Wajeeha Young DrPH, MPH, CPH, RD

Experience

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  La Sierra University

  Jan 1998 - Jan 2002

  Student
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  Loma Linda University

  May 2004 - Jun 2005

  Statistical Analyst

  Studied: The Effect of Life Style, Dietary, & Demographic Factors Associated with Macular Degeneration • Utilized AHS-2 data set to identify lifestyle, dietary, and demographic factors associated with age-related Macular Degeneration among US and Canadian Seventh-Day Adventist population. • Conducted descriptive analysis, chi square analysis, and multivariate logistic analysis on various factors to evaluate association with Macular Degeneration using SAS.• Wrote and defended the thesis to faculty and peers under the guidance of Dr. Lawrence Beeson. This report was later attached to the grant extension application submitted to National Cancer Institute by LLU. Show less

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  Loma Linda University

  May 2006 - Jun 2010

  The American Cancer Society funded multi-institutional study was designed to evaluate Quality of Life and Symptoms Management among children, between 6-17 years of age, suffering from Stage IV cancer. This study was based at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in collaboration with UCLA, City of Hope, and Orange County Hospitals.• Developed an administrative system to maximize productivity and accountability between the different departments of the study.• Established regular meetings between the LLU Pediatric Oncology staff and statistician to encourage frequent open dialogue to promptly correct any confusion or misinformation.• Coordinated between the research staff of four hospitals and statistics department for subject recruitment, data collection, data entry, and analysis.• Established systematic protocol to improve accountability and accessibility of invaluable data being collected at LLU and arriving from different sites.• Developed subject tracking tools that helped adhere to the data collection timeline.• Directly involved in subject recruitment efforts by collaborating between the different Pediatric Oncology physicians, nurses, and staff of the LLU Hospital and LLU Faculty Medical Clinic.• Collected qualitative and quantitative biometric and psychometric data.• Prepared and presented annual reports highlighting preliminary statistical trends and status updates for all researchers associated with this study Show less • Managed 4-year HRSA funded program aimed at addressing the California nursing shortage. The program introduced remedial classes and financial incentives to minority populations.• Data management using SPSS statistical system to quantitatively and qualitatively track progress of each student enrolled in the program. This included their scores in English and Math competency assessment exams, grades in each class, and other qualitative tools designed to monitor familial and cultural barriers in their lives that affect their retention rate.• Conducted data analysis used in annual updates to the government and papers published. Statistical tests included simple and stratified descriptive statistics, t-tests, Wilcoxon t-test, and ANOVA. Show less Pilot study was conducted as a continuation to the NIH funded Placement Decision for Relatives with Dementia study. In this study a workshop was designed to empower relatives to be better informed and prepared for the placement process1. Designed a set of pre- and post-questionnaires to measure differences in subject knowledge and peace of mind before and after the workshop2. Adopted a three part information tool from an initial version developed by University of Colorado and Health Sciences Center3. Completely redesigned one of the three parts to introduce subjects to a California website with valuable information on different long term care facilities organized by zip-codes4. Conducted workshops at Loma Linda, Upland, and Temecula centers5. Administered pre and post questionnaires6. Made and distributed tokens to the subjects with the post questionnaire as a demonstration of appreciation7. Designed SPSS data spread sheet, coded the questionnaire responses, entered, analyzed, and reported data Show less

  • Research Project Director

    Oct 2005 - Jun 2010

  • Statistician

    Aug 2005 - Jun 2010

  • Registered Dietitian Intern

    Apr 2007 - Jul 2007

  • Sernior Researcher/Statistician

    Jun 2005 - Jun 2007

  • Senior Researcher/statistician

    May 2006 - Oct 2006
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  San Bernardino County Department of Nutrition

  Apr 2007 - Dec 2007

  Co-author of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant

  • Conducted SWOT analysis of existing programs to help identify strengths and weaknesses of the project and opportunities and threats to consider when the program. • Co-authored Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant for “Voices for Change: A Community Empowerment Program” funded for $400,000.

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  San Bernardino CountyDepartment of Nutrition

