UTA students to assist COVID-19 case investigations
A group of public health students and recent graduates from The University of Texas at Arlington will volunteer this summer to aid Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) with COVID-19 case investigations, contact tracing and data entry.
Erin Carlson, director of UTA’s graduate public health programs, is leading the University’s effort. Carlson reached out to TCPH after she and her students evaluated the needs of local public health organizations and how UTA could assist.
“I knew our students would be eager to put their skills to use during this unprecedented situation,” said Carlson, who is also an associate clinical professor in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation.
UTA’s public health students are equipped with scientific and population-health knowledge in the five core areas of public health: biostatistics, epidemiology, social and behavioral population health, health policy and administration, and environmental health sciences.
UTA students will receive training in data collection and contact tracing investigation methods already in place at TCPH, Carlson said.
“This will be the first time our students will apply their knowledge on a developing real-world scenario,” Carlson said. “We are confident our students are more than ready to step up to the challenge.”
Berford Moncriffe, Master of Public Health student, was one of the students who showed initial interest in the opportunity.
“I was thrilled for the opportunity to be at the forefront of this crisis,” Moncriffe said. “My peers and I are in a unique situation that will hopefully allow us to make a difference in our community and save lives even before receiving our degrees.”
Kayla Demiar (’20 BS, Public Health) said her UTA education has given her the knowledge and tools to participate.
“Being able to work in this field immediately after graduation is a privilege,” she said.
Carlson said UTA’s public health program exists in part to serve community needs in North Texas.
“It's fitting that we would have such amazing students willing to do whatever it takes to aid the community during a time of need,” Carlson said. “That’s the essence of public health. That drive, eagerness and dedication is truly inspiring.”