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 Webinars
April 16, 2026
2:00PM EST
Pedagogy & Engagement
Presenter: Dr. Peter Winch
John Hopkins University
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.
May 14, 2026
2:00PM EST
Presenter: Dr. Candace Bordner
Penn State College of Medicine
Evaluation & Program Design
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.
Special Webinar in Collaboration with Penn State Extension
May 26, 2026
12:00PM EST
Presenters:
Robert P Smith MD, MPH
Director, Vector-borne Disease Lab, Maine Health Institute for Research
Presenter: Kirby C. Stafford III, Ph.D.
Chief Scientist & State Entomologist Emeritus, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Technical Knowledge
In honor of Lyme disease awareness month, join us for a webinar exploring the history of this disease. During this webinar, participants will learn how Lyme disease was discovered, its global history, and how medical understanding of the disease has evolved over decades of study. This session will provide valuable historical insight into this disease and explore how its history continues to shape prevention and treatment today.
The History of Lyme Disease
June 09, 2026
1:00PM EST
Communication & Design
Presenter: Dr. Amelia Greiner-Safi
Cornell University
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.
July 21, 2026
1:00PM EST
Technical Knowledge
Presenters: VectorED Network Team Educators
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.
Have a topic idea? Let us know!
Check back here and on our social media for our next opportunity
Past Webinars
March 30, 2026
1:00PM EST
Presenter: Dr. Kara Fikrig
The Pennsylvania State University
Technical Knowledge
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.