UCI PHIT Newsletter

May 2025

Happy May, PHIT Anteaters!

It’s Spring! Every month, the PHIT Program sends out an e-newsletter. Here we have important news and updates from the Public Health Informatics & Technology (PHIT) Program. If you want to stay connected with us, email us at phitinfo@uci.edu OR follow us on Instagram @uciphitprogram and LinkedIn!

PHIT Spring Seminar Recaps

Alumni Panel

On Friday, April 11, we hosted our quarterly PHIT Seminar! This spring, we hosted an Alumni Stories Zoom Panel, where 3 UCI PHIT alumni got to share their stories of navigating jobs and graduate school programs in health informatics. Students were able to hear from a variety of alumni from different backgrounds about their career/graduate school journeys, the importance of connections, and how alumni have leveraged their UCI and PHIT educational experiences in their careers and graduate school courses. We had a great time and hope that all of our attendees learned from our alumni! Thank you to our amazing panelists: Christian Rabadan, Erica Ramirez, and Samy Haidar. 


Intern Mixer

Last Friday, May 9, we hosted our second quarterly PHIT Seminar! This spring, we hosted an Intern Mixer, where members of the UCI PHIT community (alumni, undergraduate and graduate students interested in the program, and upcoming interns) got to build community and network with each other. Everyone engaged in 4 rounds of lively “Speed Networking” while we got to enjoy some snacks staff provided. Although we were unable to get pictures, we had a wonderful time facilitating a space for folks to connect! Please look forward to more seminars and workshops in the future!

Highlight of Summer 2025 Internship Orientations

We hosted our Summer 2025 Internship Orientation sessions for our Summer Interns on Saturday, April 12 and Friday, May 2! Our interns had fun meeting their peers and learning, setting goals for the summer, and learning how to make the most of their internship experience.

Our interns will be placed at 14 internship sites ranging from community nonprofits, health services, research labs, health tech companies, and more! Our sites this summer include: 

  • AdvanceOC
  • Camino Health Center
  • CareNiva Inc
  • Exposure, Epidemiology, and Health Equity (E3) Environmental Health Lab
  • Family Promise of Orange County
  • Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health
  • OCHIN
  • Pacific Islander Health Partnership
  • Partners4Wellness
  • Rume Health
  • SEARCH LAB @UCI
  • StrengthUnited
  • Sycamores
  • WeHealth

We’d also like to thank our faculty, Dr. Kai Zheng, for sponsoring breakfast during orientation. Check out more photos and details from our orientation on our Instagram!

Congratulations to Dr. Sora Tanjasiri on Receiving the Orange County Population Health Impact Award

Sora Park Tanjasiri, MPH, DrPH
Professor, Department of Health, Society & Behavior
Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health

PHIT Public Health Inclusive Excellence Director

Dr. Tanjasiri’s research focuses on community health promotion to reduce cancer health disparities among diverse populations, particularly Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Her work applies community-based participatory research to tobacco prevention and cessation, cancer early detection, and survivorship, and she has served as PI or Co-PI on over two dozen extramurally funded cancer-related studies. Dr. Tanjasiri also serves or has served as advisor to numerous organizations, including the Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance, Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership, Orange County Women’s Health Project, and the St. Joseph Health System Community Partnership Fund. Finally, Dr. Tanjasiri serves as PHIT’s very own Inclusive Excellence Director, where we are all thankful for her commitment to making public health more inclusive and data-driver!

Fall 2025 Enrollment: Classes to Enroll & Dates to Know for PHIT!

Fall 2025 enrollment is here! Don’t forget to enroll in your classes for PHIT. Here are some important upcoming enrollment dates:

  • May 12: View date and time of enrollment window: May 12
  • May 19: Enrollment by Window begins: May 19
    • Please visit the ICS Course Restriction Page for more detailed information on course restrictions as they are all different for Majors: COMPSCI, DATA, IN4MTX, NET SYS, STATS
  • June 4: Open Enrollment begins: June 4
  • September 2, 12pm: Public Health Major restrictions will be lifted
    • Please contact a Public Health Advisor to discuss major restrictions on graduate courses
  • August 25, 12pm: Public Health NewOnly restrictions will be lifted
  • September 2 9am: Graduate students outside of ICS may enroll
  • September 15: Fee Payment deadline for Fall 2025
  • September 17: Waitlist release

Below is a list of courses being offered in Fall 2025 quarter that can help you progress toward your PHIT degree:

Undergraduate Students: Health Informatics Minor (or Informatics Major with Specialization in HI)*

Section A – Required Courses:

  • IN4MATX 171 / PUBHLTH 105 – Introduction to Health Informatics
  • Both courses are cross-listed in both IN4MATX and PUBHLTH. Students in ICS and Public Health are encouraged to use their respective course codes to enroll. Students who are not ICS or Public Health majors are encouraged to enroll via PUBHLTH 105 soon as Public Health School major restrictions are lifted TBA
  • If you do not get into your desired course, please put yourself on the waitlist.

