Department of Health
Master of Public Health
Dr. Lynn Carson
College of Health Sciences
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2138
lcarson@wcupa.edu
MPH Faculty
| Name | Phone Number | Sturzebecker Office | |
| Debra Bill | 610-436-6941 | dbill@wcupa.edu | 302 |
| James Brenner | 610-436-3357 | jbrenner@wcupa.edu | 302 |
| Lynn Carson | 610-436-2138 | lcarson@wcupa.edu | 304 |
| Bethann Cinelli | 610-436-2931 | bcinelli@wcupa.edu | 207 |
| David Delgado | 610-436-2289 | ddelgado@wcupa.edu | 209 |
| Tanya Gatenby | 610-436-2113 | tgatenby@wcupa.edu | 312 |
| Mary Beth Gilboy | 610-738-0559 | mgilboy@wcupa.edu | 319 |
| Lynne Hamelton | 610-436-2142 | lhamelton@wcupa.edu | 308 |
| Jeffrey Harris | 610-436-2655 | jharris@wcupa.edu | 213 |
| Christine Karpinski | 610-430-4406 | ckarpinski@wcupa.edu | 303 |
| Robin Leonard | 610-738-0557 | rleonard@wcupa.edu | 315 |
| Donald McCown | 610-436-2267 | dmccown@wcupa.edu | 211 |
| Stacie Metz | 610-436-2101 | smetz@wcupa.edu | 317 |
| Lynn Monahan | 610-738-3897 | lmonahan@wcupa.edu | 319 |
| Gina Pazzaglia | 610-436-2483 | gpazzaglia@wcupa.edu | 303 |
| Gopal Sankaran | 610-436-2300 | gsankaran@wcupa.edu | 317 |
| Maura Sheehan | 610-436-2623 | msheehan@wcupa.edu | 308 |
| Charles Shorten | 610-436-2360 | cshorten@wcupa.edu | 209 |
| Sandra Walz | 610-436-3113 | swalz@wcupa.edu | 312 |
| Christine Williams | 610-436-2295 | cwilliams3@wcupa.edu | 315 |
Faculty Profile: James W. Brenner, PhD, CHES, ATC
Education: Ph.D., Health Studies, Temple University, 2004
M.Ed., Health Education, College of New Jersey, 1990
B.S., Athletic Training, minor: Health Science, West Chester University, 1989
Biography: Jim Brenner joined the Department of Health faculty as an adjunct instructor in 2002 and then as an Assistant Professor in 2004. He is currently at the Associate Professor rank. Prior to WCU, he has taught at Temple University, Arcadia University, and Westtown School. Before that he was an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Princeton University for six years.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Brenner helps coordinate the WCU Partners in Prevention (PIP) program which assists faculty, staff, and students identify alcohol and other drug problems, how to discuss these with someone they care about, and where to find resources for further support. PIP has been in existence since 2003. He is the program director and advisor for the Health Science General undergraduate program and part of the Health Education faculty. Dr. Brenner serves the MPH Program as the Poster session organizer, which is held three times a year.
Research interests: Dr. Brenner’s research pursuits include Health Education pedagogy; college student AOD prevention; and alcohol use among college athletes. He has numerous publications, grants, and symposia presentations in these three areas.
MPH Courses taught: HEA623 Substance Abuse Prevention
Faculty Profile: Mary Beth Gilboy, PhD, MPH, RD, LDN
Education: PhD Health Education, Temple University, 1993
MPH Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 1979
BS Nutrition & Dietetics, Marywood University, 1976
Biography: Dr. Gilboy started at West Chester University, Department of Health, Nutrition Program as a full time adjunct faculty member in 2005. In 2007, Dr. Gilboy joined the faculty as Assistant Professor in the Department of Health. Prior to West Chester University, Dr. Gilboy was an assistant professor and curriculum coordinator for culture, science and technology at the Community College of Philadelphia. Prior to working as an educator, Dr. Gilboy was a public health nutritionist for the National Health Service Corp. She currently teaches in the undergraduate Nutrition & Dietetics Program and is nutrition track coordinator and teaches in the MPH program. Her primary teaching areas are community and public health nutrition and nutrition education.
