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Ayanna N. Woodberry

woodberry.ayanna@gmail.com

EDUCATION 

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Biology

The Graduate School, Howard University-Washington, DC

May 2026 (Expected)

Master of Science, Biology (Concentration: Cancer Biology Prevention and Control)

College of Arts and Sciences, The University of the District of Columbia -Washington, DC
(In partnership with) The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center

May 2021

Master of Public Health, General Public Health

Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina-Columbia, SC

May 2018

Bachelor of Science, Biology

Virginia Union University-Richmond, VA

May 2016

WORK EXPERIENCE

The Moving From Surviving to Thriving Public Health Initiative

Founder
January 2021-Present

•  Founded the Moving From Surviving to Thriving Public Health Initiative to address health disparities in minority communities across the US and abroad

•  Serve over 200 individuals in 12 states, Grenada, and Tanzania

•  Host monthly educational sessions for program participants

•  Distribute medical equipment and supplies, along with PPE to program participants

United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA), Crosscutting Policy Staff-Washington, DC

Biological Science Student Trainee

September 2023-Present

•    Analyzed and summarized a variety of environmental program information data for use in preparing reports and program evaluations
•    Performed scientific studies of a standard nature on regulatory and compliance issues and problems
•    Prepared initial recommendations for solutions to be reviewed by higher graded staff
•    Supported higher-graded staff in planning for program management of environmental programs
•    Assisted staff in preparation of materials for, and participation in, briefings with managers
•    Reviewed literature for assessment and information gathering

Virginia Union University, Department of Natural Sciences-Richmond, VA

Adjunct Professor

August 2022-December 2023

•    Taught assigned courses within the Department of Natural Sciences under the supervision of the Dean and Department Chair
•    Aided approximately 60 students in fulfilling their maximum potential in mastering course content each semester
•    Assisted with articulation and curriculum development and review

Howard University-Washington, DC

Graduate Teaching Assistant

August 2021-December 2023

•    Awarded a graduate assistantship through the Department of Biology at the Howard University Graduate School
•    Responsible for assisting faculty with instruction of the Genetics undergrade course and the Human Diversity and Evolutionary Genetics undergraduate/graduate level courses
•    Served as the instructor for assigned labs
•    Supervised students and provided student course feedback to the instructor of record

University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center-Houston, TX

Graduate Student-non-UTHSCH (Graduate Student Trainee)

 June 2022-August 2022

•    Selected to participate in the first cohort of Howard-MD Anderson summer training experience
•    Assigned to the Department of Epidemiology, within the Cancer Prevention Center at The MD Anderson Cancer Center, in which prostate biopsies were examined to determine possible genetic factors that may be associated with the development of aggressive prostate cancer  
•    Conducted research related to prostate cancer disparities. Examined hapLOH plots (looking for event calls, looking at the posterior probability, and the distribution of SNIPS)

Community Resource Center-Denver, CO

AmeriCorps State and National Program Coordinator
April 2021-August 2021

  • Supported the ASN COVID Containment program that mobilizes 75 AmeriCorps State and National members serving remotely across the state of Colorado to respond to the coronavirus pandemic

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment-Denver, CO

Supervisor/Team Lead-CO COVID Response Corps

December 2020-April 2021

  • Oversaw and supported the work of up to 30 Contact Tracers engaged in case interviews, COVID-19 contact tracing, and linkage to services. Maintain daily communication with Contact Tracers, as assigned

  • Provided ongoing refresher trainings and in a confidential manner

  • Collaborated with CDPHE, CDHS, Local Public Health Agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure updated resource lists are used during interviews, including information on referrals to social and health services

  • Ensured diverse health-related needs and concerns of patients, family members, and caregivers are addressed

COVID-19 Case Investigator and Contact Tracer (Colorado COVID Response Corps)

July 2020-December 2020

  • Helped prevent COVID-19 transmission by identifying and notifying cases and contacts exposed to the virus, identifying risk factors and sources of infection, isolating sick individuals, and ensuring individuals have the resources they need to isolate or quarantine.

  • Provided critical information on community partners providing food, financial assistance with rent and utilities, documentation needs, and personal protective equipment, such as masks, to support compliance among cases and contacts

  • Ensured direct communication occured and educational resources were provided within minority and vulnerable populations, to ensure fundamental health and wellness in these communities

Howard-Georgetown Collaborative Partnership in Cancer Research-Washington, DC

Cancer Research Education Program Scholar
August 2020-May 2021

  • Conducted cancer disparities research related to the impacts of behavioral health and environmental factors on breast cancer outreach.