Section B – Informatics, Technology, and Data Science Elective Options

  • I&C SCI 31 – Introduction to Programming
  • I&C SCI 32 – Programming with Software Libraries
  • IN4MATX 121 – Software Design: Applications
  • IN4MATX 131 – Human Computer Interaction
  • IN4MATX 133 – User Interaction Software
  • IN4MATX 151 – Project Management
  • IN4MATX 161 – Social Analysis of Computing
  • COMPSCI 121/IN4MATX 141 – Information Retrieval
  • COMPSCI 122A – Introduction to Data Management
  • COMPSCI 134 – Computer and Network Security
  • COMPSCI 145 – Embedded Software
  • COMPSCI 171 – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • COMPSCI 178 – Machine Learning and Data-Mining
  • STATS 7- Basic Statistics (No Prerequisites!)
  • STATS 8 – Introduction to Biological Statistics (No Prerequisites!)
  • STATS 67 – Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Computer Science

Section C – Health Sciences Elective Options

  • PUBHLTH 1 – Principles of Public Health (No Prerequisites!)
  • PUBHLTH 2 – Case Studies in Public Health Practice
  • PUBHLTH 91 – Disparities in Health Care
  • PUBHLTH 101 – Introduction to Epidemiology
  • PUBHLTH 122 – Health Policy (No Prerequisites!)

(*Based on 2024-2025 Catalog Year – see the full course catalog for the Health Informatics Minor.)

Graduate Students: Graduate Certificate Program in Health and Public Health Informatics

1 Informatics, Technology and Data Science course

  • IN4MATX 231: User Interface Design and Evaluation
  • IN4MATX 261: Social Analysis of Computing
  • COMPSCI 273A: Machine Learning
  • PUBHLTH 204: Biostatistics I: Introduction to Statistical Methods
  • PUBHLTH 206A. Principles of Epidemiology
  • STATS 201: Statistical Methods for Data Analysis I

1 Health Sciences course

  • PUBHLTH 200: Foundations of Public Health
  • PUBHLTH 206A: Principles of Epidemiology. 

*For graduate students pursuing the certificate, we would like to remind you that in the case that students cannot take the foundational courses (IN4MTX 295 or NUR SCI 251) or they aren’t offered, students may take the undergraduate course, IN4MATX 171: Introduction to Health Informatics. There are currently no offerings for the Foundational course in Health Informatics in Fall 2025. Please keep your eyes open for future updates!

Got questions about the requirements and course enrollment for the PHIT Program? Concerns about enrolling in specific classes? Email phitinfo@uci.edu or hglegasp@uci.edu and our team will be happy to help! 

Enroll in PHIT Classes for Summer Sessions 2025

Summer Session is a great opportunity to complete classes that you weren’t able to enroll in during the academic year! This summer, we are offering BOTH IN4MATX 171 and 172. Check out the list below to see which summer session classes will count towards a Minor in Health Informatics!

Summer Session 1Summer Session 2Summer Session Week 10
STATS 7 Basic StatisticsIN4MATX 171 Introduction to Health Informatics*I&C SCI 31 Introduction to Programming
STATS 8 Introduction to Biological StatisticsIN4MATX 172 Project in Health Informatics*I&C SCI 32 Programming with Software Libraries
STATS 67 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Computer ScienceSTATS 7 Basic StatisticsIN4MATX 131 Human Computer Interaction
PUBHLTH 1 Principles of Public HealthPUBHLTH 1 Principles of Public HealthCOMPSCI 171 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
PUBHLTH 127 Public Health Programs for the Corporate WorldPUBHLTH 2 Case Studies in Public Health Practice
PUBHLTH 122 Health Policy

For the minor/specialization, we’ve starred (*) courses that fulfill section A requirements. All other classes fulfill section B or C requirements.

For graduate students pursuing the certificate, we would like to remind you that in the case that students cannot take the foundational courses (IN4MTX 295 or NUR SCI 251), students may take the undergraduate course, IN4MATX 171: Introduction to Health Informatics, since there are no graduate certificate courses being offered in the summer 2025.

For more on Summer Session, visit the UCI Summer Session website.

Please reach out to us if you have any enrollment questions!