  Apr 2007 - Jun 2010

  Conducted nutrition analysis using Food Processor and Excel on menus from: Meals-on-Wheels, Senior Citizen Centers at: Barstow, Big Bear, Bonnie Baker, Crest Forest, Reno, McNair, Hi Desert, Hinkley, Lucerne, Montclair, Parker, Steelworkers Oldtimers, Mohave Valley, Needles, and Yucca Valley; High Desert and Central Valley Juvenile Hall.• Wrote reports assessing nutrient content of these meals in accordance with appropriate state and federal departmental guidelines including Department of Aging and Adult Services. • Developed Action Plans for institutes to help meet nutrient requirements who did not meet the requirements. These plans were delivered to departmental directors. Developed instruments to help food service staff assess nutrient content of commonly used menu items that were distributed to the personnel of above listed institutes. Show less Coordinated and implemented Network for Healthy California funded program to promote better nutrition and physical activity in pre-K schools in the districts of Rialto, Colton, San Bernardino City Unified School District, and San Bernardino Superintendent of Schools which include Adelanto, Chino Valley, Hesperia Unified, Mountain View, Cucamonga, and Victor Elementary School Districts. • Met with State Preschool Directors to discuss parameters in fulfilment of grant requirements.• Developed a uniform State Memoranda Of Understanding (MOU) template to use with all district partners. This template was approved by County Board of Supervisors, Board of Education, and Public Health Director. • Collaborated with Desert Sierra Health Network, Shasta County’s Healthy Beginnings, and North Carolina Cooperative Extension to develop low cost curricula. This curricula was linked to California Department of Education Developmental Continuum for Early Infancy to Kindergarten guidelines.• Developed and distributed quarterly newsletter for parents of the preschoolers summarizing nutrition education their child was receiving in class, and tips for “Happy and Healthy Mealtimes.”• Compiled curricula was reviewed and approved by Preschool Directors.• Developed and implemented bookkeeping instruments to track school districts, materials dispersed, number of teachers and aids reached, and each of their time logs for grant reimbursement. • Trained over 200 teachers and aids in 5 school districts every quarter. • From October 2008 through September 2009, visited 84 sites to train 281 staff members who logged 36,614 billable hours conducting nutrition education and physical activity promotion activities for 4440 students.• Generated quarterly expense reports. Budget for the quarter of October through December 2008 was $175,000.00. Show less

  • Public Healt Nutritionist

    May 2008 - Jun 2010

  • Pre-School Nutrition Education Project Administrator

    Apr 2007 - Jun 2010
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  Coram Specialty Infusion Services

  Jun 2008 - Jul 2008

  Registered Dietitian Intern

  • Worked with pediatric and adult patients needing home TPN/EN infusion because of GI birth defects, chemotherapy, and surgical complications• Reviewed patient charts and assessed nutritional needs based on their lab values and medications• Wrote TPN orders including total volume, individual macronutrient content, and electrolytes if needed• Conducted consultations with patients over the phone to counsel nutrition related concerns• Made home visits with a nurse to teach patients how to access their PIC line and connect TPN bag Show less

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  Saint Bernardine Medical Center

  Jul 2008 - Oct 2008

  Registered Dietitian Intern

  • Worked with pregnant mothers, neonates and pediatrics• Developed individualized Medical Nutrition Therapy for patients suffering from renal failure, heart failure, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass complications, post-operative coronary by-pass, geriatrics, tissue necrosis, and wound care• Established short term and long term nutrition goals for above listed patients• Attended and contributed to multi-disciplinary meetings to discuss complicated cases

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  Beaver Medical Group

  Nov 2008 - Dec 2008

  Registered Dietitian Intern

  • Co-taught classes teaching management of diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, lifestyle weight loss techniques• Conducted one-on-one counseling with patients suffering from food allergies and weight management counseling• Contributed to an on-going research project tracking weight fluctuations of patients awaiting gastric bypass procedure

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  University of Phoenix

  Sept 2009 - Dec 2014

  Adjunct Faculty

  Teach:HPE 170 – Health and Physical Education Explored the principles of exercise science and its impact on health, and developed self-confidence and self-worth. Helped students achieve goals of lifelong health; understand growth and development; and utilize health-related information, products and services. SCI 163 – Elements of Health and Wellness Fundamentals of wellness and preventive health including strategic planning to attain and maintain personal optimal health. Physical and mental diseases were discussed along with the dangers of environmental pollution, stress, addiction, and other negative factors that can affect personal health. SCI 220 – Human Nutrition Basic concepts of food and nutrition including principles of digestion and absorption, the function of nutrients, lifecycle nutritive needs, disease prevention, diet modifications, and weight management were covered. HCS 335 – Ethics: Health Care and Social Responsibility Identified ethical issues in health care. Encourage students to clarify their personal ethic with regard to health care issues. Identified responsibilities involving management of populations whose ethics may be divergent. HCS 430 – Legal Issues in Health Care: Regulation and Compliance Health law and regulations ranging from patient rights to corporate responsibilities. Examined public and private health care regulatory agencies and impact on the operation of health care as a business. Discussed legal issues ranging from professional malpractice to corporate wrongdoing.HCS 457 – Public and Community Health Development of public health system and epidemiological model. Impact of environmental factors on disease trends as well as communicable disease controls. Developed skills in community assessment and health promotion strategies. Show less

