Effective public health communicators use clarity, empathy, and evidence to build trust in communities. In an age of constant access to information – and misinformation - Master of Public Health (MPH) alumna Sandra Enness, ’12, uses her skills as a public health communicator to break down data and help people make informed decisions.  

Can AI lead to the early detection of diseases and improve patient outcomes?

My approach to learning has always been about asking tough questions and digging deep to find answers. This mindset has drawn me to the intersection of technology and health care, an area where I see remarkable potential to improve human lives.

When I think about what it means to be a public health change agent, I envision a ripple effect—a single action creating waves that extend far beyond what the eye can see. That’s the power of public health: small, intentional efforts that lead to meaningful, systemic change. As a proud Spartan and a graduate of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Michigan State University, I carry this belief with me in every facet of my work.

In 2021, Katlin Harwood-Schelb, MPH ’24, decided to take a chance. After hearing about a brand-new scholarship opportunity from MSU’s Master of Public Health (MPH) offering students living or working in Flint full financial support to pursue an MPH degree, she decided to apply.

“I wasn’t sure if I would get it, but you miss all of the opportunities you don’t take,” she said. “And I was very, very happy when I found out I got it.”

Recent Master of Public Health (MPH) graduate Harsna Chahal, ‘24, has been a Spartan for as long as she can remember. The Michigan native has fond memories of visiting Michigan State University’s (MSU) campus with her father, who works on campus. “The core memories I’ve created at MSU have made it my second home, and the people here are part of my community,” she said. 

Immersive experiences in the field cannot be taught in a classroom. The key to becoming a successful global health professional is stepping out of your comfort zone and traveling somewhere new. Master of Public Health (MPH) alumna Jenna Koelsch, MPH ’23, is gaining meaningful experiences in the Peace Corps as an HIV/AIDS Youth and Adolescent Health Advocacy Volunteer in Lesotho, Africa.

Babies, parents, and caregivers in Central and Southeast Michigan now have better access to donor breast milk thanks to Michigan State University alumnae Erin McGreal-Miller and Brittany Ganton.

Shared experiences motivated them to help open the state’s second milk bank; both pursued master’s degrees in public health (MPH) at MSU and chose to use donated breast milk to feed their babies.

"So, this is what it feels like," were the words I remember uttering as I looked at The Spartan statue. It marked the first instance I truly sensed the accumulated depths of emotions shared by countless previous graduates who had celebrated their accomplishments beside the iconic figure.