Master of Public Health Faculty & Staff at the University of INdianapolis

Areas of Expertise

Gerontology, health management and policy, emergency response 

Background

Dr. Cecil comes from Lexington, Kentucky where she has worked in the field of public health for more than ten years. Her research interest is mitigating risk to vulnerable adult populations. Her training includes concentrations in gerontology and health management/policy. Dr. Cecil's research includes abuse of vulnerable older adults, risks to populations after major or manmade disasters, and differential risks experienced by aging workers.

Education

• PhD, Gerontology and Health Services Management, University of Kentucky
• MPH, Health Behavior, University of Kentucky
• BA, Religion and French, Transylvania University

Fun fact

I enjoy just about anything outside: hiking, walking our dog, shopping, or reading.

Favorite thing about UIndy

The commitment to student success in all aspects of student life

Areas of Expertise

Program planning, community health needs assessments, evaluation, tobacco prevention and control, community benefit, and health policy

Background

Brenda Biggs is a Director of Community Health, overseeing community benefit and health policy for Indiana University (IU) Health, the largest health system in Indiana. Before joining IU Health in 2017, Brenda held leadership roles in the American College of Sports Medicine and Smokefree Indiana, focusing on public health programs and policies related to physical activity and tobacco control, respectively. She enjoys teaching undergraduate and graduate courses related to public health as an adjunct faculty member with UIndy. In addition, Brenda is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES).

Education

• MS, Community Health Education, Ball State University
• BS, Health Science, Purdue University

Fun fact

I have been a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) since 2005.

Favorite thing about UIndy

I love the sense of strong community at UIndy, as well as the friendliness of staff, faculty, and students!

Areas of Expertise

Health education, chronic disease, and infectious disease

Background

Nakia is a renowned public health leader and educator raised in the Wisconsin and Michiana area, having earned her CHES credential in 2020. With a deep-rooted passion for tackling health disparities, Nakia excels in designing and implementing initiatives that enhance community well-being. In addition to her teaching roles at UIndy and IU South Bend, she currently serves as a Climate Health & Equity Advisory Board Member for APHA, and as the Continuing Education Director at InSOPHE. As the Director of I Am Health Education Corp, she has implemented a training needs assessment, notably improving CHES exam pass rates. She has served in pivotal leadership positions with the American Cancer Society and the CDC Foundation, leading public health programs and forging strategic relationships. Nakia's dedication to promoting equitable health outcomes is evident in her strategic approach to leveraging social determinants of health through evidence-based strategies. 

Research Interests

Black and African American health, immunization and vaccine-preventable disease, cancer, and health equity

Education

• MPH, Indiana State University
• BS, Indiana University

Fun fact

I was named an Alumni of the Year in 2024 by Indiana University, South Bend.

Favorite thing about UIndy

The students!

Areas of Expertise

Healthy cooking emphasizing environmentally sustainable techniques, weight management, sports nutrition, and cardiovascular nutrition

Background

Katherine received her doctorate from the interdepartmental nutrition program at Purdue University with an emphasis on molecular nutrition and food science. She has a master's degree in science writing from Johns Hopkins University and is also a registered dietitian nutritionist. Her nutrition expertise includes healthy cooking emphasizing environmentally sustainable techniques, weight management, and sports and cardiovascular nutrition. To round out her health expertise, Katherine has been a certified personal trainer for thirty years and is also an advanced yoga instructor.

Research Interests

Facilitating healthy behaviors through healthy environments, weight management, sports nutrition, and healthy cooking

Education

• PhD, Interdepartmental Nutrition, Purdue University
• MA, Science Writing, Johns Hopkins University
• RDN, Registered Dietitian, Iowa State University

Fun fact

I love travel of any kind, but especially when it includes camping, hiking, and outdoor cooking.

Favorite thing about UIndy

The welcoming community vibe!

Areas of Expertise

Social epidemiology, social connection, community/program assessment

Background

Dr. Keith Miller (He/They) is not only a faculty adjunct in the MPH program, he is an assistant professor in the Phylis Lin Lan Department of Social Work. He focuses on using evidence from social epidemiology and social capital to promote health equity through community-based interventions and policy advocacy. He aims to increase access to mental healthcare in southern Indianapolis by co-founding a mental health clinic. He has also provided statistical analysis and policy development in partnership with the Indiana Council of Community Mental Centers and the Division of Mental Health and Addiction. In addition to his research and practice, Keith incorporates a pedagogy of liberation in his teaching and learning, and believes in the power of small collaborative groups to create meaningful change in their communities. Keith's ultimate goal is to cultivate a sense of belonging through creativity, relationship, and science, and to work towards a world where people feel a sense of autonomy, dignity, and meaningful connection.

Research Interests

Mechanisms in which social capital influences health, evaluating community interventions, societal positions influencing an individual's path to connection and belonging

Education

• PhD, Social Work, Indiana State University, Indianapolis
• MSW, Social Work, Indiana State University, Indianapolis
• BS, Sociology, Kentucky Wesleyan College

Fun fact

I love virtuoso guitar music.

Favorite thing about UIndy

Being in the classroom to foster critical thinking and meaningful dialogue.

Areas of Expertise

Research methods, data management, epidemiology, firefighter health and wellness

Background

Dr. Muegge is an Epidemiologist with more than 20 years of experience in program evaluation and research. She is interested in research methods and health program planning and evaluation. Carolyn has been a co-investigator on more than $3,000,000 in grant awards studying firefighter health and wellness and has authored more than 100 technical reports, posters, manuscripts, and presentations.

Research Interests

Research methods, data management, first responder health and wellness

Education

• PhD, Epidemiology, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis
• MPH, Epidemiology, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis
• MS, Disease Prevention | Health Promotion, Purdue University

Fun fact

I still like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch!

Favorite thing about UIndy

UIndy is a beautiful and walkable campus.

Areas of Expertise

 Global sexual and reproductive health; development and
review of evidence-based health education materials; assessment methodology

Background

Dr. Walker teaches within the School of Occupational Therapy and the Master of Public Health Program. She developed the Occupational Therapy Sexual Assessment Framework (OTSAF) and the Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI). In 2021, she was named a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association for her work in "Breaking the Global Silence in Addressing Sexuality and Intimacy." Dr. Walker contributed to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Package of Rehabilitation Interventions for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and collaborated with them on publications related to COVID-19. As a neurodivergent scholar, she values the richness that diverse perspectives bring to education, research, and practice. Her lived experiences have heightened her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes equity and accessibility by actively challenging systemic barriers and advocating for marginalized voices.

Research Interests

Addressing the sexuality, intimacy, and sexual health needs of individuals across the lifespan

Education

• PhD, Health Behavior with a minor in Gerontology, Indiana University, Bloomington
• MS, Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis
• BS, Psychology, Eureka College

Fun fact

I’m a fan of puzzles, brainteasers, and lighthearted jokes—think Laffy Taffy humor. To unwind, I enjoy playing video games, with Xbox as my go-to console. I also have a thing for quality athletic shoes and often wear them, even with my dress clothes!

Favorite thing about UIndy

I truly enjoy getting to know my students on a first-name basis and getting the opportunity to contribute to my community by striving to instill in my students a passion for lifelong learning and making a true difference in the lives of others.