The UAB School of Public Health is now accepting nominations for the 2011 Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award. The Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award is an award given annually to a faculty or staff member who embodies the vision, character, and bridge-building talents vital to the future of UAB. Nominees should demonstrate a deep and abiding commitment to facilitating collaboration and partnership across campus in ways that enhance the research and / or teaching activities of the university.  Nominations must be received by May 21st.

The School of Public Health is proud to announce the first SOPH Family Day on May 13, 12 - 4:00 PM at the UAB Mini Park.  This event brings together the SOPH faculty and staff and their family members for an afternoon of activities for all ages. There will be food and games for the entire family; and in addition, we will have a Departmental Kickball Competition!

On your mark, get set... GO!  Join us on Friday, April 29th for the 2011 UAB National Alumni Society Scholarship Run 5K/10K  presented by Viva Health. This race is formerly known as the UAB Dollars for Scholars Race, but is now operating under a brand new name and logo! Help the NAS raise scholarship funds for deserving UAB students by participating in this great race held in the Pepper Place district of Birmingham.  This event is great for the whole family and welcomes runners of all skill levels and ages!

PURPOSE: In order to encourage and foster health policy/health services research on the UAB campus, the Lister Hill Center for Health Policy is soliciting faculty applications for one-year grants of up to $30,000.

Commentary by Dr. Steven Becker, Department of Environmental Health - No two disasters are precisely the same, and the unfolding emergency at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility in Japan has several unique characteristics. The main one is the combination of circumstances that produced the crisis: a massive earthquake followed by an immense tsunami. Still, the Japanese nuclear crisis has important similarities with past emergencies and is a reminder of some crucial lessons.

The Department of Health Behavior has two newly developed courses for Fall semester 2011. Dori Pekmezi, PhD, Assistant Professor, will teach a Physical Activity and Health Seminar and Wynne Norton, PhD, Assistant Professor, will teach Dissemination and Implementation in Health.

On behalf of the faculty and staff of the UAB School of Public Health, we would like to invite the friends and family of all our 2011 graduates to attend our Graduation Reception, May 7, 2011, 12:30-1:30 PM at UAB Hill University Center, Great Hall, and the UAB Commencement Ceremony on May 7, 2:00 PM at Bartow Arena.

Julia Gohlke, Ph.D., assistant professor in the UAB Department of Evironmental Health Sciences, says increased electricity use in countries with an infant mortality rate of less than one in 10 does not produce greater health benefits, but burning coal to create the electricity does have significant detrimental health impacts. In her findings, published in the Feb.

The earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan are the latest in what seems to be an unending string of crises throughout the world.

Frank Stitt, executive chef of fine local dining establishments such as Highlands Bar & Grill, Chez Fonfon, and Bottega Restaurant, will be recognized as this year’s unconventional public health hero.