Health Behavior and Health Equity,Alumni Results

Nayomi Cawthorne

Advancing health equity and environmental sustainability worldwide

Nayomi Cawthorne

Nayomi Cawthorne is a University of Michigan student pursuing master’s degrees in Health Behavior and Health Equity from the School of Public Health and Sustainability and Development from the School for Environment and Sustainability. From urban agriculture to cancer clinical trials access, this CEW+ Margaret Dow Towsley Scholar partners with nonprofits and communities to advance environmental sustainability, food security, and health equity through grassroots collaboration worldwide.

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.

Esther Guerreo

Southwest Detroit roots inspire public health journey

Esther Guerrero, MPH ’26

Focused on health behavior, equity, and maternal nutrition, Esther Guerrero, who is earning a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior & Health Equity, transforms lived experience into innovative health communications, advocacy, and leadership—empowering the Detroit community for a healthier, brighter future.

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.

Amber Garcia

My experience as a dual degree MPP/MPH student

Amber Garcia, MPP/MPH

Amber Garcia is a dual-degree student at the University of Michigan School of Public Health who is passionate about public health, policy analysis and community-based research in urban and environmental policy. She is pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior & Health Equity and a Master of Public Policy from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.