Professional Development

jean rinkowski lead

Physical therapist aims for healing on a larger scale with online MPH

Jean Rinkowski

Jean Rinkowski, a seasoned physical therapist who's taking her expertise to new heights by pursuing an MPH at the University of Michigan. Learn how her shift from individual care to public health aims to address systemic challenges and improve health outcomes on a larger scale.

Liz Levin-Sparenberg

Alumna transitions from pandemic frontlines to inspiring instructor

Elizabeth Levin-Sparenberg, MPH ’07, PhD ’16

Liz Levin-Sparenberg is an instructor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, who transitioned from the pandemic frontlines to teaching in the online MPH program. Learn how her personal experiences helped shape her approach to teaching, fostering a supportive community of future public health leaders in the digital classroom.

adriana tejada

Winston Scholar plans to use health communication for change

Adriana Tejada

Adriana Tejada has transformed firsthand observations of health disparities in her community into a mission for change. Learn how she plans to leverage her online MPH studies and the prestigious Winston Scholarship to bridge communication gaps in public health and empower her community. Adriana reflects on her experience as a Winston Scholar, connecting with health policy leaders and envisioning a future where she serves as a health 'translator' for the diverse communities she holds dear.

shayla-zimmerman

Social work leader integrates public health knowledge in the pursuit of social change

Shayla Zimmerman, MPH ‘23

Even with a wealth of experience, Shayla Zimmerman, a dedicated community organizer and social worker, encountered challenges growing her career without a graduate degree. She turned to Michigan Public Health to expand her skillset and earned her MPH online while she continued the work she’s passionate about. Since graduating, she’s been able to pair her dedication to social justice with new public health knowledge to take her career in social work to new heights.

Sadé Richardson

Full-circle journey: Alumna leads Strategic Initiatives at Michigan Public Health

Sade Richardson, MPH, MSW ’18

For Sadé Richardson, working for the University of Michigan School of Public Health feels like a full-circle moment. As the director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of Public Health Practice, she leads some of the influential programs she engaged with as an undergraduate student and later as a Master of Public Health student in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education.