Students, Environmental Health

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.

From left, Katie Romas, holding their daughter and her husband, AJ Pope, holding their son

US Coast Guard officer navigates path to public health

Katie Romas, MPH ’25

Working with the Coast Guard’s Incident Management Assist Team, Katie Romas tackled real-world challenges, ranging from hurricane response to oil spills. These situations required her to coordinate efforts with other agencies, writing safety plans and minimizing environmental impact. She often found herself impressed by the work of industrial hygienists, the specialists who ensure the safety of responders and subsequently the environment during emergencies.

Kate O'Brien

'Ready to do her part' in shaping a future with environmental health policy

Kate O’Brien, MPH ’24

The decision to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Michigan School of Public Health was not a straightforward choice for Kate O’Brien, MPH ’24. She will graduate in May with a Master of Public Health degree in Environmental Health Promotion and Policy, which perfectly captures her interests in environmental health, health behavior and health policy.

Micheal Mastrosimone

Unlocking potential: A journey from doubt to distinction in public health

Michael Mastrosimone

Michael Mastrosimone struggled to succeed in college, and he began believing that higher education was not meant for him. Now, he is on track to graduate from the online MPH program in Population and Health Sciences from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. He shares the motivations, challenges and moments of revelation that have shaped his path in the field of public health.

Jourdan Clements

Encompassing equity and elements of public health

Jourdan Clements

After earning a bachelor’s degree, Clements began working toward a master’s degree in Ecosystem Science and Management from the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS). She then was inspired to pursue a Master of Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences because of her passion to understand how environmental issues impact human health.