Health Equity

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.

Jasmina Cunmulaj posing in Venice

Alumni Spotlight: Leading on a global stage

From Michigan to Brussels: Jasmina Cunmulaj’s inspiring public health journey

Ever since her time at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Jasmina Cunmulaj, MPH ’22, envisioned being able to influence policy decisions and promote better global public health practices at an impactful level. Now, as the strategic partnerships and leadership manager at the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), she is positioned to make those dreams a reality.

An animated gif of a robot throwing donots and then getting hit in the face with an apple

Game on

Transforming smartphones into health-boosting tools

What if the power behind the programs that keep us leashed to our devices actually delivered good health, disease prevention—even digital vaccinations? Rahul Ladhania, assistant professor of Health Informatics, Biostatistics and Health Management & Policy at Michigan Public Health, is part of a team of global researchers doing the painstaking work of subverting the formidable powers of computer algorithms into a force for good.

Zhariyah Laughlin, left, watches as Frederique Laubepin shows the class what to do on the whiteboard

Embracing AI in the classroom

A new frontier in public health education

A group of students in an artificial intelligence class taught by Frederique Laubepin at Michigan Public Health created WanderWell, an AI-powered app offering 24/7, stigma-free support. By utilizing GPT-4 technology, a language model developed by OpenAI, these students designed WanderWell to deliver empathetic, culturally competent care, harm reduction strategies, and access to local resources and emergency services.

FRom left to right, Justin Colacino, Xiang Zhou, Irina Gaynanova and John Piette

The future is here

Michigan Public Health is taking bold steps with AI

AI is not only enhancing the way knowledge is generated and shared, but it’s also redefining the potential for healthcare and public health advancements. Behind its research might, the University of Michigan School of Public Health leads the charge in this transformative paradigm shift.