Engaged Learning

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.

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.

Inspiring creative solutions

Michigan Health Equity Challenge encourages student, community-led approaches to health disparities

The Michigan Health Equity Challenge, launched by Michigan Public Health, MolinaCares Accord, and Molina Healthcare of Michigan, engages graduate students in developing solutions to health inequities. Inaugural winners Melissa Zochowski and Mehak Bhansali addressed neurodivergent reproductive care and intimate partner violence.

On a PHAST track

Public health students’ experiences beyond the classroom prepare them for success

The Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST) at Michigan Public Health offers students hands-on experience in public health. During the most recent annual trip to Grenada, students worked on projects like promoting voluntary blood donation, enhancing Alzheimer’s care, and supporting disability services, demonstrating the vital role of experiential learning and community engagement in driving public health initiatives.

Behind the Scenes: Capturing Our Public Health Journeys

For 20 months, we had only the rarest of chances to take photos of our community. Now that we’re back together, we’re finding all kinds of ways to capture our public health journeys in safe, respectful ways.

Welcome Class of 2021: Photo Gallery

Recent graduates from the University of Michigan School of Public Health share their thoughts about distance learning, the many things they learned as students, and the personal and communal resilience that helped them navigate multiple public health crises while working toward graduate degrees.