A Personal Narrative on College + Covid

Difficult conversations are taking place across the country as young adults prepare the start of their college careers. Dr. Debra Furr-Holden shares her experience from home as an epidemiologist, public health expert, and Mom of three college students. "My youngest, Olivia, graduated high school this year. When her college informed us that they were receiving students on campus, I was sure she would make the ‘right choice.’ On decision day, she simply said, ‘I’m going.’  I was shocked."  

Eternal Commitment to Global Health

Knowing more education increases life expectancy and influences healthy living, Claire Schertzing is transforming the academic journey for many low-income first-generation college students. Claire is at the top of her MPH class, earning a 4.0 GPA and an invitation to the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. She is interested in a career in global health with a particular interest in the prevention and control of infectious diseases like malaria.

Improving Access to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Underserved Communities

Michigan State University and the University of Maryland College Park are working side-by-side to address health equity in opioid use disorder treatment. Dr. Julia Felton will co-lead a $550,000 grant from the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts.

Melody Marzjarani on Being Spartan

Meet Master of Public Health Student Melody Marzjarani. She is a triple threat, serving on the Student Advisory Board, working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and holding a bachelor's degree in Human Biology from MSU's Lyman Briggs College. For Melody, having a public health background will give her a broader perspective and allow her to provide optimal care to future patients.

Go Green!

COVID-19 Response: Alumni and Students

Like the far-reaching impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak, Spartans in Public Health have addressed the pandemic in unprecedented ways. Alumni and students rapidly applied their skills and their talents to actively address the evolving needs of the pandemic. 

Where there is a need, there is a Spartan in Public Health.

Q & A with Debra Furr-Holden on COVID-19 Testing

Debra Furr-Holden, associate dean for public health integration and C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health in the College of Human Medicine, answers questions about the different COVID-19 tests. Get some insight into the different testing options and testing eligibility from a public health expert.

Voices: Stand With Us

To prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, Debra Furr-Holden has been working alongside a global network of public health and medical professionals, civic leaders, and activists. "Our efforts are unending. Yet here we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic which is disproportionately taking the lives of black people. We are forced to confront the most enduring epidemic in America's existence, racism." Watch her personal video message.

Q & A with Mieka Smart: What is Contact Tracing?

Due to COVID-19, “contact tracing” has been added to our vocabulary. Not everyone understands it is essential to stopping the spread of the novel coronavirus. Mieka Smart, assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the Division of Public Health in the College of Human Medicine, answers questions about contact tracing. 

Stepping Up to Reduce Mental Illness in Jails

The National Institute of Mental Health awarded Jennifer Johnson and her colleague a $3.2 million, five-year grant to study the national Stepping Up Initiative. The primary aim is of the I.M. Stepping Up study is to improve treatment for individuals with mental illnesses and keep them out of jail. About two-thirds of individuals in jails have mental health problems yet most jails are ill-equipped to deal with complex issues.

Advancing Health Equity for Older Americans Receiving Medicaid

Rodlescia Sneed is one of five researchers funded with a $250,000 grant through Policies for Action, a signature research program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She will be undertaking a two-year study to evaluate the potential impact of Medicaid work requirements on older recipients.

Congrats Spartan in Public Health Grads

As the world evolves around us, so does the need for public health professionals aiming to mobilize change. Our 2020 graduates are joining the ranks of more than 600 Spartans in public health that are working to protect the health of people and communities. Although we are social distancing, we are celebrating the newest members of our #MSUGrad20 family with a special video message from faculty and staff.

Promoting Exposure to Global Public Health Practices

Be in touch with at least one student every day. That’s the last sentence in Mieka Smart’s professional mission statement. As an assistant professor at MSU’s College of Human Medicine online Master of Public Health program, staying connected with students is how she stays connected with what matters.