Marie-Line Amanda Kam, BS, MS
she/her/hers
pronounced: mary line cam
language(s): English, French (native fluency)
Public Health professional with 3 years of experience in public health strategic planning, program evaluation and coordination, quality improvement and assurance, project management, community outreach, and data analysis involving local and state public health initiatives for programs targeted at underserved communities and marginalized groups.
Most recently successfully implemented a state-wide algorithm improvement plan for New Jersey’s newborn screening program aimed at bridging disparities present in cystic fibrosis screening. Implemented and validated Illumina’s TruSight CF-139 Variant Assay, a quality improvement/assurance project, leading to the detection of 7 positive cystic fibrosis newborn cases that would have been missed under the former screening algorithm.
Adept in health equity and health disparity initiatives, genetic and genomic data analysis, as well as community focused practices and program improvement.
A little bit about me…
Bachelor of Science
I obtained my BS in Public Health Science and a certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park in May of 2021.
#GOTERPS!
Master of Science
I later relocated to New Orleans, LA to pursue my MS in Medical Genetics and Genomics from Tulane University School of Medicine. I officially “mastered it” in May of 2022.
#ROLLWAVE
New Jersey Newborn Screening Cystic Fibrosis Quality Improvement Project
As an APHL-CDC Newborn Screening Fellow, I completed my research at the New Jersey Department of Health’s Newborn Screening Lab. I conducted a health-equity-based quality improvement project on cystic fibrosis, where changes were made to the screening algorithm. This resulted in the identification of 7 positive CF newborn screening cases.
Relevant Experience
More Than A Genetic Disease: A Public Health Review on the Psychosocial Implications of Sickle Cell Disease
One of the degree requirements for my master’s program was a thesis. I completed my thesis project on sickle cell disease during my final semester. Rather than solely focusing on the disorder's pathophysiology, I focused on the overall public health disease burden associated with SCD, particularly the socioeconomic and psychosocial implications for patients and their caretakers.
BlackMomsMatter: Progressive Perinatal
Public Health Science Senior Thesis
I completed a capstone project during my final semester at the University of Maryland. The capstone project was created in the form of a grant proposal. The program I developed was titled BlackMomsMatter: Progressive Perinatal, aimed at combating the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis.
New Jersey Public Health Environmental and Agricultural Laboratories (PHEAL) / APHL Newborn Screening Fellowship Final Presentation on Cystic Fibrosis Quality Improvement Plan *Please click on the image to access the full presentation*
Tulane University School of Medicine Cytogenetics Course NIPT Presentation *Please click on the image to access the full presentation*
Tulane University School of Medicine Thesis on Sickle Cell Disease *Please click on the image to access the full presentation*
Tulane University School of Medicine Population Genetics/Genetic Epidemiology Presentation on the Heritability of Type 2 Diabetes in The Washington State Twin Registry *Please click on the link to access the full presentation*
University of Maryland HLTH 366 STI Prevention Project (Focus Area: HIV) *Please click on the image to access the full presentation*
New Jersey Public Health Environmental and Agricultural Laboratories (PHEAL) Quality Improvement Seminar Presentation 2023 on Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening in NJ *Please click on the image to access the full presentation*
Tulane University School of Medicine Clinical Aspects Patient Study on Glutaric Acidemia Type 1 (GA1) *Please click on the image to access the full presentation*
University of Maryland, Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Community Action Project (CAP) - targeted at improving the lives of inmates, particularly incarcerated women, as women's health is severely neglected in these institutions. *Please click on the image to access the full presentation*
Association of American Medical Colleges=-Health Career Connection (AAMC) Equity and Social Accountability Portfolio Presentation (EDI Cluster): MD/MPH and MD/MPP Database Development *Please click on the image to access the full presentation*
Certifications & Organization Affiliations
Adult Mental Health First Aid Certified
Certified Community Health Worker
Maternal and Mental Health Community Health Worker (in progress)
Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society
"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."
