MEET DR. EBUN EBUNLOMO!
Dr. Ebun Ebunlomo is a public health expert with a doctoral degree in health promotion and over a decade of experience developing and implementing programs to improve population health across clinical, community, and workplace settings. Dr. Ebunlomo serves on the executive board of the Texas Society for Public Health Education (TSOPHE) as the Treasurer. In this Q&A, she shares insights on her trajectory, the public health field, and tips for students:
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in public health education?
My undergraduate degree in Sociology and Anthropology opened my eyes to the world of "medical anthropology" and showed me that there was so much more to behavior change and there is a science (or diverse fields of study) to helping others change their behavior through education.
Q: If you had to give one piece of advice to an undergraduate student interested in following a similar career path, what would it be?
Get involved in professional organizations and network with others so you can continue to stay abreast of new developments and keep learning about what your options are!
Q: Where do you see the field of public health education heading in the next 5-10 years, and how is the Texas Society preparing to stay ahead of the curve?
The field of public health education will be greatly impacted by technological advances (i.e., artificial intelligence). This includes the entire continuum - from research to teaching and even in practice. Embracing this new trend and leveraging it to our advantage is vital. To this end, TSOPHE is working to prioritize this topic in future webinars as we engage experts who can share more about "What's on the horizon for AI within the context of public health education?"
Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of the Texas Society for Public Health Education and serving as its Treasurer?
I enjoy the collegial nature of this organization; it is inspiring to interact with other colleagues from diverse personal and professional experiences who are passionate about public health issues impacting this great state of Texas! Serving as TSOPHE treasurer has been eye-opening as I am learning more about the financial operations of a non-profit organization as I lend my time and effort in ensuring routine tracking of expenses and proper reporting of paid membership dues. I have picked up a few nuggets about accounting and finances over the past few months.
Q: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field of public health education?
I attend conferences, webinars, local workshops; and maintain a healthy dose of subscription to professional organizations list servs. I also intentionally choose to review what's new in specific areas of interest on a monthly basis. My students also hold me accountable as their work enrich my knowledge base and help challenge me to see what's new in relation to what I learned a few years, months (or even weeks) ago.
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far, and what continues to motivate you?
My students' success - seeing them thrive and do even greater things that I have accomplished in practice - keeps me going, especially when the going gets tough :) Beyond students who I have taught, the opportunity to mentor and share my experiences with others is always rewarding!
Q: Outside of your work, what are some of your hobbies or interests that help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I love to spend time with my family and I am very involved in my local church (I sing in the choir). I also enjoy exercising, cooking, hosting others in my home, and traveling.
