University of Illinois Springfield public health students and alumni earned top honors and presented research at the Illinois Public Health Association’s 85th Annual Public Health Workforce Conference, held Sept. 1-3 in Springfield. Six current Master of Public Health (MPH) students and two alumni were selected through a peer-review process to present at the conference, delivering seven poster presentations and leading two one-hour breakout sessions.

Three UIS scholars, Randall “Randy” Kaw, John Kirchgesner and Kaitlin “Katie” Coniglio, received top recognition for their research posters.

“As this was my first public health conference, receiving this honor was completely unexpected,” Kaw said. “It felt reassuring that the project meant something to public health practitioners throughout the state.”

Kirchgesner said conversations with conference attendees reinforced the importance of his research and the need for additional attention and resources.

“Professionals being interested enough to stick around to have longer conversations showed me how much other people want this monumental task to receive attention and resources,” Kirchgesner said.

Coniglio, whose research focused on artificial intelligence (AI), said the conference provided an opportunity to engage with public health professionals about emerging technology.

“Individuals on all sides of the conversation were eager to engage, share their experiences, and provide thoughtful feedback,” Coniglio said. “It reminded me of the importance of asking purposeful questions and pursuing research that can make a real difference in the world.”

Two additional UIS scholars, Ba Tung “Jackey” Tran and Tobiloba Olatokun, each led a one-hour breakout session focused on translating academic research methods into practical tools for local health agencies. The sessions are especially competitive for student presenters.

“What I learned in my program was exactly what I needed to turn raw data into something a health department could actually use,” Tran said.

Olatokun said presenting directly to public health practitioners helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

“Leading the breakout session gave me an immediate opportunity to apply academic concepts directly to practical problems in the field,” Olatokun said.

Three other UIS scholars presented research addressing community health challenges and data analysis. Mercedes Dick focused on childhood lead exposure and prevention strategies, while Stephanie Avi examined serious psychological distress and substance use among young adults ages 18 to 29. Angela McComas presented research connecting graduate coursework at UIS and Southern Illinois University with public health practice.

Dick said the conference “helped me see how academic research can be translated into meaningful conversations and practical strategies for addressing public health challenges.”

Avi said feedback from public health professionals provided valuable perspectives on her research.

“Public health professionals, community health workers, and health promotion personnel gave direct feedback on my research and offered suggestions based on their practical experience,” Avi said.

McComas also emphasized the value of connecting academic research with professionals working in the field.

“It was encouraging to see IPHA members engage with the research and ask thoughtful questions about its practical relevance,” McComas said.

All eight UIS scholars conducted their research under the mentorship of Brian Chen, UIS associate professor of public health. Chen provided hands-on coaching, research guidance and opportunities for students to practice their presentations ahead of the conference.

“Dr. Chen made time to listen to me practice several times and gave feedback that improved both the content and my delivery,” Tran said.

Coniglio credited Chen with encouraging students to take ownership of their research and develop their professional skills.

“He gave me opportunities to take an active role in the process, build my skills, and learn through direct experience,” Coniglio said.

Founded in 1940, the Illinois Public Health Association is one of the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary public health organizations. The association connects public health professionals, health care practitioners, researchers and community leaders throughout Illinois and beyond.