In an undergraduate microbiology lab, I first learned how vaccination works – a lesson that went beyond antigens and antibodies. We explored how vaccines defend the body and how they've shaped population health over time. It was the first time I truly grasped the impact of vaccination, not just as a personal health measure, but as a powerful public health tool. In that lab, I gained a new perspective on vaccination as a form of infrastructure. 

Before participating in the Public Health in Ghana program this summer, Master of Public Health (MPH) student Katie Beeman had never traveled internationally. With a year of classes under her belt, Beeman challenged herself to go beyond the online classroom to learn what public health looks like in a new environment. She looks back at her experience and shares what she’s learned. 

The Alice Hamilton Scholar Program at MSU-Hurley Pediatric Public Health Initiative honors the legacy of Dr. Alice Hamilton—physician, scientist, and trailblazer in environmental health—by cultivating physician leaders who center community, equity, and advocacy in their work. Over two years, scholars earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) and engage in hands-on partnerships that bridge clinical care, research, and public policy to advance health justice in Flint and beyond.

As a respiratory therapist, Master of Public Health (MPH) student Shelly Bundy witnessed health disparities affect communities while working with the most vulnerable during the height of COVID-19. She writes about what led her to pursue an MPH, why she chose the Rural Public Health concentration, and what she learned during the Public Health in Ghana program.  

My path to public health has been anything but linear.

My childhood was devoid of safety or guidance, and I struggled to navigate a chaotic home life. I learned early on that suffering, trauma, and abuse do not discriminate by income bracket—it does not matter how many doors are open if the people meant to guide you refuse to do so.

Returning to school after a long break can be a daunting decision to make. Master of Public Health (MPH) student Andrea Morrison decided to apply to the program after taking time off to raise her family. To keep herself grounded, Morrison uses her passion for yarn arts to focus and improve her mental health. She writes about what inspired her to earn her MPH and how knitting helps spark creativity in unconventional ways.

Master of Public Health (MPH) student Brittany Tayler serves as the director of the Community and Advocacy Rotation for Hurley Medical Center residents, and works closely with many organizations in the Flint community. She also is the Genesee Intermediate School District Medical Director and works closely with the Michigan Department of health and Human Services to inform best policies around youth tobacco use. Below is her testimony to the Michigan Regulatory Affairs Committee. 

Michigan State University is excited to award three Flint Spartan Master of Public Health Scholarships for 2024. Congratulations to Sydnie Wiederman, April LaGrone, and Candace Whitfield as the recipients full and partial scholarships for 2024. The scholarship has been awarded to incoming Master of Public Health (MPH) students who live or work in the greater Flint community for three consecutive years.

Here’s a fun conversation starter: Ask someone to explain the most complicated thing about their job or hobby in a single, easy-to-understand sentence.

For many people, especially those of us in health and other science-related fields, responding to this question can be daunting. How do you distill years of work or an immensely technical topic into a meaningful, public-friendly message?

The Public Health Abroad in Ghana program brings Master of Public Health (MPH) students to Ghana for three weeks to explore quantitative and qualitative research methods for assessing community health. MPH student Andrew Davis writes about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and reflects on traveling abroad for the first time, collaborating with community members, and gaining real-life public health experiences.

As a neuroethics research assistant at Michigan State University's (MSU) Department of Medicine, Master of Public Health (MPH) student Arynn De Leeuw uses analytical skills to conduct community-based participatory research. The Canadian native recently had the opportunity to present her work at a national academic conference.

Growing up 10 minutes away from Flint, Michigan State University Master of Public Health (MPH) student Nate Peterson feels a personal connection to the city. His interest in using interdisciplinary interventions to contribute to a community’s well-being and desire to see Flint thrive fuels his passion for public health.

In this Q&A, Nate shares his experience as both a Flint Registry team member and MPH student.