D.C. Update: FIU hosts 2017 Health Disparities Symposium

FIU and UM host a research symposium in DC; President Trump addresses a joint session of Congress highlighting University priorities; FIU launches cybersecurity course in D.C.

2017 Health Disparities Symposium

FIU’s Office of Research and Economic Development and the University of Miami hosted the 2017 Health Disparities Symposium at FIU in Washington, D.C. on March 1 as part of a recently announced $9.5 million endowment by the National Institutes of Health.

With more than 50 guests in attendance –including Dean Guilarte from FIU’s Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work– researchers from both institutions presented on social and cultural determinants of health that link HIV/AIDS and substance use; the development, evaluation, and dissemination of culturally-tailored interventions; and the future of training and mentoring the next generation of health disparities researchers.

“I am proud to be here today to speak for both of my Alma Maters –FIU and UM–which are doing great things to advance the science of reducing health disparities in the areas of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, family and intimate partner violence, and associated mental and physical health conditions,” said Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who leads the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus.

FIU’s Center for Research on U.S. Latino HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse (CRUSADA) receives funding from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), serving as a regional hub for the study of HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, obesity and diabetes within the Latino community.

“I applaud the research FIU is doing to improve health disparities across minority populations with poorer health outcomes,” said Nathaniel Stinson, director of the Division of Extramural Activities and Scientific Programs at NIMHD.

Trump addresses Congress, Speaker Ryan supports year-round Pell

President Donald J. Trump delivered his first speech to a joint session of Congress Feb. 27. Among the topics discussed were a $1 trillion national infrastructure rebuilding program, school choice for disadvantaged youth, the importance of clean air and water, and a merit-based immigration program, all of which involve FIU’s federal priorities.

FIU Law Dean Alex Acosta, First Lady Melania Trump, family and guests applaud during President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress.

Spotted in the House gallery during the president’s speech was Alex Acosta, dean of FIU Law and nominee for U.S. Secretary of Labor, seated next to the First Lady of the United States of America, Melania Trump.

Meanwhile, Congressional leadership appears to be considering the restoration of year-round Pell grants. On Feb. 28, House Speaker Paul Ryan announced his support for expanding Pell eligibility to low-income students attending classes all year.

“I like year-round Pell… I think that makes a lot of sense,” said Ryan.

Approximately 48 percent of FIU’s total student undergraduate population, many of whom are classified in the categories of highest need, receive Pell Grants. More than 54 percent of these students receive the maximum award based on an expected family contribution of $0.

FIU CARTA participating in 3D printing event in D.C.

John Stuart, associate dean of FIU’s College of Communication, Architecture and The Arts and executive director of Miami Beach Urban Studios, served as a panelist for a session titled “3D Printing and the Future of Education” at 3D/DC – the nation’s preeminent 3D printing policy event hosted by Public Knowledge.

“Within the maker industry, research that’s being done at FIU is already changing the world. FIU CARTA is working on many projects such as Making for Community, a project for 10th graders who have no interest in design, but shows them how to 3D model, 3D print, and then go to commissioners and City Hall in order to go about the process of bringing design into actualization,” Stuart said.

OAS & FIU launch executive certificate in cybersecurity

FIU and the Organization of American States (OAS) have partnered to launch an executive certificate in Cybersecurity Strategy & Leadership in Washington, D.C., April 6-7 at OAS. The executive program is a collaborative initiative between FIU’s Gordon Institute of Public Policy at the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, the Office of Executive and Professional Education at the FIU College of Business, the Organization of American States (OAS), and FIU in Washington, D.C.

Due to security restrictions, registration will close two weeks prior to the start of the program. For questions, email fiuindc@fiu.edu or call 202.558.3463.

FIU alumni and friends can use the following code to register for the course at a discounted rate of 25 percent: FIUCYBER2017

Click here to learn more. Click here to register.

Federal Relations summer internship opportunity

FIU in D.C. is now accepting applications for the FIU in D.C. Summer 2017 Internship program. Each semester, FIU’s Office of Governmental Relations offers a hands-on internship at the university’s Washington D.C. office. A full-time position, the internship offers unique opportunities to gain valuable work experience and a knowledge of Congress and the federal government, while refining marketing and communications skills. Click here for more information.

In other news

On March 2, Rita Teutonico, associate director of FIU’s School of Environment, Arts and Society, met with staff from Senators Bill Nelson and John Thune’s office to discuss legislation on weather research and forecasting.

Interviews for FIU in D.C. Career Success Fly-In took place in Miami this past week. Each semester FIU in D.C. invites exceptional students with leadership potential who are interested in pursuing internships in Washington, D.C. to apply. Interested students must demonstrate a personal commitment to making an impact on a local, national or global scale. The program will take place on April 12-13 consisting of a two-day visit focused on developing relevant career skills and connecting to D.C. alumni and employers.

Connect with FIU in DC

Twitter: @FIUdc

Facebook: FIU Federal Relations | FIU in Washington, D.C.

Instagram: @fiudc

Email: fiuindc@fiu.edu

Telephone: 202-558-3481