Public Health Practicum Updates

Undergraduate students must begin preparing for Practicum one to two quarters in advance. For information on procedures and deadlines, please visit: http://publichealth.uci.edu/degrees-programs/undergraduate-programs/guide-to-undergraduate-practicum/. Please contact the Community Engagement Coordinator at phpracticum@uci.edu with any questions.



Practicum is splitting into 2 separate courses: PH 195P + 195W. Any questions on these changes, please email PHPracticum@uci.edu or attend one of their practicum workshops offered every quarter. If you already took practicum, please disregard this message at this time. 

Things to note: 
You can take PH 195P and PH 195W simultaneously
You can take PH 195P first (which will be the practicum hours)
You must take PH 195W the quarter immediately after PH 195P
You cannot take PH 195W before taking PH 195P

PHIT Spring 2025 Information Sessions

More than ever, informatics, data, and technology will be a critical part of addressing future public health issues and inequities. UC Irvine’s Public Health Informatics & Technology (PHIT) Program is training the next generation of diverse public health and health professionals in informatics, data, and tech to advance public health. PHIT offers degrees, certificates, and paid research & internship opportunities to undergraduate students, graduate students, and working professionals to pipeline students who are historically underrepresented in STEM to the Public Health Informatics workforce. Join us in making public health more inclusive and data-driven!

Join us for our FINAL Information Session of the year to learn more about the PHIT Program and our Upcoming Paid Research & Internship Opportunities!:

  • Friday, May 16 @ 1 PM – 2 PM: Zoom, Meeting ID: 573 919 1585, Passcode: 586362

See all of our Informational Session & Event dates on our website. Email phitinfo@uci.edu if you cannot make the information session and would like to connect with PHIT!

Summer Course for the Healthcare and Public Health Analytics Specialized Studies Program
Are you a working professional looking to transform your career in healthcare, public health, and digital technology and hone analytical skills to translate data into actionable insights for evidence-based decision-making? The UCI Healthcare and Public Health Analytics specialized studies program is a fully online, four-course program offered in collaboration with UCI Public Health, UCI Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences, and the UCI Institute of Clinical & Translational Science.
Enroll in PUBHLTH X400.06: Public Health Informatics for the program! This course is your gateway to mastering how informatics is reshaping public health for the better!
Understand the vital role of Public Health Informatics. Use organizational data to develop and influence the planning and delivery of key public health services. Analyze types of data-based collaboration between local health jurisdictions and the state Dates: 7/7/2025 – 8/31/2025
Format: Online
Enrollment is currently open for all interested working professionals. The Public Health Informatics course begins on July 7. Learn more on the program website.

Gain New Skills This Summer with Free Learning Resources!


Looking to improve your skill set this summer? Want to self-learn critical coding software such as Python or R? Check out some of these FREE resources to learn new skills this summer and boost your resume! 
Looking to improve your skill set this summer? Want to self-learn critical coding software such as Python or R? Check out some of these FREE resources to learn new skills this summer and boost your resume! 

Udemy Online Learning: Udemy is free to all UCI employees and students to support their professional growth and development. More than 5,500 curated online training courses are available on Udemy’s learning platform. Take free online courses on how to use critical data software such as SQL, Tableau, Python, and more! 
Coursera: Coursera offers free and open online courses on thousands of topics! Take free courses such as a Crash Course on Python, Data Analysis with R Programming, Google’s Data Analytics Professional Certificate, and more!
Code Academy: Code Academy offers free coding courses that are beginner-friendly and include professional certification! Take courses on SQL, Python, C++, HTML, and more! 
UCI Library Workshops: Did you know that the UCI Library offers free, asynchronous courses on different coding and programming topics? Check out their offerings for Spring 2025 and Summer 2025!

FREE Stata Webinar Series: UCI Center for Statistical Consulting and ICTS

Please join the UCI Center for Statistical Consulting and ICTS Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Research and Design units for this FREE lunchtime webinar series. Anyone interested in learning about Stata is encouraged to attend. No experience necessary!

  • Latent Class Analysis Using Stata (90 min)
    • Wednesday, June 4th at 12:00pm (PST)
    • Topics:
      • Latent variables are a useful tool for modeling hypothetical constructs such as intelligence, ability, depression, and anxiety. 
      • Models for categorical latent variables are often called Latent Class Analysis (LCA) or Latent Profile Analysis (LPA). 
      • The levels of a categorical latent variable represent groups in the population and are called classes. 
      • Identifying and understanding these classes. 
      • LCA is characterized by discrete response variables while LPA is characterized by continuous response variables. 
      • This presentation will provide a brief introduction to LCA/LPA models and how to implement them using Stata.
    • Register on Eventbrite HERE

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage and Jewish American Heritage Month

During May, we celebrate the contributions and history of our AANHPI and Jewish community members. The term AANHPI encompasses a diverse community of over 50 different ethnic groups while the term Jewish refers to people who practice Judaism. PHIT is committed to celebrating and supporting our AANHPI and Jewish students and creating a more diverse public health force that will advance public health for our communities. 

