MPH director and staff

Julia R. Varnes, PhD, MPH, MCHES is the director of the Master of Public Health Program for the College of Public Health and Health Professions, and a Clinical Associate Professor with the Department of Health Services Research, Management, and Policy as well as faculty within the Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration. She is also an affiliate professor with the Center for Gender, Sexualities, and Women’s Studies Research. Dr. Varnes received her PhD in health behavior, with a minor in research and evaluation methodology, from the University of Florida. Dr. Varnes holds two masters degrees, one in health education (UF), and one in public health (University of Maryland, College Park).

Dr. Varnes has worked in college health at UF for nearly 20 years, first as a public health practitioner with UF’s Area Health Education Program (AHEC) and later with GatorWell Health Promotion Services. She joined UF as faculty in 2014, and joined the College of PHHP in 2021. Dr. Varnes is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), and also a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).

Dr. Varnes’s research and academic interests are specific to interpersonal violence, objectification, and gender role expectations; inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities; and professional preparation. In her teaching, advising, and mentoring, she aims to empower others and emphasizes compassion, acceptance, and cultural competency in future professionals.

Telisha is a triple Gator with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the UF Department of Health Education and Behavior as well as a Master’s of Arts from the UF Department of Sociology. She has been with the MPH program since October 2011 and currently serves as the Academic Advisor for both campus and online MPH students. She advises MPH students on their plans of study for completion of the MPH and other curriculum and program related requirements.

Lauren C. McDonald began working as an Academic Advisor I in the College of Public Health and Health Professions at UF in July 2025, supporting undergraduate and graduate students in their academic and career growth. She also works with the combined degree undergraduate students who are obtaining an additional degree in MPH. She is a graduate of the Master of Public Health Program in the Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration at the University of Florida as of August 2025. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a minor in Education from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Lauren began her public health career in Naples, Florida, as a Tobacco Health Educator with the Florida Department of Health, where she focused on youth tobacco prevention and community outreach. After relocating to Gainesville, she spent two years as an Alcohol and Other Drugs Graduate Assistant at the University of Florida’s Counseling and Wellness Center, where she supported substance use education, peer engagement, and wellness programming. In the summer of 2025, she interned with the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida, working on LGBTQ+ mental health advocacy and resource development.

Her academic and professional interests include counseling and education, LGBTQ+ and sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, and mental health. She is passionate about inclusive, student-centered public health and is dedicated to advancing equity and community well-being.

Lisa McNeil is a graduate of the Master of Public Health program at Florida International University. She earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Central Florida. Lisa serves as the Applied Practice Experience (APE) and Outreach Coordinator for the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. In this capacity, she is responsible for overseeing key components of the APE process, including acting as the primary liaison for current and prospective internship sites, maintaining ongoing communication with preceptors during student placements, and facilitating communication across multiple channels with students, faculty, and preceptors regarding the identification and securing of APE opportunities. Additionally, Lisa reviews students’ internship work plans, product proposals, and final deliverables to ensure alignment with program competencies.

Beyond her APE responsibilities, Lisa plays an active role in public health outreach and community engagement. She represents the MPH program at public health events and meetings, fostering connections with community stakeholders. She also manages outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening alumni relations, identifying opportunities for community partnerships, and promoting the program at local, regional, and national conferences.

Brittany Gibson is the Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator for the Master of Public Health Program for the College of Public Health and Health Professions. She received her masters degree in Health Education and Behavior from the University of Florida (UF).

Brittany has worked at UF for 9 years, first advising students in the Department of Health Education and Behavior and later with the UF Pre-Health Advising Office and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Biology, Botany, and Zoology programs. She joined the College of PHHP in August 2023. Brittany is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®), and also a member of the UF Graduate School Graduate Recruitment Advisory Committee and SEAGAP – the Southeastern chapter of NAGAP (National Association for Graduate Enrollment Management).

Brittany is excited to collaborate with current and prospective students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. She serves as the primary point of contact for prospective MPH on-campus and online graduate students. She also manages multiple aspects of recruitment for public health programs and works with the PHHP marketing team to promote affiliated programs.