ASU assistant professor recognized as public health leader by prominent community foundation

July 31, 2019

A leading nonprofit public health organization has named College of Health Solutions Assistant Professor Mac McCullough a 40 Under 40 Public Health Leader for 2019.

The de Beaumont Foundation annually recognizes public health professionals under the age of 40 who both improve the health of their communities and advance the field of public health. Founded in 1998 by inventor and philanthropist Pierre de Beaumont, the organization invests in innovative programs that create healthier communities nationwide. Mac McCullough, assistant professor in the College of Health Solutions. Download Full Image

McCullough researches public health and social services spending, analyzing and quantifying its effect on population health. In a recent study for AcademyHealth and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), for example, he found that $10 in public health spending can reduce infectious disease by 7% and premature death by 1.5% in the general population.

In addition to research and teaching, McCullough serves as deputy director of the National Safety Net Advancement Center, an RWJF-funded initiative located within the College of Health Solutions. The center works with public health safety net organizations such as Medicaid to research and implement more effective payment and delivery methods for a wide range of public health services, including oral health care and addiction intervention.

McCullough is also a health economist for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

“This prestigious award reflects the tremendous contributions Dr. McCullough has made toward improving population health through translational research,” said William Riley, a College of Health Solutions professor and director of the National Safety Net Advancement Center. “We are very fortunate to have a person of his stature and accomplishment in the science of health care delivery program.”

Kelly Krause

Media and communications manager, College of Health Solutions

Kelly.Krause@asu.edu

ASU student finds community with global security degree

July 31, 2019

When Alison Rohrer graduated from Towson University Honors College in 2018 a semester early she realized she wanted to keep her momentum. With bachelor's degrees in psychology and sociology-anthropology, Rohrer began looking at programs that would let her start in January.

Rohrer was familiar with Arizona State University: She toured the Tempe campus in March 2018. Upon researching ASU’s graduate programs, she found the Master of Arts in global security — an online degree in the School of Politics and Global Studies supported by the Center on the Future of War. The program accepts applications in both fall and spring semesters — perfect timing for Rohrer. Alison Rohrer. Download Full Image

Aside from the perk of a rolling start date, the MA in global security’s online component and courses drew her attention.

“The courses offered are not only interesting and challenging topics, but also match what I will need in my future career,” Rohrer said. “The online flexibility allows me to pursue my career without giving up my education.”

Since starting the program in spring 2019, Rohrer believes her critical thinking and writing skills have significantly improved. Unexpectedly, she has also learned a lot of history while covering topics such as climate change, technological innovation and war strategy. However, Rohrer is most passionate about the global security concepts that allow her to apply her psychological and sociological background.

Although she expects her education to help prepare her for her future, Rohrer shared that her peers and professors have provided support as well.

In January, after just starting the program, Rohrer sought guidance prior to an interview with the Air Force.

“My fellow classmates online had all been through similar processes and gave me amazing advice, support and confidence before and after my interview,” Rohrer said.

This past April, she found herself back in Arizona and reached out to the school to see if she could stop by and meet some of her professors. In Coor Hall she met with Jeffrey Kubiak, co-director of the program, as well as visiting faculty affiliates. Rohrer said she was “shocked and grateful” that the MA in global security community has welcomed her so quickly.

“(It) is truly a community. The professors, advisers and peers are all committed to this program and want to see it and each other succeed.”