HELLO, MY NAME IS
Master’s studies
Daniela is a young graduate of the “Nicolae Testemițanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine No. 1, with a specialization in Public Health, currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Public Health Management. The research focus is on health promotion and the prevention of injuries and violence, with particular interest in assessing playground-related risks and developing effective safety regulations. Participated in the iCREATE project: Increasing Capacity for Injury Research in Eastern Europe, which included involvement in an experiential learning initiative. This hands-on experience served as the foundation for the Bachelor’s thesis, which explored strategies for preventing childhood injuries and contributed to implementing several innovative approaches in playground safety and policy development.
My academic journey during the iCREATE Injury and Violence Prevention Training Program was profoundly enriching and meticulously structured. I immersed myself in a rigorous one-semester study abroad at the Department of Public Health, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. This period was a pivotal component of my ongoing Master’s studies in Public Health. The curriculum was well-designed, encompassing core subjects crucial for a comprehensive understanding of public health. Beyond the formal academic structure, my overall experience was incredibly fulfilling. The vibrant academic environment and the opportunity to engage with a new cultural context in Cluj-Napoca provided invaluable cross-cultural insights into public health challenges and innovative solutions. I felt a constant sense of inspiration throughout this period, not only from the depth of the knowledge imparted but also from the dynamic and supportive learning atmosphere.
This iCREATE experience has unequivocally propelled my career in violence and injury prevention. Leveraging my prior foundational research, notably my undergraduate thesis on “Parents’ knowledge and attitudes about playground injuries in children up to 7 years of age,” I was able to delve deeper into advanced prevention strategies and contemporary public health approaches. The program’s strong emphasis on evidence-based practices and program development has equipped me with practical and theoretical tools essential for designing, implementing, and rigorously evaluating effective interventions. Furthermore, the exposure to international best practices and the collaborative spirit fostered within the program have significantly broadened my professional outlook.
The iCREATE program was instrumental in significantly advancing both my research skills and fostering invaluable collaboration opportunities. The “Basic Principles of Public Health Research Methods” course provided a robust theoretical foundation, which was immediately reinforced by practical engagements. A particularly impactful instance of this practical training was my participation in field data collection for the “Safe Routes to School” study in April. This involved applying fundamental concepts of observational field research, utilizing detailed checklists, and collecting real-world data. Moreover, the program cultivated a dynamic and highly collaborative environment.
Working alongside an international students’ team on the “Safe Routes to School” infographic presentation and “Building a Resilient Health Workforce” project, profoundly enhanced my teamwork, interdisciplinary communication, and problem-solving skills. These collaborative endeavors, including impactful presentations at high-profile events like the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week and the European Public Health Week, highlighted the immense power of interdisciplinary approaches to complex public health steps for challenges.
Additionally, I presented research outcomes at the following scientific events:
06/09/2023 – 07/09/2023, Tbilisi, Georgia
Injury and Violence Prevention Symposium – Public Health Perspectives
Oral presentation: “Assessment of playground-related injuries for children”
18/10/2023 – 20/10/2023, Chișinău, Moldova
Annual Scientific Conference – “Research in Biomedicine and Health: Quality, Excellence, and Performance”
Oral presentation: “Playing at a dangerous level: the risks of trauma on children’s playgrounds”
24/04/2024 – 27/04/2024, Chișinău, Moldova
10th International Medical Congress for Students and Young Doctors – “MedEspera”
Oral presentation: “Playground dangers: A comprehensive investigation into childhood injuries and parental perspectives”
Road Safety Knowledge and Attitudes Among Drivers,
Cociu S., Ioncu O., Ciobanu D., Cebanu S.
One Health & Risk Management, Vol. 4, 2023, pp. 25–32
Good International Practices in Road Safety,
Ciobanu D., Cociu S., Apostol P., Cazacu-Stratu A.
Public Health, Economics and Health Management in Medicine, 2023
Playground Dangers: A Comprehensive Investigation into Childhood Injuries and Parental Perspectives,
Ciobanu D., Scientific Coordinator: Cazacu-Stratu A.
MedEspera, 2024
Playing at a Dangerous Level: The Risks of Trauma on Children’s Playgrounds,
Ciobanu D., Scientific Coordinator: Cazacu-Stratu A.
Annual Conference – Research in Biomedicine and Health, USMF, 2023
Understanding the Risk of Children’s Injuries from Playgrounds in the Republic of Moldova,
Cazacu-Stratu A., Ciobanu D., Cociu S.
Health, Sports & Rehabilitation Medicine, 2024, Vol. 25, Issue 4, p.199
ISSN: 2668-2303
Increasing Capacity for Injury Research in Eastern Europe
Dr. Diana Dulf
diana.dulf@ubbcluj.ro
Pandurilor 7 Street, 9th Floor, Room 910, Cluj-Napoca, Romania