Student Experience Results

A collage of photos of Josh Knudten wearing a lab coat looking through a microscope and on the wrestling mat in his singlet and headgear

Double helix

How Josh Knudten balances Big Ten wrestling with his public health pursuits

Meet Josh Knudten, a University of Michigan wrestler and first-year master’s student in Hospital Molecular Epidemiology. Drawn to science before sports, he balances Division I training with graduate coursework through discipline and support. Inspired by gene therapy’s life-changing impact, he’s pursuing a career in biotech, drug development and public health.

Interim Dean Lynda Lisabeth

Why we choose public health

How witnessing hardship guides purpose, and how students and faculty turn resolve into action: Why people choose public health often highlights community, equity, and the drive to improve systems that fail people—encouraging prospective students to remember their “why” and keep building change.

Owen Chun poses with Jedi garb and a blue lightsaber

Exploring Public Health in a galaxy not so far away...

University of Michigan senior Owen Chun earned a CDC John R. Lewis Scholarship, taught himself database coding to help communities access HIV resources, and leads 80 students in public health advocacy. Chun is the president of the Star Wars Club at the university. He credits the club with helping him make connections and build community across campus.

Madelyn Jones chops cabbage for a meal.

One student at a time: Building better nutrition

Nutrition Counseling Center bridges classroom learning with real-world practice

Michigan Public Health’s Nutrition Counseling Center trains future dietitians while providing free nutrition services to University of Michigan students and community members. The innovative program integrates hands-on counseling experience throughout graduate education, using motivational interviewing techniques to help clients discover sustainable solutions while building students’ confidence and clinical skills.

Jessica Holloway in front of the 2nd Avenue bridge near the Edsel Ford Highway in Detroit.

A passion for policy

Summer internship at Henry Ford Health transforms understanding of healthcare policy’s real-world impact

Michigan Public Health faces unprecedented challenges to life-saving research. As federal funding threats emerge, alumni and supporters must act now—share research stories, advocate for public health, and provide critical financial support. Your contribution secures discoveries that save lives worldwide.

Undergraduate student Robert Lee, left, talks with Emily Youatt outside of the School of Public Health building.

Building tomorrow's public health leaders

Undergraduate program transforms from groundbreaking initiative to thriving academic program

Michigan Public Health’s undergraduate program, launched in 2017, prepares students for diverse careers through interdisciplinary training and hands-on research. Now expanding to 500 students, the program offers faculty mentorship, mandatory health equity coursework, and new study abroad opportunities, with 95% of graduates employed or pursuing advanced degrees within six months.