Michael Yonas, DrPH '03
Graduation Year: 2003
Focus in Program: DrPH, focus in Population and Family Health Sciences/Maternal and Child Health. My research and practicum focus was in community and family violence prevention, community health and engagement in research.
Current Position: Senior Program Officer for Research and Special Initiatives at The Pittsburgh Foundation.
What was your favorite academic experience?
My favorite academic experience was the close relationships and mentorship I received from Drs. Guyer and O’Campo in PopFam and across departments with Dr. Gielen with junior and senior faculty, Health Policy and Management in the Schools of Medicine and Nursing.
What was the topic of your Thesis?
Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Community Violence.
How has your Doctoral Degree contributed to your current line of work?
My interdisciplinary training in the doctoral program provided me with the initial capacity to question, research, translate and engage communities in issues of critical importance to the public’s health. Not defined by an outsider, but integrating lived experience and expertise of individuals impacted by the conditions to helping inform all aspects of the research and action process. I continued my work and formal training in community-based participatory research at UNC Chapel Hill as a Kellogg Community Health Scholar and have utilized these skills and approach throughout my career as a faculty member, program officer and citizen.