Mark Twain, American Writer and Humorist
International Journal of Neonatal Screening Peer-Reviewed Article (first author - currently under review)
Association of Public Health Laboratories Focus on Fellows Publication (Fall 2022 Cohort)
Achievements
APHL-CDC Fellowship
Peer-Reviewed Journal Article (International Journal of Neonatal Screening) Under Review, Improved Algorithm for Cystic Fibrosis in the State of New Jersey
APHL-CDC Fellowship
2022-2024 New Jersey Newborn Screening Department of Health Endocrinology Workgroup Member
University of Maryland
2021 University of Maryland School of Public Health Senior Marshal
University of Maryland
Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellow Public Policy Program
Additional Relevant Experiences
New Jersey Newborn Screening NBS ‘No Blank Spots’ initiative – developed program materials, traveled to NJ hospitals and birthing centers to provide in-service trainings and health education to nurses, physicians, and support staff on ways to collect quality dried blood spot specimens within 24-48 hours of birth, to aid in generating accurate newborn screening results.
Developed culturally relevant program materials for the TAY Crisis Program, as well as evidence-based approaches to meeting program objectives and goals.
Content curation for the AAMC Population Health Connect newsletter – mainly focusing on ways to advance health equity, addressing and eliminating racism at the AAMC and beyond, and how to bridge health disparities through improved health education and awareness of racial biases among future healthcare leaders and providers.
Conducted research and data analysis for high-profile cases within the Mass Torts division at Bates White Economic Consulting Firm by reviewing, updating, and standardizing POC claimant health data to help simplify initial and final economic tabulations for Partners and Principal Investigators.
Creation of a foreword for the AAMC Roundtable Report on behalf of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion cluster.
Provided program assistantship and training to the Prince George’s County Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Crisis Program, a specialized program designed to address and respond to the challenges PG County youth ages 16-21 encounter, ranging from poverty and homelessness to mental health instability.
Evaluated current program initiatives and redesigned the annual community health event, AAHP Community Day for residents to attend and receive free health education materials, participate in demos and free health screenings, and learn ways to measure and control their A1C (blood glucose levels).
Project management for DCPS’ Student Health Services Team, evaluating current and former social media K-12 health-education content to strategically revamp their social media campaign.
Assisted with various COVID-19 resource projects for low-income residents in Montgomery County, MD – assessing their access to quality healthcare during the pandemic, providing them with local resources to aid relief in food insecurity, rental assistance, and specialized behavioral health care.
Served as a committee member for the annual newborn screening celebration event, requiring community outreach and engagement to obtain local sponsorships and partnerships, communication with local government officials, in addition to building relationships with rare disease physicians and specialists to encourage families to participate in and share their stories with the public.
Volunteer/Mentorship/Leadership
ForMySisters, Founder & Owner
Program implementation proposals, mentorship, program partnership with Oxon Hill High School, grant writing, and strategic planning for community service events and business development.
STEMNOLA, Program Volunteer
Participated in the planning, implementation, and execution of culturally and environmentally relevant stem project-based activities for students in grades K-12.
Designed middle-school appropriate biology activities and learning opportunities for STEM fest.
PHEL STEM Advisory Committee, Newborn Screening Representative
Conducted research on state and federal resources, in addition to STEM programs in NJ, and presented findings to stakeholders.
Assisted in the development of a PHEL STEM strategic plan to enhance outreach to students and post-graduates interested in pursuing STEM-related careers.
Established program partnerships and collaborated with Rutgers University and The College of New Jersey.
Designed activities related to the newborn screening program, with a focus on genetics, genomics, and instrumentation.
Assisted in the creation of a comprehensive weekly-based summer event for underserved HS students to attend and engage in all four STEM disciplines.
Helped develop PHEL and NJ DOH materials for participants to take home.
Served as a second author on poster presentation for DOH stakeholders, Engaging Interns, Fellows, and Staff in Development of a STEM Program for underserved High School Students in New Jersey.
GoodieGirlBags, Outreach Coordinator/Team Volunteer
Planned and hosted packing socials consisting of feminine hygiene products and undergarments for less fortunate women in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Established partnerships and collaborated with local non-profit organizations, educational institutions, churches, charities, and homeless centers to provide aid and donate items.
Conducted community outreach and engagement in efforts to provide visibility to GoodieGirlBags, allowing the organization to participate in annual back-to-school giveaways, festivals, and other community events to donate items to those in need.