AANHPI Resources

Check out the links below to learn more about how data is critical to better understanding AANHPI health disparities and needs: 

Explore Office Of Inclusive Excellence Resources

UC Irvine Libraries Resources and Materials

Online Resources

Special Collections and Archives

Recent Additions

In addition to online resources and archival materials, recent acquisitions of books in the UC Irvine Libraries’ circulating collection focus on the contributions and experiences of AAPI communities.

  • Navigating Islands: Plays from the Pacific, by Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl, brings together three plays by distinguished playwright Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl. All three plays scrutinize how non-Polynesians interact with Polynesians when attempting to navigate through the subtleties of island life.
  • Word of Mouth: Asian American Artists Sharing Recipes, edited and illustrated by Laura Kina and Jave Yoshimoto, is an artists’ cookbook featuring stories and artwork from 23 Asian American and Asian diaspora artists from across the United States. Each contribution is accompanied by an original illustration and enriched by the artist’s reflections on how their cuisine has been impacted by war, migration, relocation, labor, or mixing.
  • Caring for Caregivers: Filipina Migrant Workers and Community Building During Crisis, by Valerie Francisco-Menchavez, centers the perspectives of Filipino caregivers in the San Francisco Bay Area, illuminating their transnational experiences and their strategies and practices to help each other navigate the crumbling US healthcare system.
  • Addressing Anti-Asian Racism with Social Work Advocacy and Action, edited by Meirong Liu and Keith Chan, examines the experience and impact of racism from the perspective of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and delves into the need to seek out evidence-based solutions.
  • Anger and Change in Korean American Literature, by Brian Willems, illustrates how Korean American novels and poetry use anger to enact change, foregrounding the various ways it can pinpoint injustice and suggest alternatives.

Jewish Heritage Month Resources

Explore Office of Inclusive Excellence Resources

UC Irvine Libraries Resources and Materials

Ambassador Corner –  Self Care Spring when feeling Burnt-Out

Our PHIT Ambassadors are students in the PHIT Program who are here to support fellow students in learning more about public health informatics! It’s the time of year when students often burn out… Here are some words of advice from our ambassadors on how to engage in self care during spring quarter!

Kaila: After two quarters of being on the grind, spring quarter can be one of the most exhausting quarters to get through. For me, I tend to have the least amount of motivation to get to class, avoid procrastination, or even plan fun activities with friends. That being said, it’s okay to take a break sometimes! To avoid burnout, it’s important to remember to pace yourself and schedule time for you, even if that time looks like taking a nap or playing a video game. There’s so much to do in college–it’s crucial to take advantage of the many people to meet, foods to eat, and activities to try, but with the healthy dose of “No thank you” when you need a little time to wind down. If you ever are feeling pressured or getting a case of FOMO, just remember that you are never obligated to give anyone your time if you don’t want to. Setting boundaries is important for your mental health and wellbeing!

Jaini: It’s the third quarter and the last quarter of the academic school year. At this point, it’s completely normal to feel tired, unmotivated, or even burnt out from the constant cycle of midterms, assignments, and finals. I’m right there with you. There are definitely days when I feel completely drained and catch myself procrastinating way more than I should. But if that burnout and procrastination go unchecked, it can start to affect your grades and how you feel overall. One thing that’s helped me a lot is changing my environment. Sitting in the same room or same library spot every day can honestly make you feel stuck and even more tired. Try studying at a new café, a different study lounge on campus, or even outdoors. A change of scenery can do wonders for your focus and energy. If you feel exhausted throughout the day, give yourself permission to rest. A quick 20-minute power nap can boost your energy, and sometimes even just treating yourself to your favorite snack or drink can be a reset. It’s okay to take a break, burnout isn’t fixed by pushing yourself harder. Another thing that helps is being intentional with how you plan your week. Try structuring your days so that you focus on school and work during the weekdays and give yourself more space to relax on the weekends. Having that dedicated time to recharge can help you stay consistent during the week. And don’t forget to take advantage of resources around you. At UCI, the Student Health and Wellness Center has massaging chairs you can use when you need a breather. Little things like that might seem small, but they can really help you reset. You’re almost at the finish line. Give yourself credit for how far you’ve come, and remember that taking care of your mental and physical health is just as important as turning in that assignment.

