On the Heights: June 2025
Departmental news, research highlights, community achievements, and more to help you stay connected with the Michigan Public Health community.
Research
Policy impact snapshot: Reducing firearm violence using policy
April Zeoli, associate professor of Health Management and Policy, studies laws aimed at preventing firearm violence and their effectiveness at reducing related harms. She engages with policy leaders and other stakeholders to inform firearm safety regulations.
Uncovering hidden dangers: How environmental research can prevent cancer
Justin Colacino, an environmental health researcher at Michigan Public Health, uncovers how environmental exposures can cause cancer. His research aims to pinpoint the root causes of cancer, leveraging powerful data and tools to prevent harmful cellular changes before they start.
Living near harmful algal blooms reduces life expectancy with ALS
Living close to cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms, which are present nationwide but are more common in coastal and Great Lakes states, heightens the rate of dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a Michigan Public Health study suggests.
Urban health expert focuses on improving housing opportunities across Michigan
How cities are planned and organized has a tremendous impact on the health of residents, especially in marginalized communities, says Roshanak Mehdipanah, an urban health expert at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
Community-based greening programs can curb violence, improve mental and physical health
In an effort to address community violence throughout the state and nationwide, University of Michigan researchers are partnering with community members and local organizations to implement and evaluate programs that aim to curb violence by cleaning up neighborhoods.