Alumni,Epidemiology Results

Julidè Mayer

Student Leader of the Year came to Michigan to change health from the inside

Julidè Mayer, MPH ’26

Julidè Mayer earned her MPH in Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health in April 2026. Born near Paris and raised in Luxembourg, she came to Michigan with law and biomedical degrees—and left with a plan to change European health systems from the inside out.

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.

Jason Seekamp with glasses and a dark buttoned shirt

Campus leadership paves way for impactful healthcare role

Jason Seekamp, MPH ’26

On his way to earning an MPH in Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Jason Seekamp has balanced research, leadership and a dean search committee seat during his final year. Learn how the Traverse City, Michigan, native discovered his passion for epidemiology and population health as he prepares to be a project manager for the health information technology firm Epic in Madison, Wisconsin.

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.

Blake Hardin

Merging research and advocacy with medicine

Blake Hardin

University of Michigan medical student Blake Hardin, who is also pursuing an MPH in Epidemiology, shares his medical school experience in this Q&A, focusing on his interests in disability health and advocacy, surgical outcomes research, medical education and ways to foster belonging at Michigan Medicine.