  • Analyzed the effectiveness of outreach events leading to screenings, patient navigation, and mammography follow-up in minority communities.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network-Washington, DC

Policy Team Intern
October 2019-April 2020

  • Supported the Vice President for Policy, Policy Principals and Senior Analysts in tracking and analyzing key federal and state health care legislative initiatives and policy developments

  • Assisted Policy Principals and Seniors Analysts in the collection of relevant health care data

  • Developed fact sheets, testimony, infographics, and other materials for use by state and federal advocacy teams and ACS CAN field staff

Maryland Out of School Time Network- Baltimore, MD

Healthy Choices Program Coordinator
August 2018-August 2019

  • Through partnership with Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, increased access to healthy food choices and physical activity for economically disadvantaged girls in Baltimore City is provided

  • Coordinated Healthy Choices pilot program and conducted program data evaluation to be included in Johns Hopkins Global Obesity Prevention Center publication

Little Medical School-Baltimore, MD

Instructor
August 2018-August 2019

  • Led a series of one-hour classes featuring interactive demonstrations, crafts and games, which teach elementary school children how the body and organs work and first aid procedures

Lutheran Services Carolinas-Columbia, SC

Disaster Response Coordinator

August 2017 – August 2018

  • Provided disaster preparedness training for current employees and vulnerable populations in South Carolina and North Carolina

  • Conducted evaluations of current disaster plans within the organization

  • Supervised the AmeriCorps VISTA Member

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VISTA Community Resilience-Building Program Organizer

August 2016 – August 2017

  • Developed programs and tools to better equip low-income communities for substantial disruptions that addressed risks and vulnerabilities

  • Created a 150-page resource guide for low-income residents in Columbia, SC

  • Invited to attend a White House briefing in October 2016 on climate change

Youth Life Foundation of Richmond- Richmond, VA

Part-Time Teacher
September 2014 – May 2015

  • Served as a support system for 14 at-risk youth in the City of Richmond by teaching academic concepts

  • Focused on ensuring that all students excelled academically, improved on character development, received computer training, and achieved health and wellness goals

City of Richmond AmeriCorps- Richmond, VA

Program Specialist

January 2014 – May 2014

  • Developed and scheduled STEM programs that supported the mission of Camp Diva, a non-profit that works with at-risk girls

  • Engaged over 25 volunteers in order to assist with 10 – 15 public fundraising events

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

District of Columbia Public Health Association-Washington, DC

Fundraising Affiliate Representative to the American Public Health Association Governing Council (ARGC) 
December 2023-Present

•    Elected by the local District of Columbia Public Health Association at national American Public Health Association events
•    Maintains communication between APHA and DCPHA and sister affiliates. This crucial leadership role ensures an active communication and cross-fertilization of ideas across affiliates, especially regionally, and the APHA, in addition to representing DCPHA positions on APHA GC

Commission on National and Community Service (Serve DC)-Washington, DC

Commissioner                                                                      

April 2022-Present 

•    Appointed to the Commission for National and Community Service by the Mayor of the District of Columbia (Mayor Muriel Bowser)
•    The purpose of the Commission is to encourage community service and volunteer participation as a means of community and state problem-solving; to promote and support voluntary citizen involvement in government and private programs throughout the District of Columbia; to develop a comprehensive vision and strategic plan for community service initiatives in the District of Columbia; and to serve as the District's liaison between national and other state organizations in concert with the District of Columbia strategic plan

Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U)-New York, NY 

Reserve Mentor                                          

January 2022-Present

•    Experienced Commitment Mentor offering guidance and support to current CGI U Commitment Mentors and students
•    Previously served as a Commitment Mentor-Acted as a professional and personal mentor, consultant, and advocate to approximately 10-18 current CGI U students from around the world with projects focused on building resilient communities

Light of Africa-Silver Spring, MD

Member, Board of Directors

September 2021-Present

•    Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO of Light of Africa
•    Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, in addition to participating in the annual board evaluation
•    Serve as the Health Project Assistant for health-related projects based in Togo

The Whitney M. Slater Foundation-Florence, SC

Chairperson

January 2018-Present

•    Conduct breast cancer and public health research and outreach, focused on environmental and climate change solutions in environmental justice communities
•    Assisted in the planning and construction of the Duke Energy and Pinehurst solar farm (named after the Whitney M. Slater Foundation) serving 2,500 low-income rural households in the Pee Dee region
•    Assisted in the planning of the Justice First Tour (in partnership with New Alpha CDC) held to address the environmental justice issues in 25 cities and 12 states

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA) Educational Training Program-Washington, DC