Dr. Gilboy is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association and a licensed dietitian/nutritionist in Pennsylvania. She is an active member of the American Dietetic Association and the Society for Nutrition Education and its local affiliate, the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Society for Nutrition Education (DVCSNE). Dr. Gilboy has been a board member of DVCSNE for several years.
Research interests: Dr. Gilboy’s research interests are in service learning and dietetics education, public policy and community nutrition education. She is currently working with Dr. Debra Bill on nutrition projects in the Hispanic community.
MPH Courses taught: NTD 515 Public Health Nutrition, NTD 504 Nutrition Education K through 12
Faculty Profile: Jeffrey E. Harris, DrPH, MPH, RD, LDN
Education: DrPH in Preventive Care, Loma Linda University
MPH in Nutrition, Loma Linda University
MPH in Health Education, Loma Linda University
BA in Biology, University of California
Biography: Upon completion of his doctorate Dr. Harris completed a year-long postdoctoral fellowship in addictive disorders at Loma Linda University School of Public Health. In 1983, following this experience, Jeff began his career at West Chester University. He has been a faculty member for 27 years. During his time at WCU Jeff has specialized in nutrition and dietetics, obesity, stress management, biostatistics, and community health. He developed the nutrition and dietetics program and is currently director. Dr. Harris has served on numerous committees at the departmental, college, and university level, with a long tenure on the Curriculum and Academic Policies Committee. Jeff has been the campus advisor for the Student Dietetic Association, Young Life, and Campus Crusade for Christ. He has published numerous articles and book chapters on subjects as diverse as global obesity and research education in dietetics. Jeff has served as a reviewer of dietetics programs for accreditation and on an NIH Committee on childhood obesity. For approximately 13 years Dr. Harris has been a research consultant a Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Finally, Jeff had his own nutrition counseling practice for 13 years.
Research interests: Dr. Harris’ currently is conducting research in research education in dietetics and nutrition education in medical school.
MPH Courses taught: HEA 526 Biostatistics for Public Health; NTD 520 Perspectives on Obesity; HEA 511 Stress Management Techniques
Faculty Profile: Christine Karpinski, PhD, MA, RD, CSSD, LDN
Education: PhD Health Sciences - Nutrition, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, Doctoral Candidate
MA Nutrition Education, Immaculata University, 1997
BS Exercise Science, West Chester University, 1989
Biography: Christine Karpinski joined the faculty in the tenure-track in the Department of Health as an Instructor in 2010 after teaching as a full-time adjunct at WCU for 5 years. Prior to accepting her current position, she owned a private practice specializing in sports nutrition, which included counseling individuals on nutrition and fitness, team talks and public speaking engagements, and consulting with corporate wellness organizations. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate public health courses, with primary MPH teaching responsibilities in nutritional assessment.
Chris has authored and co-authored various peer-reviewed articles and presented at state and regional conferences. She also works with the WCU Athletics program, giving team talks and individualized counseling. She is currently a member of the American Dietetic Association, the Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness dietetic practice group, the Nutrition Educators of Health Professionals, and the American College of Sports Medicine.
Chris enjoys gardening, hiking, biking, golf, working out, and watching all types of sports.
Research interests: Her research interests include sports nutrition, cultural competency, and the impact of nutrition and exercise on public health. Her dissertation research involves assessing the impact of an Internet-based nutrition education program on the nutrition knowledge, dietary practices, and self-efficacy of collegiate athletes.
MPH Courses taught: HEA610 Nutritional Assessment
Faculty Profile: Stacie Metz, PhD, MPH, MSW, MA
Education: PhD Public Health/Health Services Research, Saint Louis University, 2006
MPH Public Health, Concentration in Community Health, Saint Louis University, 2004
MSW Social Work, Concentration in Health, Saint Louis University, 2004
MA Experimental Psychology, Concentration in Neuropsychology, Towson University, 1998
BA Psychology, Bloomsburg University, 1995
Biography: Dr. Stacie Metz joined the faculty in the Department of Health as an Assistant Professor in 2006 after completing her doctorate in Health Services Research from Saint Louis University. Prior to accepting her current position, she worked as a program evaluation consultant at the CORE Foundation in Chicago, IL and a data manager and statistical analyst for a variety of chronic disease and community health projects. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate public health courses, with primary MPH teaching responsibilities in biostatistics, research methods, and health/mental health program evaluation.
