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Latest News January 16, 2025

Cynthia Ye, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Alan T. N. Tita, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health (MHIGH) and associate dean for Global and Women’s Health, co-instruct the Global Health Research Methods course. In 2023, we met with Ye and Tita to learn more about their vision for the course, which launched with the introduction of the UAB Master of Science in Global Health (MSGH) program offered by the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and the UAB School of Public Health (SOPH).

In the previous interview, Ye and Tita shared that students could expect to learn an overview of theoretical and practical methodological tools for research and evaluation, focusing on addressing global health problems and health inequities. The course features guest speakers and lecturers from various UAB departments and external experts who share real-life experiences and global health examples. Topics covered include basic study and clinical trial designs, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations. By the end of the course, students are equipped to compose their own research proposals, guided by the diverse expertise of the guest speakers.

“This semester [Spring, 2025], we added a seminar on AI tools and methods in global health research to the course,” said Ye. “AI applications are highly relevant and popular. We want to provide students with opportunities to learn and explore the most advanced research methods.”

Graduate students from other disciplines are also welcome to take this course. The methods taught are applicable to research in any health care area, providing a broad perspective. The interdisciplinary approach ensures that students, even those not originally from health care or medical fields, can learn essential aspects of developing research projects. The course aims to teach students a system for developing a research proposal to address their specific research questions or interests.

Ye shared feedback from one student about the course who appreciated the research opportunities available following this course.

"I was interested in a particular topic and wanted to engage in research on it,” said the student. “I reached out to the course leaders after the class ended. They were very approachable and introduced me to several experts in the field to work with.”

Dr. Ye and the MHIGH and SOPH teams extend their thanks to all the guest lecturers and speakers for their invaluable contributions and insights, which have greatly enriched the Global Health Research Methods course.

Guest speakers and lecturers

Alan T. N. Tita, M.D., Ph.D., Department of OB/GYN, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Lynda Ugwu, Ph.D., Department of OB/GYN, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Ashley Battarbee, M.D., Department of OB/GYN, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Akila Subramaniam, MPH, M.D., Department of OB/GYN, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Janet M. Turan, Ph.D., Department of Health Policy and Organization, UAB School of Public Health

Larry R. Hearld, Ph.D., Department of Health Services Administration, UAB School of Public Health

Fouzia Farooq, Ph.D., MPH, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University

Simon Neuwahl, MSPH, Research Triangle Institute, RTI International

Elizabeth McClure, Ph.D., Center for Clinical Research Network Coordination, RTI International

Waldemar Carlo, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Learn more about the UAB Master of Science in Global Health (MSGH).


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