12/02/2025
"Contemporary Health Issues in South Florida" (BPH 419), taught by Dr. Tatiana Perrino, gives undergrad
, , and majors an in-depth look at public health topics relevant to communities in South Florida. "The hands-on experiences really deepen learning and show students their work can make a difference," said Dr. Perrino.
Last month, she presented a poster built on analyses her students conducted as part of class assignments at the conference in Washington, D.C. Five students served as her co-authors.
Two of those students, Caitlyn Fernandes (nursing) and Sofia Tapanes (health science), went on to present their poster, "Mapping social determinants of health to effectively inform community health services," at GIS Day 2025 Digital Exhibit and Poster Competition, recently hosted by University of Miami College of Arts & Sciences Department of Geography and Sustainable Development.
"The objective of the analyses was to identify neighborhoods with low health insurance and poor health indicators to help community health organizations direct health services to highest-need neighborhoods," said Dr. Perrino. "Students had a chance to dialogue with local community health providers about the challenges they face serving all people in need."
Pictured, from left: Caitlyn and Sofia at GIS Day, flanked by their faculty collaborators Dr. Larissa Montas Bravo (University of Miami Libraries) and Dr. Perrino.
American Public Health Association
University of Miami