Hailey: Hi hi hi! As a student with a tight and packed schedule, I’m definitely with you all experiencing burnout. Luckily, I have my ways to destress, take care of my mental health, and value the little triumphs I can manage, and I hope these tips help you out! The first thing I’d recommend is to make time for your breakfast in the morning, and I encourage either meal prepping ahead of time or making something quick that’s delicious and something to look forward to as you wake up and start the day. Food makes a big difference in your mood, and being at research or class for hours on an empty stomach ultimately will make you crash (and possibly crash out) sooner. Secondly, if you’re trying to study late at night and nothing’s retaining, that’s your sign to go to sleep. There’s no point in losing sleep over something you probably won’t be able to remember, and your sleep will help you remember what you’re studying. For my students taking labs, start everything early. And take some time out of your day to have a moment to yourself, whether that’s walking to class or when making dinner, jam to some music, or watch your favorite show; the in-between moments will be vital in keeping you grounded.
Jobs, Internships, Research, and Professional Development Opportunities 
LA County Department of Public Health Internships and Volunteerships
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) works to protect health, prevent disease, and promote health and well-being for everyone in Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County is the largest county in the United States: home to over 10 million diverse residents and a travel destination for millions each year. One of the Department’s top priorities is to advance health equity through community-based collaborations with a wide range of partners to support policies, practices, and programs that lead to healthier environments. Public Health maintains a broad portfolio of essential programs and services including 14 Public Health Centers located throughout LA County.There are over 4,000 Public Health professionals working to improve health and wellness across Los Angeles County. Please explore our internship and volunteer opportunities to discover the many ways that you can work in Public Health.
County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department Public Health Fellow/Student Intern
The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department is hiring current students for internships and fellowships. Join us and help create a safe and healthy community and an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive!
The Public Health Department promotes, preserves and protects the health of all San Luis Obispo County residents through disease surveillance, health education, direct services, and health policy development. The department includes seven different divisions offering a wide range of fellowship and internship opportunities. There are a variety of internship and fellowship opportunities, ranging from health education and promotion, to data collection and analysis, to lab work, and more. The department also partners with the following programs (click the links to learn more): Pathways Cal-PPH and Cal-EIS Fellowship Program.
Please note that this is a continuous posting.  Applications will be given to Public Health Divisions at their request, based on need.
Santa Clara County Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
The goal of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department Internship Program is to provide a high-quality training experience for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students. Students will have an opportunity to develop academic, career and personal growth. Our program is guided by two core principles:
Strengthening the public health workforce through a focused effort to reach out to students in the field of Public Health
Providing service to the Department and the Santa Clara County community
AltaMed Health Information Management Technician
The Technician, Health Information Management role compiles, processes, and maintains medical records of clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system. Performs specialized health information activities necessary to organize, maintain, and use electronic and paper patient health records. Possesses high customer service, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, requires interpretation and explanation of policy and external requirements related to chart documentation, privacy, and release of information. 
Loma Linda University EHR Application Specialist 2
The EHR Application Specialist 2 is responsible for the ongoing design, build, testing, validation and ongoing support of mission critical application(s). In addition, this position requires the ability to independently interact with clients and demonstrate critical thinking and follow through skills when developing solutions to identified issues. These services may be provided for both the LLUMC and LLUCH hospitals. Perform other duties as needed.
UCI Experiential Learning Program (ELP)
The UCI Experiential Learning Program (ELP) creates a bridge between classroom learning and career readiness by providing a space to build new competencies and hone their skills! Opportunities exist for students both inside and outside STEM majors, supporting everything from social media management to content creation & storytelling to AI/machine learning. ELP offers positions for summer, part-time and project-based employment. Fill out their Interest Form and check out the current open positions on their Instagram page. If you are a UCI student interested in the program, please explore the employment opportunities below or apply to our current opportunities via Handshake or the ANTrepreneur Center’s micro-internship program.
Full-Ride Scholarship for Rural Health Professionals – Applications Open 
The UC Berkeley Rural Health Innovation Program is accepting applications for its next cohort of Rural Health Scholars. This program provides full-tuition scholarships for public health professionals living and working in rural communities to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree online. Scholars also receive a paid membership in the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).
The application deadline is August 3, 2025. More information, including scholar profiles, is available here: https://lnkd.in/gaitdSGs

Best of Luck, 

UCI PHIT Program

Public Health Informatics and Technology Program

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