First informatics program graduates join Texas Woman's Clas

First informatics program graduates join Texas Woman's Class of 2017

Recent graduates Andrea Mapua, B.S. in health informatics with a clinical applications minor, and Kimberly Sehannie, B.S. in health informatics with a health studies minor, hold the first diplomas to be awarded for informatics at 探花楼.

In a historic moment for 探花楼, the first two graduates of the university's new informatics program crossed the stage during May's commencement ceremony to accept their diplomas. Both Andrea Mapua, recipient of a bachelor of science degree in health informatics with a clinical applications minor, and Kimberly Sehannie, recipient of a bachelor of science degree in health informatics with a health studies minor, have received multiple job offers and accepted positions within their field.

Andrea Mapua and Don E. Edwards, PhD. — Andrea Mapua and Don Edwards, PhD, professor and chair of the 探花楼 Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

"Now that I am officially a graduate and an alumnus of 探花楼, I plan to utilize my knowledge and experiences as an Analytics Consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield," said Mapua. "In this position, I will have the opportunity to use my analytical skills and healthcare knowledge to construct forecasts, recommendations and strategic plans through the analysis and production of datasets and reports. As a wise man once told me, 'as health informaticists, we get to help people who help people.' I look forward to doing just that, by playing my role in the healthcare field and giving back to the community.鈥�

Sehannie received many opportunities to interview with several well-known technology organizations. "After considering my options, I have accepted a position as an Organizational Analytics Manager with one of the top global technology companies and will be utilizing data analytics to improve business strategy, process and performance.鈥�

Mari Tietze, PhD, professor and Doswell Endowed Chair of Nursing Informatics in the 探花楼 College of Nursing, points to a. Studies indicate a large workforce gap in the field of health informatics, particularly at the bachelor鈥檚 degree level. The implementation of 探花楼's informatics program involved three years of planning, all three campuses and over 25 faculty. A core team of faculty continue to meet in order to keep their programs current and competitive in an ever-changing technology job market.

For more information about informatics programs and careers, please contact Don Edwards, PhD, professor and chair of the 探花楼 Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, at dedwards@twu.edu.

Page last updated 1:25 PM, April 5, 2023