In addition to her appointment at the Department of Health, she served as a quality improvement evaluation consultant for the Brandywine Health Foundation in Coatesville, PA, evaluated the pilot BREATHE program with Dr. Patricia Broderick, and continues to work on several other collaborative manuscripts. Dr. Metz has authored and co-authored various peer-reviewed articles and presented at international conferences. She is currently a member of the American Public Health Association, International Society for Quality of Life Research, and American Evaluation Association.
Research interests: Her research interests include the interpretation and practice implications of health-related quality of life for persons living with chronic health conditions, health/mental health program design and evaluation, and application of mixed design research methodology and advanced statistical modeling techniques. Topics of special interest include adolescent mental health, sexually transmitted infections in young adult populations, and chronic health program/treatment evaluation.
MPH Courses taught: HEA526 Biostatistics for Public Health, HEA538 Evaluation of Health Programs, HEA581 Special Topics: Advanced Biostatistical Methods, HEA550 Evidence-Based Medicine/Public Health, HEA648 Research Methods
Faculty Profile: Dr. Charles Shorten
Education: Ph.D., Environmental Systems Engineering, 1989, Clemson University
M.S., Environmental Science & Engineering, 1983, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
B.S., Biology, 1979, Virginia Polytechnic Institute State University
Biography: Dr. Shorten has directed Master's thesis research for several students, the results of which have been both published and presented before national audiences such as the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and the Environmental Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society. He is currently the Vice-President of the Hudson-Delaware Chapter of SETAC.
Dr. Shorten's primary area of expertise is the assessment of the fate and transport of environmental contaminants. Recent publications in this area have focused on sampling methodologies and artifacts. His computing interests, reflected in the development of this Web Page, have lead to national and international presentations. These have included the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in assessing water quality, the use of spreadsheets as tools in the classroom, the use of multimedia in the classroom, and the use of the Internet in environmental chemistry education. Dr. Shorten integrates the World Wide Web into all his upper division environmental health courses.
Dr. Shorten's hobbies and interests include contemporary band music (he plays tuba in the Chester County Concert Band), bicycling, and caving. You just might find him listening to National Public Radio a s he travels around greater West Chester and parts beyond.
Research interests: Fate and transport of lead in the environment
Atmospheric transport and modeling of pesticides and other organics
Computer applications in environmental chemistry and education
Certifications:
Professional Engineer (P.E.),1991, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Areas of Professional Interest:
Environmental Chemistry of Aquatic and Atmospheric Systems
Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment
Computer Applications in Environmental Health and Education
Recent Publications:
2001: Shorten, C.V., Galloway, J., Krebs, J.G. and Fleming, R.S. A 12-Year History of Hazardous Materials Incidents in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Journal of Hazardous Materials, In Press.
2000: Shorten, C.V. and Hooven, M.J. Methods of Exposure Assessment: Lead-Contaminated Dust in Philadelphia Schools, Environmental Health Perspectives,108:663-666 .
2000: McGarvey, L.J. and Shorten, C.V. The Effects of Adsorption on the Reusability of Tedlar Air Sampling Bags, American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal.61:375-380.
1995: Shorten, C.V., Glowacki, M.L. and Lynch, M.M. Household Hazardous Waste and Automotive Products: A Pennsylvania Survey, Journal of Environmental Health, 57(7):19-24.
MPH Courses taught: ENV545 Risk Assessment, ENV547 Environmental Regulations
Faculty Profile: Dr. Christine Williams
Education: PhD Health, Middle Tennessee State University, 2009
MS Health Promotion, University of Delaware, 2006
Biography: As a recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, she conducts research in psychological wellness including but not limited to stress management and coping skills. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 2006 with an M.S. in Health Promotion and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2009 with a Ph.D. in Health. During her graduate studies, she was invited to join Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and remains a member today. Upon graduating from M.T.S.U., she joined West Chester University as an Assistant Professor. She teaches classes mainly in Human Development and Healthy Youth. Her current work experience includes being a Health Coach consultant, Health lecturer for worksite health promotion programs.
