In high school Josie Lee was surprised by the lack of mental health resources and support at her high school. When she began her freshman year of college, she knew she wanted to improve the system. It wasn't until she took her first public health course at the University of Michigan that she knew how she could change the system.
Health disparities between Lakshmi Meyyappan’s Michigan hometown and where her grandparents live in India was a major factor in her decision to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Sciences from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
Having worked on cancer biology for so many years, Nehanda Jones was inspired by the potential of applying the principles of precision medicine — tailoring medical decisions to an individual’s known genetic and environmental profile — to improve health at a population level. She's now using those lessons to promote sustainable solutions in health through the work of her own public health technology firm.
Undergraduate public health student Reem Fawaz always wanted to make an impact in her community. She began her journey to medical school, then decided to include in her education a public health foundation, which she says is vital to achieving her goal of building healthier communities.
Keeping workers safe while on the job is a passion for master’s student Cassie Gaskins, especially as new technologies present new challenges. With the construction and energy industries booming in Michigan, she will have plenty of opportunities to apply her expertise.
Kennedy Dubose studies public health not only for personal and intellectual reasons but also for what she sees as moral, ethical imperatives. Growing up, she saw public health systems failing Black communities. With a combination of local and global training, she is looking to promote more equitable community health in Detroit and around the globe.