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.
After working in public health communications for a few years, she became the Director of Communications and Outreach at Michigan State University’s National Food Safety & Toxicology Center. It was during this time the MSU MPH program first launched, and Enness knew she had to act on the new opportunity.
“I was drawn to the convenience, and I knew it would be the right fit for me,” Enness said. “While pursuing my previous degrees I did a lot of ‘parking lot reading’ for homework, waiting for my kids to be done with sports practices and private lessons.”
Enness took many health communication electives to ensure her success as a public health communicator. She believes learning more about health communication is crucial for health professionals. “Health communications promote better health outcomes, educate the public, and enhance patient care,” Enness said.
“Regardless of your public health path, it’s essential to learn about public health communication. Effective communication is key to reaching different populations and making a positive impact.”
Promoting Traffic Safety in Michigan
Enness currently works in communications and outreach for the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, a civilian division of the Michigan State Police. In her role as Statewide Diverse Populations Traffic Safety Outreach Coordinator, she works in communities around Michigan with high traffic crash rates.
“I start by reviewing traffic crash data across various categories and identifying communities with crash rates that are significantly higher than average. I then collaborate with community partners, such as employers and schools, to help promote traffic safety. This could involve working with employers to showcase their efforts to keep drivers safe or educating students on the importance of hands-free driving to reduce distracted driving among their peers.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic crashes are one of the nation’s most overlooked crises.
“My public health and communications background allows me to contribute to state-wide campaigns that encourage drivers to adopt safety precautions before they even start their vehicles,” she said. “I am one of only a few trained public health professionals working within the State Police.”
Enness is most proud of her academic achievements as a non-traditional student and takes pride in what she’s accomplished working as a public health professional for about 30 years.
“I’m proud of my work in public health outreach and communications on various topics, including food safety, food fraud, PFAS and lead in drinking water, chemical exposures in the home, mental health care for pregnant and post-partum mothers, and reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities,” she said.
Her Advice for MPH Students?
Enness encourages Master of Public Health students to learn skills that are essential as a public health professional – like how to write grants and how to build logic models. She also encourages students to keep an open mind and think about public health in creative ways.
“Instead of just thinking outside the box, kick the box out of the way. Public health intersects with so many different professions beyond the traditional public health field, so always stay open to new possibilities.”
April 30, 2025