MPH Courses taught: HEA 581 Special Topics Contemporary Culture, Media, and Health
Faculty Profile: Dr. Sandra Walz
Education: PhD Hospitality Management, Kansas State University
MS Food and Nutrition, North Dakota State University
BS Nutrition, North Dakota State University
BS Corporate and Community Fitness, North Dakota State University
Biography: Sandra M. Walz, a Registered Dietitian, is an associate professor in Nutrition and Dietetics at West Chester University. She teaches foods, nutrition, and dietetics management courses. Sandra earned a BS in both nutrition and corporate and community fitness from North Dakota State University, a MS in food and nutrition from North Dakota State University, and a PhD in hospitality management from Kansas State University. She has worked in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, foodservice, and education settings. Sandra was the founder and director of a summer youth fitness and weight management program for 8 to 12 year olds and has earned certificates of training in childhood and adolescent weight management, and level 2 adult weight management from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Research interests: Her research interests include pedagogy (problem-based, experiential, and accelerated learning), adolescent obesity, and hospitality management. Sandra is devoted to engaging students in life-long learning.
MPH Courses taught:
Faculty Profile: Lynne L. Hamelton, B.S., M. Ed.
Education: M. Ed. Health Science. Slippery Rock University
B.S. in Health and Physical Education, Slippery Rock University
Certificate Supervisor of Health and Physical Education, Penn Sate University
Certificate In-service Programming and Staff Development, Lehigh University
Biography: Lynne Hamelton has been teaching in the school health field for more than forty years. From 1970-1988 she taught in the health classroom, served as department chair from 1975-1988, developed program budgets and coordinated the district’s curriculum planning and development of the district-wide final examinations. From 1988-1993 she served as the West Chester Area Schools Curriculum Supervisor of Health, Physical Education, Driver Education and Drug-Free Programs for 10 elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools. Responsibilities included development of all related educational programs, evaluation of 45 faculty, and developing the budget and programs for all drug education and prevention programs. In 1993 she became principal at Mary C. Howse Elementary School (West Chester Area Schools) where she oversaw a staff of 65 and student population of 500. Here she was responsible for implementation of curriculum, faculty evaluation, transportation, Special Education requirements and other educational programs and operations. In 995, she began a two-year tenure as Health Coordinator at Chester County Migrant Head Start program. Responsibilities included maintaining all health records for children, arranging for all related checkups, coordinating programs for disabled children, overseeing the food program for the children, and providing staff in-service.
Providing health education instruction for the WCU school health program as an adjunct beginning in 1989 has become a regular part-time position in that department as an instructor in teaching methods and related electives. Other duties include advisor for the health minor and coordinator of the department’s student evaluation of staff effectiveness survey (SRIS).
Professional service includes serving as an author and reviewer of a number of Pennsylvania Department of Education projects. These projects have included the current Health, Safety and Physical Education academic standards and the entire HSPE Standards Aligned System. She has presented programs at the local, state, and national level, primarily for the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. She has also served on a number of campus-wide committees including: Pedagogy for Engagement, Wellness Committee, Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification Committee, Partners in Prevention co-coordinator, and serving on the program advisory committee of the Center for Healthy Schools.
Community interests include serving on the Curriculum Advisory Board for Longwood Gardens where she authored a summer (2010) camp program called “Nutrition Expedition”. In addition, she has served as president of the Riverside Brandywine Drug and Alcohol advisory board, as well as being a board member of the Chester Co, Alcohol Safe Driving Program board. She has also been a registrar for the annual Kennett Run which raises funds for community charities in the Kennett Square area, and a volunteer at the WCU annual “Good Cause Café” which raises funds to give the homeless a Thanksgiving meal.
1989-present: West Chester University, Department of Health. Teach in the School Health program; advise students, co-coordinator of WCU Partners in Prevention program.
MPH Courses taught:
Emergency / Public Safety