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  Cal Poly Pomona

  Sept 2010 - now

  Adjunct Faculty

  Teach: IME 301 – Application of Statistics in Engineering Statistical conclusions for problems observed in industry and business. Descriptive statistics, discrete and continuous distributions, hypothesis testing, control charts, factorial experiments and regression analysis (3 quarter units)IME 312 - Engineering Probability Statistics Engineering applications of the concepts of probability, statistical distributions, regression and correlation analysis, and hypothesis testing. (3 quarter units)IME 314 – Probability and Statistics in Engineering/Laboratory Engineering applications of the concepts of probability, statistical distributions, statistical analysis, regression and correlation analysis, analysis of variance and co variance, design of experiments, hypothesis testing, and probabilistic and statistical models. (4 quarter units) FN 203 – Health, Nutrition and the Integrated Being Investigation of specific areas of the integrated being dealing with nutrition, stress, drugs, sexuality, major health problems and death and dying. Understanding their effect on integrated being with the development of behaviors and actions that will promote optimum physical and mental health. (4 quarter units)FN 235 – NutritionStudy of individual nutrient requirements. Utilization of dietary guidelines, Diet self-evaluation. Digestion, Absorption, metabolism and excretion of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Role of nutrition in health promotion, disease prevention and treatment of disease. (4 quarter units)FN 305 – Nutrition, Science, and Health Integrative approach to nutrition, health and fitness based on physiological and biochemical principles. Role of diet and other influences in promoting wellness and preventing degenerative diseases. Nutritional self-assessment. Written critiques of current controversies and other assigned topics. (4 quarter units) Show less

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  PAN AMERICAN HEALTH SERVICE ORPHANAGE MALNUTRITION REHABILITATION CENTER

  Dec 2010 - Jan 2011

  Lead Nutrition Consultant

  Worked on two major projects:1. Conducted nutritional assessments and proposed appropriate recommendations for on-site nutrition staff Assessed nutritional status of meals offered on site by interviewing nutrition directors and chefs preparing meals for infants, adolescents and staff Visited pantry to get acquainted with local food items and observed cooking methodology Assessed health status of children at the centerLead nutrition education classes for cooking staff Proposed recommendations to improve nutritional content of meals offered 2. Assessed nutritional options and common health concerns of Pena Blanc, the nearby village. Assessed available food items and their costs by visiting major grocery stores in the village Gathered cross-sectional qualitative data on common health concerns by conducting focus groups of local village volunteersDesigned presentations comparing and contrasting different food items in light of their nutrient content and cost issuesProvided individual and group counseling to local population with the help of a translator Show less

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  Mount San Antonio College or Mt. SAC

  Mar 2011 - Mar 2013

  Adjunct Faculty

  Teach: NF25 – Essentials of Nutrition taught at Mt. SACScientific concepts of nutrition related to the function of nutrients in basic life processes with emphasis on current health issues; individual needs; functions and sources of nutrients; scientific method for analysis and evaluation of nutrition information; dietary guidelines and current nutrition recommendations; digestion, absorption and metabolism; health, fitness and disease; nutrition in the life span. (3 semester units)

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  Loma Linda University

  Jun 2012 - May 2016

  Researcher & Writer

  • Developed conceptual framework highlighting effects of omega-3 fatty acids on affective disorders using published clinical and public health research.• Formulated research questions, appropriate research design, and identified biometric and psychometric data collection instruments.• Collected, entered, and managed biometric and psychometric data through the nine-month prospective feeding trial.• Conducted demographic, parametric, and non-parametric statistical tests including Repeated Measure ANOVA, Chi Square, Spearman Rho, and Correlation to address research questions.• Wrote and defended the dissertation to faculty and peers under the guidance of Dr. Joan Sabate. Show less

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  Office of Somoan Affairs

  Nov 2013 - Jan 2014

  Lead Statistician & Writer

  Network for Healthy California funded Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Project • Managed and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data collected from: Los Angeles, Orange, and Sacramento Counties.• Generated final report evaluating the program according to CDC Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health. Described lessons learned using tables and graphs highlighting project outcomes

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  University of Southern California San Bernardino

  Jan 2014 - Mar 2014

  Lecturer

  Teach: HSCI 315 - Statistics for the Health Sciences Introduction to the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data acquired for health sciences and public health. Emphasis will be on application rather than theory. Four hours lecture. Prerequisite: MATH 110. (4 units)Teach: HSCI 612 - Public Health StatisticsStatistical methods commonly used in the collection and analysis of public health data. Includes methods for descriptive data analysis, fundamentals of probability and sampling distributions, methods for statistical inference, and hypothesis tests based on one or two samples, basic concepts of regression, non-parametric statistics, and introduction to qualitative data analysis, and the use of statistical software. Hands-on experience, and interpretations of statistical findings of health research data. Formerly HSCI 503. (4 units) Show less

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  California Department of Health Care Services

  Jan 2017 - now

  The Research Manager (RM) is responsible for leading a team which serves to ensure program and health plan compliance with newly revised federal quality assurance requirements (42 CFR 438) and manages the development and implementation of performance-measurement and quality-improvement activities for the Medi-Cal managed care program. A major function of this Unit is developing data submission requirements, monitoring data submissions, and analyzing submissions in terms of data quality to support further analysis of the Medi-Cal managed care program. The Unit collaborates with all other components of the Medi-Cal managed care program, including the external quality review organization (EQRO), to produce additional reports required under the newly revised federal regulations. Show less

  • Research Scientist Supervisor - I

    Dec 2023 - now

  • Research Data Supervisor II

    Jan 2017 - now
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  Cosumnes River College

  Jul 2017 - May 2019

  Adjunct Faculty