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Isabelle Duong wearing her graduation gown

Spotlight

Childhood challenges shape public health advocate's inspiring journey

Isabelle Duong, BS ’24

As a child—as young as 9—Isabelle Duong was thrust into the complexities of healthcare systems. Both of her parents are Vietnamese refugees who fled during the Vietnam War, and navigating the American and Canadian healthcare systems for her mother, who battles lupus, fell on Duong. The experience not only had a great influence on her views of public health but also encouraged her to champion student voices on public health issues.

Transforming public health research into real-world impact

Irving Suarez, MPH ’25

Irving Suarez is committed to ensuring that public health research translates into meaningful action. As a student earning a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, he is motivated by the desire to apply research findings to real-world problems, ensuring “they don’t just gather dust on shelves.”

Merging mathematics expertise with public health

Nathan Szeto, MS ’25

Nathan Szeto knows the power of numbers. As a Master of Science student in Biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, he’s found a way to combine his love for mathematics with his desire to help others. His persistence and curiosity led him to a field where he can make a significant impact.

Passion for sports meets drive for healthier world through nutrition consulting

Karly Miller, MS ’25

Karly Miller has known since elementary school that she wanted to help people live happier, healthier lives through informed nutrition. Her drive for public health and passion for sports led her to the University of Michigan School of Public Health, where she found an outpouring of support from program directors.

From left, Katie Romas, holding their daughter and her husband, AJ Pope, holding their son

US Coast Guard officer navigates path to public health

Katie Romas, MPH ’25

Working with the Coast Guard’s Incident Management Assist Team, Katie Romas tackled real-world challenges, ranging from hurricane response to oil spills. These situations required her to coordinate efforts with other agencies, writing safety plans and minimizing environmental impact. She often found herself impressed by the work of industrial hygienists, the specialists who ensure the safety of responders and subsequently the environment during emergencies.

Former US Army doctor pursuing global health impact

Richard Slusher, MPH ’25

Dr. Richard Slusher, a partner at an orthopedic practice in North Carolina, was looking beyond the examination rooms he now uses, beyond the digitized patient files and the technology on hand when he chose to enroll in the University of Michigan School of Public Health’s Online MPH program in Population and Health Sciences.

Poverty Solutions RA leads with heritage, community to enrich research

Nahiely Reza, MPH/MSW ’24

Nahiely Reza, MPH/MSW ’24, knew her fluency in Spanish could be an asset to her work at Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan. But she didn’t anticipate some of the ways the language would open up new connections with the communities engaged in the research.

Ambitious senior tackles health disparities and criminal justice reform

Bhaavna Yalavarthi, BA ’25

Bhaavna Yalavarthi's resumé rivals those of graduate students who have spent many more years at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. That’s because the senior has packed a lot into her four years. As an undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Global Public Health, Yalavarthi has gone above and beyond to demonstrate her commitment to public health, criminal justice reform and policy advocacy.

Community-driven research fuels public health journey

Gretta Rempel Fisher, MPH ’25

Growing up Mennonite in Iowa City, Iowa, deeply influenced Gretta Rempel Fisher’s values and aspirations, emphasizing community, mutual aid and collective well-being. These beliefs, which coincide with public health principles, permeated her education and career choices. Pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior & Health Equity at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Rempel Fisher’s roots continue to guide her focus on community-driven research and health equity.

Transforming challenges into epidemiological success

Kalee Rumfelt, MPH ’21, PhD ’25

Even from a young age, Kalee Rumfelt, MPH ’21, PhD ’25, has always been fascinated by human genetics. Her path to obtaining a doctoral degree in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, however, didn’t come without hurdles. Growing up in a low-income household near Detroit, Rumfelt faced significant financial challenges. Yet, she transformed those hardships into stepping stones toward academic success.