Alumni,Health Management and Policy Results

Abas Shkembi

Working in the heat is deadlier than we thought

Abas Shkembi, MS ’23

Michigan Public Health researcher Abas Shkembi, a PhD student in Environmental Health Sciences, has found that occupational heat deaths may be hundreds of times higher than official records show—between 3,000 and 17,000 annually versus the reported 30 to 60. His research also reveals that low-income workers, minorities and immigrants bear the greatest burden.

Emily Kraynek

Problem-solver is ready to transform consulting

Emily Kraynek, MHSA ’26

University of Michigan School of Public Health MHSA student Emily Kraynek turned her 2025 PwC health transformation internship into a full-time consulting offer. Blending clinical lab work, Houston Food Bank community experience, and Michigan Medicine projects, she gained leadership skills and real-world healthcare systems expertise for a Chicago-based consulting career.

Liying Chen, wearing glasses and a green parka, with a waterfall in the background at Yosemite National Park

Finding clarity in numbers and community

Liying Chen, MS ’20, PhD ’26

Michigan Public Health Biostatistics PhD student Liying Chen transforms clinical medicine experience into impactful public health research. Chen harnesses statistics, AI, and big data for cancer, mental health, and substance use, supported by a diverse community and renowned mentorship.

Darla Bishop smiling with a blue top in an office setting

Applying public health principles to financial education

Darla Bishop, MPH ’09

Michigan Public Health alumna Darla Bishop transformed her Master of Public Health degree into a unique career bridging healthcare and financial wellness. From working on Capitol Hill to founding a financial education company, Bishop shows how Health Behavior and Health Education training provides versatile skills that adapt across industries and military relocations.

Hannah Rice

Expanding horizons: Finding career success in unexpected public health role

Hannah Rice, MPH ’25

Hannah Rice, MPH '25, navigated a challenging job market to find meaningful work addressing health disparities in managed care. Her University of Michigan School of Public Health education in Health Behavior and Health Education, combined with coursework in implementation science and health insurance, prepared her for unexpected career opportunities in St. Louis.

Justice Akuoko-Frimpong

Using data to improve health outcomes

Justice Akuoko-Frimpong, MS ’24

University of Michigan School of Public Health Biostatistics PhD student Justice Akuoko-Frimpong combines teaching excellence with impactful research. As a statistician on the CAPTURE study for COPD respiratory disease, he analyzes data to improve patient care while mentoring future public health professionals.