Alumni Spotlight

Erin Vinoski Thomas

Graduation Year: 2019

What was your research focus during the program?

Body image and chronic disease prevention among women with and without diabetes

Current position, place of employment, and brief description of role?

I am an Assistant Professor of Research and the Director of Health and Wellness at the Center for Leadership in Disability a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities situated within the school of Public Health at Georgia State University.

In my current role, I am responsible for developing and directing research and community-based projects that advance the health and wellness of individuals with disabilities and their families. Beginning in Spring 2020, I will teach in the undergraduate public health program. 

What was the most important/valuable thing you learned during your doctoral program?

It’s so important to surround yourself, personally and professionally, with people who share your values and support you in achieving your goals.​

What is your favorite memory of being a doctoral student?

I had the privilege of traveling to London in June 2016 to present at the Appearance Matters conference. I travelled with a friend from the Health Psychology program and was able to meet some of my “academic heroes” from all over the world.

What was your favorite professor or class? Why?

Measurement and Scales with Dr. Reeve was one of my favorites. I draw from the knowledge I gained in that class almost every day. I also loved the Teach Seminar with Dr. Huber. She provided valuable information on tenure and promotion, grantsmanship, course buyouts, etc. – all the things faculty are expected to know that no one ever really explains. 

Do you have any advice for current doctoral students in the program?

Engage in work that you’re proud of and enjoy the process!

What is a fun fact about you?

I have been a dancer for almost 30 years and still take classes often. I also love to bake and have been quite successful in bribing my new colleagues with baked goods. 

Kenesha Smith Barber

Graduation Year: 2019

What was your research focus during the program?

The association between preterm birth and parent health outcomes (both mental and physical)

Current position, place of employment, and brief description of role?

VA PRAMS Coordinator and Epidemiologist at the Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, VA. Primary duties include serving as a liaison between the CDC and VDH to ensure continuation of the PRAMS project in Virginia as well as assessing and monitoring current program utilization, PRAMS sampling, analysis, and reporting, and evaluating the effectiveness of program activities to increase pregnancy intention across women of reproductive age and improve reproductive and perinatal health outcomes.

What was the most important/valuable thing you learned during your doctoral program?

The most important thing I learned was the value of collaboration, which is extremely important in my current line of work. As a research assistant, I collaborated with professors to successfully complete manuscripts and other projects and I am using the skills and lessons learned from those experiences to this day.​

What is your favorite memory of being a doctoral student?

I have so many memories from the doctoral program but my favoties were all of the times when students and professors were able to get together outside of the University, whether that be at a happy hour or an impromptu coffee break. I enjoyed working with and getting to know fellow students and professors.

What was your favorite professor or class? Why?

My favorite course was the teaching portfolio class taught by Dr. Huber. As a research assistant, I did not have a chance to teach undergraduate students, so the fact this course offered us a chance to learn more about being a professor and even to teach students was invaluable. I still tweak and use parts of my final portfolio for employment opportunities today. 

Do you have any advice for current doctoral students in the program?

My advice to current and future students would be to select a topic you are passionate about and use it in every class or project you possibly can. You would be surprised how helpful coursework can be to begin and successfully complete your disseration. 

What is a fun fact about you?

I became a Dr., a Mrs., and a new dog mommy all within two months in 2019!