator at the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County for 7 years, where her role included community outreach, health education, grant reporting and building community partnerships to strengthen support for multiple health initiatives through the Florida Department of Health and the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade. She currently serves as a Special Projects Administrator with the Resilience Division at the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department. She assists the Chief Resilience and Sustainability Officer with managing the Department’s grant portfolio consisting of funding for septic-to-sewer conversion projects, sewer expansion projects and hazard mitigation projects, all aimed at improving the health, safety and efficiency of the delivery of water and wastewater services provided to all county residents and visitors. "This program prepared me for my current and past roles by equipping me with the knowledge, resources, and skills necessary to fulfill my duties as a public health professional. It has allowed me to understand the importance of data analysis, community health assessments, and delivering essential services by ensuring funding opportunities are allocated to initiatives that support areas and populations that are the most vulnerable and underserved,” Nikki shared.