On the Heights: September 2025
Board of Regents approves key leadership appointments and faculty recognition
Stay informed with the latest from the University of Michigan School of Public Health community in our monthly digest. Faculty expertise in action, groundbreaking research, policy advocacy, and community engagement highlight our continued commitment to advancing public health and creating positive change.
Leadership and recognition updates
Board of Regents approves faculty appointment and leadership reappointments
The University of Michigan Board of Regents approved several key leadership appointments this month. Safyer McKenzie-Sampson was appointed as the John G. Searle Assistant Professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity, recognizing her research on racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Matthew L. Boulton was reappointed as Senior Associate Dean for Global Public Health through December 2025. Additionally, Denise Anthony was reappointed as the Rubin Department Chair of Health Management and Policy for another three-year term through 2028.
Faculty recognition & achievements
Professor named M-PACT Scholar
Asari Offiong, assistant professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity, was named among 12 new Michigan Program for Advancing Cultural Transformation (M-PACT) Scholars. The NIH-funded program supports faculty in biomedical and health sciences through evidence-based mentorship, collaboration, and career development. Offiong, an adolescent health researcher focusing on youth-centered approaches to substance use prevention and health promotion, expressed confidence that the program's wraparound support will "further launch me into a long, fruitful career as an adolescent health researcher and practitioner at Michigan." The cohort-based model provides centralized career development and a multidisciplinary community to help ensure long-term faculty success.
Faculty receive Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society awards
Three Michigan Public Health faculty members were recognized by the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society for their contributions to the field. Jackie Goodrich, research associate professor of Environmental Health Sciences, received the 2025 EMGS Service Award in recognition of her dedicated service to the scientific community. Bambarendage Perera, assistant professor of Environmental Health Sciences, was awarded the 2025 Emerging Leaders Development Award, recognizing her as a rising leader in environmental mutagenesis research. And Dana Dolinoy, the NSF International Chair of Environmental Health Sciences the 2025 Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society award lecturer, presenting a talk on "Toxicoepigenetics and the Use of piRNA for Precision Environmental Health Research."
Research highlights & commentary
Study examines gender-affirming surgery satisfaction and barriers
A JAMA Network Open study from Department of Epidemiology researchers David Pletta and Sari Reisner examines gender-affirming surgery experiences among over 2,100 transgender and gender diverse adults. The study found that while 82% of patients who received gender-affirming surgery reported high satisfaction, significant barriers remain, with 94% of participants encountering obstacles such as cost, insurance issues, and limited access to qualified surgeons. The research revealed substantial unmet surgical needs, particularly for procedures like hysterectomy among transmasculine patients and facial feminization among transfeminine patients. The findings highlight the importance of addressing systemic barriers to improve access to gender-affirming surgical care for transgender and gender diverse individuals seeking these treatments.
Commentary: Federal action needed to resume decline in cardiovascular deaths
Anand Parekh, chief health policy officer at Michigan Public Health, co-authored a commentary in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes calling for urgent federal policy actions to address stalling progress in cardiovascular mortality reduction. The piece argues that after decades of declining cardiovascular death rates, progress has plateaued and requires coordinated federal intervention. Parekh's expertise in health policy and prevention provides a critical perspective on how policy changes could reignite progress in reducing one of the nation's leading causes of death.
Research examines dental care gaps for children with sickle cell disease
New research highlights significant barriers to dental care among children with sickle cell disease, despite their increased risk for oral health complications. The study, featured in Michigan Medicine's Health Lab and discussed on their podcast, reveals how systemic healthcare challenges leave vulnerable children without needed preventive and treatment services. The research underscores the importance of integrated care approaches that address both the medical and dental needs of children with chronic conditions.
Study shows COVID-19 vaccination remains economically beneficial
Research examining the economics of COVID-19 vaccination demonstrates that broad vaccination programs continue to make financial sense, particularly for older adults. The study, covered by Michigan Medicine's Health Lab and featured on their podcast, provides evidence that vaccination programs save both lives and healthcare costs. The findings offer important data for policymakers considering ongoing vaccination strategies and resource allocation for pandemic preparedness.
Faculty expertise in the spotlight
Expert discusses school shooting prevention on national radio
Justin Heinze, associate professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity, was featured on NPR's “All Things Considered” discussing school shooting prevention strategies. Heinze's expertise in violence prevention and youth development provides important insights into evidence-based approaches for creating safer school environments.
Faculty analyzes health policy challenges on 1A
Scott Greer, professor of Health Management & Policy and Global Public Health, appeared on NPR's “1A” to discuss tensions between health policy and scientific evidence. Greer's analysis of the relationship between political decision-making and public health science provides critical perspective on current challenges facing health agencies. His expertise in comparative health policy and politics continues to inform national conversations about the role of evidence in health governance.
