Professional Development Webinar Series

This webinar series brings together experts in public health communication, design, pedagogy, and evaluation to strengthen professional skills across Extension and outreach programs. Sessions will explore topics such as creating compelling infographics, tailoring messages for diverse audiences, using storytelling to teach, integrating AI into health communication, and evaluating program impact. Participants will gain practical tools and insights to enhance engagement, credibility, and inclusivity in their educational and public health efforts.

Upcoming Events

March 30, 2026

1:00PM EST

Technical Knowledge

Presenter: Dr. Kara Fikrig, The Pennsylvania State University


April 16, 2026

2:00PM EST

Pedagogy & Engagement

Presenter: Dr. Peter Winch, John Hopkins University


May 14, 2026

2:00PM EST

Evaluation & Program Design

Presenter: Dr. Candace Border,

Penn State College of Medicine


June 09, 2026

2:00PM EST

Communication & Design

Presenter: Dr. Amelia Greiner-Safi,

Cornell University

July 21, 2026

1:00PM EST

Technical Knowledge

Presenters: VectorED Network Team Educators

Vector-Borne Disease Epidemiology for Educators

This session provides a clear overview of major U.S. vectors, disease ecology, and transmission cycles to establish essential baseline knowledge. Participants will learn how to interpret and translate surveillance data for educational and outreach contexts.

Facilitating Behavior Change Conversations

This webinar introduces practical strategies for motivating audiences to adopt protective behaviors. Participants will explore motivational interviewing techniques and behavior change frameworks they can immediately apply in programs and one-on-one conversations.

Focus Groups and Qualitative Data 101

This session offers a beginner-friendly introduction to designing and facilitating focus groups and analyzing qualitative data. Attendees will gain practical tools and templates to support needs assessments, program planning, and evaluation.

Best Practices for Risk Communication for Emergent Threats

This webinar covers core principles of risk communication during emerging or rapidly evolving vector-borne disease threats. Participants will learn strategies for crafting clear, credible, and timely messages that build trust and combat uncertainty.

Vector Bite Risk Reduction and Field Safety

This session focuses on practical, evidence-based strategies to prevent bites and promote safe field practices. Participants will learn how to communicate protective measures effectively across various settings and audiences.

Check back here and on our social media for our next opportunity