Staff Spotlight with Alan Harris
Meet Alan Harris. He serves as a Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst for MSU Division of Public Health and multiple Flint community organizations; including FCHES, Flint Registry, and Flint ReCAST.

The Flint native talks about working in his hometown, what motivates his work, and analyzing public health data from a geographic perspective. Get to know Alan in this Q&A.

As I sat in the vaccine clinic last year, rolling up my sleeve, I felt a small pop in my belly- a tiny movement from my baby. That little kick reminded me of why getting my COVID-19 vaccine was so very important. I was protecting both of us against COVID-19 and the associated complications, which include preterm delivery and severe maternal illness and increased risk of death. I was also giving him antibodies, or immune-fighter cells, that would help him as a newborn and an infant, for up to six months.

In the past year, gun violence has become the leading cause of death in children, surpassing motor vehicle accidents. Though school shootings often gain widespread media attention due to their horrific and tragic nature, they account for only a minority of gun-related deaths in the country. Homicides and suicides are the leading cause of gun-related injuries and deaths, with unintentional injuries and deaths being a smaller proportion.

Each year, the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) recognizes individuals or groups who have contributed significantly to creating and/or implementing policies or policy-based changes that support and positively impact the food and physical activity environment. The 2022 recipient of the Advisory Committee on Public Policy Health Promotion Policy Award is the Flint Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program.

Kendra Shannon

As the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted Black Americans and shed a light on the importance of public health, Kendra Shannon knew she had to act. Her commitment to creating lasting change in society led her to pursue her Master of Public Health.

Learn more about what inspires her in this Q&A. 

CEPH Accredited Master's Logo

The Michigan State University online Master of Public Health degree program (MPH) earns accreditation by signifying the highest standards of achievement and a commitment to quality education. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) review team, composed of elected deans and directors, approved MSU’s accreditation at the CEPH Board of Councilors meeting on June 1 – 3, 2022. Accreditation begins from June 15, 2019, through July 1, 2027.

MSU Division of Public Health is proud to announce Linda Cornish as one of the recipients of the 2022 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award. “I could not think of a more dedicated staff member deserving of this very important Jack Breslin award,” said Wayne McCullough, PhD, interim director of the College of Human Medicine Division of Public Health and director of the Master of Public Health Program. 

National Public Health Week 2022

During National Public Health Week, April 4 - 10, we honor faculty, alumni, students, staff, community partners, and professionals that are dedicated to making communities safer, stronger, and healthier. Together we strive to create the healthiest nation.

We invite you to check out highlights of some of the work being accomplished by Spartans working in public health. 

March is Women's History Month, which is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. 

This year’s theme is a tribute to the work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the ways women inspire others. We've asked MSU Public Health faculty and staff to share who inspires them and drives their passion to make a difference. 

In recognition of Black History Month, we're highlighting Spartans in Public Health who dedicate their talents to addressing health disparities in Flint and beyond. At Michigan State University Public Health, we work in the areas of improving the health of Black men and women, racial disparities in mental health, colorectal cancer awareness, nutrition, healthy aging, and more. Explore the work of our researchers and faculty members.

Dr. Rodlescia Sneed

The number of individuals released from state and federal prison has increased substantially in recent years. According to The Bureau of Justice Statistics, in the United States, about 5 million formerly incarcerated adults (returning citizens) are under community supervision (e.g. probation or parole) at any given time. And these returning citizens face numerous barriers—inadequate housing, poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to nutritious food and physical activity.

John Matkovic

What do students need to maintain a healthy lifestyle while in college? That’s what Spartan in Public Health alumnus John Matkovic’s research focuses on.

“We all know that students enter college with different levels of readiness on how to study, how to be healthy while in college,” said Matkovic, who earned his bachelor’s degree in microbiology (’06) and his master of public health (MPH) (’11) from Michigan State University.