Health Care Access

Darius Moore in a blue/gray suit, white shirt sand salmon tie posing for a portrait photo

Transforming public health education through public engagement

Darius Moore, MPH ’24

Recognized for his advocacy, particularly for people of color, Darius Moore, MPH ’24, has been instrumental in leading seminars and conferences during his tenure at Michigan Public Health. Now a doctoral student in Health Behavior & Health Equity at Michigan Public Health, his work in HIV prevention has solidified his status as an exceptional individual poised to make a lasting impact.

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.

Soumik Purkayastha

Finding inspiration at the intersection of public health and data science

Soumik Purkayastha, MS ’21, PhD ’24

A native of India, Soumik Purkayastha, MS ’21, PhD ’24, first made a connection with the University of Michigan School of Public Health in 2005 when he was in fourth grade. Now, Purkayastha will graduate in May with a PhD in Biostatistics from the Department of Biostatistics at Michigan Public Health. After graduation, Purkayastha will join the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Pittsburgh as an assistant professor in the fall.

Andrea Kennedy

Public health chooses undergraduate student as a means to change

Andrea Kennedy, BS ’24

Andrea Kennedy, BS ’24, will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health Sciences from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. After graduation, she will move to Chicago to work at Pathstone Partners, a management consulting firm that works with healthcare organizations to improve financial and operational performance without compromising the quality of patient care.

Matthew Hernandez

Staying grounded: Building public health skills for local impact

Matthew Hernandez, MPH ’24

Matthew Hernandez, MPH ’24, became interested in learning about the foundations of public health with the goal of being able to contribute to public health research. Through the online MPH program in Population and Health Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, he said he’s gained the necessary skills to achieve those research goals.

Jonathan Amos with US Capitol in the background

COVID-19 experience influences career in health policy and equity

Jonathan Amos, MPH ’24

Jonathan Amos, MPH ’24, has had a longstanding interest in social policy and politics. It was their initial experience as a professional navigating the complex US healthcare system that led them to understand the importance of health policy and public health to improve lives and advance equity. Amos will graduate in May with a Master of Public Health degree in Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.