Alumni Update - Joelle Pettus, MSW, MPH, CPH

Ms. Pettus presenting her capstone project at MPH Poster Day April 2015.

Joelle Pettus, MSW, MPH, CPH (Spr '15) has accepted a position as Research Coordinator for the Infant and Toddler Community Outreach Department at the Marcus Autism Center through Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.  In this role, Ms. Pettus will be developing, initiating, and supporting clinical studies with infants and toddlers to assess the early signs and symptoms of autism, researching such methods and practices, and coordinating families and assisting with their needs.

Ms. Pettus states, "The dual degree fit my interests and career goals in many ways, particularly with its ability to provide a unique lens to both the public health research mindset and the clinical person-centered perspective of social work.  I feel fortunate to have had guided clinical and research experience and feel the integration of the two really helped supplement my education, field experiences, and redirected my future career goals.  I am thoroughly excited to use both the clinical and research practice methods from the dual MSW/MPH degree."

Ms. Pettus also earned the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential through the National Board of Public Health Examiners. Per the NBPHE, "the CPH designation demonstrates that an individual has mastered foundational competencies in public health.  CPH professionals raise the bar and enhance the public health profession through their exemplary academic and leadership skills."  To earn the CPH credential, students must have earned a master or doctoral public health degree from a school or program of public health that has been accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, and must pass the CPH exam.

To learn more about Ms. Pettus, visit her LinkedIn profile.

Congratulations Ms. Pettus!