Epidemiology

Josh Foster-Tucker

The unexpected epidemiologist: Evolving from neuroscience to respiratory virus research

Joshua Foster-Tucker, MPH ’21

When Joshua Foster-Tucker’s wife suggested he apply to Michigan Public Health instead of attending medical school, neither could have predicted it would launch a passion for understanding infectious diseases. Now pursuing his PhD at Michigan Public Health, he studies respiratory viruses, including how they could accelerate immune system aging—research that could transform our understanding of health longevity. His journey, shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, personal challenges and mentorship illustrates how meaningful career paths can emerge from unplanned moments of redirection.

Laura Arboleda-Merino

From third grade dream to public health innovator

Laura Arboleda-Merino, MPH ’17

An internship at a local health department further crystallized Laura Arboleda-Merino's interests in public health. She was no longer just interested in treating individual patients, but in understanding and addressing systemic health challenges. Her academic journey led her to the University of Michigan School of Public Health. The transition wasn’t just about academic advancement but about finding a community that resonated with her interdisciplinary approach.

Kalee Rumfelt

Transforming challenges into epidemiological success

Kalee Rumfelt, MPH ’21, PhD ’25

Even from a young age, Kalee Rumfelt, MPH ’21, PhD ’25, has always been fascinated by human genetics. Her path to obtaining a doctoral degree in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, however, didn’t come without hurdles. Growing up in a low-income household near Detroit, Rumfelt faced significant financial challenges. Yet, she transformed those hardships into stepping stones toward academic success.

Dana Hollins

Lifetime of curiosity leads to passion for industrial hygiene, exposure assessment

Dana Hollins, MPH ’05, CIH

At Michigan Public Health, Dana Hollins discovered her true passion for industrial hygiene and exposure assessment, honing her skills in epidemiology and environmental health, shaping her successful career. Today, as the senior principal health scientist, she leads the Health Sciences Division for Hollins Consulting.

Sarah Dobson

Passionate about public health and fighting climate change

Sarah Dobson, MPH ’24

Sarah Dobson’s passion for epidemiology, supported by her growing commitment for using reliable data to solve public health problems, was cultivated through various internships and the invaluable advice of her mentors. Pursuing an MPH at Michigan Public Health allowed Dobson to delve deeper into the field and become fascinated with the intersection of climate change and public health.

Allison Baumgartner

Epidemiology student is an emerging leader in Global Health

Allison Baumgartner

As a student in the Global Health Epidemiology program at Michigan Public Health, Allison Baumgartner is taking the lead in tackling some of the most pressing health challenges in low and middle-income countries. Over spring break, she traveled with 14 of her classmates to Grenada, a trip organized by the Public Health Action Support Team. Then, she spent eight weeks in Araihazar, Bangladesh, during her summer internship and research collaboration with the University of Chicago Research Bangladesh.