Staff Spotlight: Ida Adjivon.

Collaborative work is key to developing sustainable public health solutions and improving population health outcomes. This weekly series spotlights one SPH staff member who advances public health through collaborations within the field and across sectors.

Can you describe your main responsibilities and priorities as academic program administrator for the Department of Community Health Sciences?

I work closely with certificate directors and the director of education in the Community Health Sciences department to manage the programming of four of the BUSPH Master of Public Health certificates: CAPDIE, Health Communication and Promotion, Mental Health and Substance Use, and Maternal and Child Health. My responsibilities are focused around assisting students in navigating the school, from the moment they enter the school until they graduate. I serve as the point of contact for prospective CHS students and all students interested in any of our certificates. For the students in our department, I ensure they have an advisor, are taking the courses necessary for their individual certificates, and have all of the resources needed to complete their degree.

Can you share how collaboration is integral to your role, and what are one or two collaborations that are most meaningful to you?

Collaboration is an integral part of my day-to-day work. Most aspects of my work include at least one other office or department within the school. For instance, I work with the Registrar’s office with course scheduling and changes to courses and certificates, with the Finance and Education offices in hiring TA’s, with the Admissions Office in connecting with prospective students, and with the Career and Practicum office to plan workshops for our students.

My favorite collaboration was the recent CHS Graduation Celebration that brought together graduating and current students, students organizations, faculty and staff. Because we were unable to celebrate our graduates in person, our department held a Zoom celebration for the 100+ graduates in our department. We had a wonderful turnout of nearly 200 students and family members who tuned in from all across the world. Two of our graduating students gave a moving speech about the state of our country and of our world, and on social justice in the midst of COVID-19. We also had student speakers, representatives from the Maternal Child Health in Action, and the Mental Health Public Health Connection student organizations who addressed our graduating class and wished them well as they embark on their journey as public health professionals.

I would have to say that this is my favorite part of this role—having the opportunity to work with the brilliant minds and wonderful people that work at and attend BUSPH.

As an SPH alum, what do you enjoy most about becoming a staff member and continuing to work with the school?

As an alum of the SPH program, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to see the behind the scenes of all of the experiences that I have had while I was a student. From the welcome events, to the career workshops, down to the scheduling of the courses. I am now the person who has a role in planning these events and I also get to see the dedication of our faculty members in ensuring that each student receives the most out of their education here.

“Ida is the glue that keeps all four certificates running in CHS! She is the go-to resource for students and faculty alike not just because of her expertise, but for how approachable and supportive she is. We are really lucky to have her.”

Trish Elliott, clinical assistant professor of Community Health Sciences