Claudia Serna

Claudia Serna serves as Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Public Health, and Program Director of the Master of Public Health program at Nova Southeastern University's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Her educational background includes:

• Dental degree from Javeriana University
• Master's and Doctoral degrees in Public Health (Health Promotion/Disease Prevention) from Florida International University
• MBA from Nova Southeastern University
• Dental Public Health Residency at NYU Langone Health
• Social Media Marketing Certificate from Rutgers University School of Business

Dr. Serna's research integrates public health and oral health through community-focused studies on dental care access, emergency department utilization for dental issues, and HIV prevention interventions. Her work emphasizes practical solutions for vulnerable populations and has shaped discourse in dental public health through publications in leading journals and contributions to the American Public Health Association's 'Oral Health in America' publication.

Her major recognitions include:

• 2017 APHA Anthony Westwater Jong Memorial Community Dental Health Award
• 2017 AAPHD Leverett Graduate Student Merit Award
• 2020 KPCOM M.P.H. Golden Apple Award
• 2024 Hispanic Dental Association Community Service Award

As Department Chair and Program Director, Dr. Serna provides academic leadership for public health education while maintaining active research engagement. Her professional certifications—including Master Certified in Health Education, Certified Public Health Communicator, and Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health—demonstrate her commitment to advancing the field through both scholarship and practice.