Chemical and Pollutant Assessment Division (CPAD) Student Volunteer

January 2023-April 2023

•    Received training on the following: risk assessment (e.g. hazard identification, mode of action analysis, dose-response analysis), systematic review, and new computational tools being utilized in evidence analysis
•    Worked alongside EPA scientists learning how to use tailored PECO (Populations, Exposure, Comparators, Outcomes) statements to identify and categories references as potentially relevant to human health risk assessment

Neema International-Uru, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Fundraising Chair, Associate Board  
June 2020-June 2021

  • Represent a group of emerging leaders who work to empower vulnerable children by supporting quality education, adequate health and nutrition, fundraising, and volunteering service

The Free Medical Clinic of Columbia-Columbia, SC

Volunteer
2016-2018

  • Provided clinical and administrative support

The Whitney M. Slater Foundation-Florence, SC

Volunteer Assistant Program Manager
2012 – 2017

  • Provided administrative support, graphic and program design, and organized various fundraisers

  • Assist with the two health clinics in the community for low income citizens

Youth Life Foundation of Richmond-Richmond, VA

Mentor
2015– 2016

  • Served as a mentor for three at-risk youth in the City of Richmond by teaching academic concepts

Kingdom Living Temple-Florence, SC

Volunteer
2014-2016

  • Assisted with writing the SC State Implementation Plan for EPA’s Clean Power Plan

  • Assisted with the development of an Environmental Justice Analysis for the SC Office of Regulatory Staff and SC Office of Energy

Woodberry and Associates-Florence, SC

Volunteer
2009-2013

  • Helped facilitate the Environmental Justice Leadership Training, hosted by the US Environmental Protection Agency and SC Department of Health and Environmental Control

Eastern Carolina Community Development Corporation-Florence, SC

Volunteer
2004-2008

  • Focused on environmental justice issues that relate to the sighting of polluting facilities, in low income communities and their health impacts

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Certificate, Learning R, LinkedIn, 2022 

  • Certificate, Learning Linux Command Line, LinkedIn, 2022 

  • Certificate, Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative, 2021

  • Certificate, Social and Behavioral Responsible, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative, 2021

  • Certificate, Conflict of Interest (COI), Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative, 2021

  • Certificate, Information Privacy and Security (IPS), Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative, 2021

  • Certificate, Climate for Health Ambassador, 2021

  • Certificate, COVID-19 Contact Tracing, Johns Hopkins University, 2020

  • Certificate, Essentials of Global Health, Yale University, 2020

  • Certificate, The Health Effects of Climate Change, Harvard X-An Online Learning Initiative by Harvard University, 2020

  • Teaching Certification, Global Breast Health Educator, Know Your Lemons Foundation, Inc, 2020

  • Certificate, Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative, 2020

HONORS AND RECOGNITION

  • Shooting Stars Award, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2024

  • Incentive Award, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2024

  • Member, Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health, Mu Chapter, May 2023-Present

  • ​Howard Magazine-Collaboration in Cancer Research, Howard University, 2022 https://magazine.howard.edu/stories/collaboration-in-cancer-research 

  • Graduate Assistantship (Tuition and Stipend Award), Howard University Graduate School, 2021-2022

  • Short-term Study Abroad Education Program Scholarship Recipient, University of the District of Columbia, 2020

  • Cancer Biology Scholarship Recipient, University of the District of Columbia, 2019 

  • University of South Carolina Recognition, Arnold School of Public Health, 2018 (www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/public_health/about/news/2018/maygrad_woodberry.php#.W009xkxFz4g)

  • Dean’s List, Virginia Union University, 2014-2016

  • Meharry Medical College Recognition, Highest Grade in Verbal Reasoning Course, 2015

  • Verbina Besha Glanton Recognition, Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church of Nashville, TN, 2015

  • Outstanding Community Service Recognition, The Whitney M. Slater Foundation, 2015

  • Outstanding Community Service Award, Virginia Union University, 2014

  • Davis Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math Scholarship Recipient, United Negro College Fund, 2014

PUBLICATIONS

Woodberry, A, Mensah, F (2022). “Applications of Nanomaterials in Nanomedicine”.  Spectroscopy and Characterization of Nanomaterials and Novel Materials. https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527833689.ch14. Book chapter published on March 25, 2022 by Wiley‐VCH. Print ISBN:9783527349371 |Online ISBN:9783527833689, DOI:10.1002/9783527833689.

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Ferguson MC, Morgan MJ, O’Shea KJ, Winch L, Siegmund SS, Gonzales MS, Randall S, Hertenstein DL, Montague V, Woodberry A, Cassatt T, Lee BY (2020). “Using Simulation Modeling to Guide the Design of the Girl Scouts Fierce & Fit Program.” Obesity (May 7, 2020) DOI: 10.1002/oby.22827.

CV: List

©2021 by Ayanna N. Woodberry, MS, MPH.

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