Transforming public health research into real-world impact
Irving Suarez, MPH ’25
Health Behavior and Health Education
Irving Suarez, MPH ’25, 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 (renamed Health Behavior & Health Equity in 2024) 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.”
His foray into public health has been shaped by his roots, experiences and a deep-seated commitment to community well-being. Born and raised in northeast Indiana, Suarez has always valued family and community, traits that guided him through his educational pursuits.
His Michigan Public Health background offers valuable insights into how personal experiences influence career paths in meaningful ways.
Growing up in the small town of Goshen, Suarez was surrounded by a tightly knit community. Family was integral, and staying close to home was a priority. This led him to study at Goshen College for his undergraduate studies, where he majored in psychology and biology.
“Family is everything to me, and staying close to them was a driving factor in my educational choices,” he said.
These disciplines sparked his interest in understanding human behavior and the scientific foundation of life, but it was his broader perspective on health and community that set the stage for his future in public health.
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I realized then that I wanted to work on projects where research directly translates into practice. I didn’t want to be part of studies that took years to complete and missed opportunities to prevent worsening outcomes in real time.”
During his senior year, Suarez took an introductory course in public health. This class—the first of its kind offered at Goshen—opened his eyes to the possibilities within the field.
His professor, Brianne Brenneman, MPH ’19, also earned a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education at Michigan Public Health. Currently a PhD student in the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Michigan, she was a pivotal mentor. Suarez saw the potential of public health to not only study but also directly improve community health outcomes.
“Professor Brenneman’s classes inspired the initial spark that public health could be more than just a field of study,” Suarez said. “Seeing firsthand the struggles of people trying to access healthcare persuaded me to delve deeper into health equity.”
One significant experience confirmed Suarez’s drive to pursue public health. While participating in a research project at the University of Notre Dame focused on mental health in Mexican-origin youth, he confronted a challenging reality of academic research. He interviewed families on mental health risk factors and noticed early signs that warranted immediate intervention.
Bound by the constraints of research protocols, however, he couldn't do much beyond documenting the data. This experience opened his eyes to a gap he was determined to fill—the need for research with tangible outcomes that are put into practice.
“I realized then that I wanted to work on projects where research directly translates into practice,” Suarez said. “I didn’t want to be part of studies that took years to complete and missed opportunities to prevent worsening outcomes in real time.”
This realization inspired his decision to specialize in public health. He wanted to ensure that his work would directly benefit communities, especially those experiencing disparities.
“I’ve always believed that communities take care of communities, and public health embodies that spirit,’ Suarez said.
Michigan Public Health stood out not only for its reputable programs but also for its geographical proximity, allowing him to remain connected to his roots while gaining world-class education.
Suarez immersed himself in the Health Behavior and Health Education program, known for its interdisciplinary approach because it aligned perfectly with his interests. He values the collaborative nature of public health and enjoys solving complex problems like putting together pieces of a puzzle.
He got involved in noteworthy projects such as ICE in the Heartland with Bill Lopez, clinical assistant professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity, a mentor who emphasizes humane research approaches.
This project focused on the effects of immigration workplace raids, transforming raw data into powerful stories. Suarez and his team used art and curriculum to educate high school students on this critical issue, shedding light on the human side of immigration policies.
“I love the storytelling aspect,” he said. “Dr. Lopez taught me how to keep humanity intact when discussing communities affected by policies. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about real people and their lives.”
Suarez also participated in the Health Equity Challenge last year to apply classroom learning to real-world practice.
Partnered with classmate Wolfgang Bahr, he engaged in developing a grant proposal aimed at addressing personal and community health issues. Guided by Minal Patel, professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity, the initiative allowed Suarez to integrate academic insights into tangible solutions, reinforcing his ability to connect theory with practice.
“My work in the Health Equity Challenge showed me that classroom learning has real, practical applications,” he said.
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I love the storytelling aspect. Dr. Lopez taught me how to keep humanity intact when discussing communities affected by policies. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about real people and their lives.”
As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, Suarez faced several challenges. His parents, who primarily speak Spanish, navigated the American healthcare system with his support. Translating for them and dealing with complex insurance applications gave Suarez firsthand insight into systemic barriers.
“I don’t like to look at these as disadvantages,” he said. “They were experiences that showed me the importance of accessible healthcare and informed my drive to ensure others have easier pathways.”
His outlook on challenges remains practical and optimistic. Instead of dwelling on obstacles, Suarez embraces them as life lessons that have shaped his determination to make a difference.
Suarez, who was supported by the Rachel G. Smylie Memorial Scholarship, was selected as the student speaker for the Class of 2025’s graduation ceremony. His message centers on community support and resilience during challenging times in public health. Inspired by an interaction he observed in Tanzania, involving a simple yet profound greeting that emphasized communal well-being, Suarez urged his peers to maintain a community-focused approach in their future endeavors.
As he steps into the next phase of his career, he is hopeful yet realistic about the current landscape of public health. With budget and policy challenges, he acknowledges the need to be flexible and creative. He remains committed to advocating for health equity through avenues that may not fit the traditional mold of public health work.
“I want to stick to my values and use what I've learned to help communities, even if it means finding new ways to do it,” Suarez said. "Things have worked out so far, and I trust they will continue to.
“Despite systemic challenges, we need hope and a new perspective to rebuild and enhance public health.”
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