The contribution of part-time faculty to our USM programming is really important. These dedicated professionals bring a wealth of expertise to our academic community.

We are especially lucky at USM to have access to great expertise in the Portland, Lewiston-Auburn, and Augusta area. Our part time faculty range from diverse professional backgrounds, but are all experts in their fields. Listed below are the part-time faculty that have taught courses in 2023-2024.

Amanda Burgess, MPPM

  • Over a decade of experience in public health, focusing on infectious disease and healthcare access.
  • Currently serves as a Research Associate at USM’s Cutler Institute and a Grants Specialists at Partners In Health.
  • Inspired to teach by the enriching networking opportunities she once enjoyed as a Muskie student.
  • Advocates for field experience placements as avenues for community connection.
  • She is an avid runner, reader, and can be found chasing after her toddler in her personal time.

Jennifer Gunderman, MPH

  • Over 25 years in public health, with roles from Peace Corps volunteer to epidemiologist at the Maine health department.
  • Extensive experience in HIV surveillance and technical assistance in Caribbean and African countries.
  • Leadership as Director of the Maine Area Health Education Center and recently appointed as the Director of Public Health and Community Services for Bangor.
  • Passion for education, drawing hope and inspiration from engaging with students at USM.
  • Committed to teaching as a means of learning alongside students who are driven to improve global health.
  • Finds joy and optimism in contributing to the future of public health through academic mentorship.

Elizabeth Henderson, MPH

  • Expert researcher at MaineHealth Institute for Research Vector-borne Disease Lab.
  • Specializes in ecological factors of disease vectors and One Health framework.
  • USM alum with fond memories of the Environmental Science and Policy and Public Health Departments.
  • Eager to give back to USM as an instructor, sharing practical knowledge in vector ecology and disease prevention.
  • Manages a family hobby farm, nurturing chickens, ducks, pigs, and a variety of gardens.
  • Enjoys family life with a husband and two children, balancing scientific research with hands-on agriculture.

Stephen J. Kirsch MD, MPH

  • Guest lecturer at Muskie School of Public Service focusing on Substance Use Disorders and Global Health.
  • Over 30 years of primary care medicine practice in the greater Portland area.
  • Medical Consultant at Unum Insurance Company in the long-term disability benefits division.
  • Alum of USM MPH program, actively engaged in public health education since graduation.
  • Instructed primary care medicine at Maine Medical Center Family Practice Residency program.
  • Enjoys walking his dogs, cycling, gardening, baking, traveling, and beekeeping.
  • Committed to community service through volunteering at the Portland Community Free Clinic.

Randy Schwartz, MSPH

  • Public Health Consultant with extensive expertise in chronic disease prevention and health promotion.
  • Served over seventeen years as the Division Director of the Maine Bureau of Health, now known as the Maine CDC.
  • Played a pivotal role at the American Cancer Society from 2015 to 2017, leading cancer control initiatives.
  • Developed and implemented strategic organizational policies for cancer prevention at state and national levels.
  • Recipient of the Society for Public Health Education’s Distinguished Fellow Award, recognizing significant contributions to public health education and cancer prevention.

Joseph Zamboni, JD, MPH, MPPM

  • Skilled organizational leader with extensive policy development experience.
  • Formerly practiced law before shifting to public health and policy.
  • Active roles at both Maine Department of Health and Human Services and federal DHHS.
  • Holds expertise in navigating local, state, and federal government health sectors.
  • Alum of Muskie School with MPH and MPPM degrees.
  • Passionate about imparting practical government and health policy knowledge.
  • Resides in close proximity to the Portland campus and prefers teaching at his alma matter.