MPH Associate Director
Associate Professor 

Dr. Connie Currier coordinates international practicum experiences for Master of Public Health students and co-leads a study abroad program in Ghana. As a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, she worked in rural clinics and taught health care lessons to children and nursing mothers. She has been a global health consultant for John Snow, Inc., Project Hope, the Carnegie Corporation, the Canadian International Development Agency, and other organizations, and she has worked in Brazil, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mexico, Zimbabwe and Ghana. Dr. Currier is a founding member of the Lansing Latino Health Alliance and has helped organize a number of events including H1N1 vaccination clinics, local health fairs, and Outstanding Caregiver Awards for Latinos in the Lansing area. She has volunteered on the Capital Area Health Alliance Access to Health Committee in Lansing and the Lansing Area AIDS Network World AIDS Day Planning Committee. She has worked to develop and has taught many MPH courses.

Selected Publications:

Hammad, H., Frisbey, Q., Esch, G., Currier, C., & Cederna, C. (in preparation). State policy analysis on postpartum depression: Gaps, challenges, and implications. To be submitted to Health Affairs.

Phillips, S., Hamilton, J., McCullough, W., El Reda, D., Merritt, L., Currier, C. & Kasiborski, N.  Theory into Practice: How MPH Students Empower Public Health and Community Organizations.  Submitted to Michigan Journal of Public Health.

Phillips, S., Hamilton, J., McCullough, W., Currier, C. & Clements, J.  (2025, June).  Refocusing PH Training on Effective Leadership and Communication Skills to Increase Efficacy.  Frontiers in Public Health.

Gbogbo, S., Wuresah, I*., Klutse, P*., Mantey, S.O*., Boateng, I*., Nelson, P.E*., Charles-Unadike, V., ElReda, D. & Currier, C.  (2025).  The Red Thread: Stakeholder Perspectives on Menstrual Health and Hygiene in Ghana.  BMJ Glob Health 2025;10:e019124. doi:10.1136/ bmjgh-2025-019124

Bustos, T.E., Johnson, J., Key, K., Miller, R., Richie, F., Spencer, B., Summers, M., Currier, C. & Hailemariam, M.  (2025 January).  Spirituality and well-being. Community perspectives from the Flint Women’s Study. Progress in Community Health Partnerships:  Research, Education, and Action.

Sneed, R.S., Habermehl, K., Smart, M., Key, K. & Currier, C.  (2024). Development of an online, asynchronous community engagement course for Master of Public Health students: Theoretical and practical considerations. Pedagogy in Health Promotion. 

Currier, C., Clements, J., Shah, R. & Bennett, A*.  (2024).  Building community in response to COVID-19:  Improving Student Interaction and Engagement in an Online Program.  Pedagogy in Health Promotion.

Presentations

Currier, C., ElReda, D., Clements, J. & Kasiborski, N.  The MSU MPH Team-Based Model for Online Course Development: Benefits, Challenges, and Recommendations.  Abstract submitted for presentation at the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health Annual Conference 2026, Washington, D.C.

Clements, J., ElReda, D., Currier, C. & McCullough, W.  The transition of a generalist to a multi-concentration MPH program: How we embraced CEPH Criterion D4.  Abstract submitted for presentation at the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health Annual Conference 2025, Washington, D.C. (Not accepted).

Currier, C., ElReda, D. & Gbogbo, S.  Experiential Learning in Ghana: Cultivating Global Health Competence and Social Justice through Community Engagement.  [Poster Presentation].  Consortium of Universities for Global Health Conference, February 20-23, 2025, Atlanta, GA.

Phillips, S., McCullough, W., Currier, C., Clements, J.M. & Mixon, T.  Initiatives to develop a student community in an online MPH Program:  Student experience.  [Oral Presentation].  CEPH 50th Anniversary Accreditation & Education Forum, October 2024, Minneapolis, MN.

Currier, C., Kramer, J., VanderMolen, J., Swem, P., Vaughn-Payne, P., Janoudi, J.S., Hoepfner, J., Braun, B.* & Huerta, C., Harris, R.  Engaging Communities to Address Sugar Consumption:  A Community-Driven Initiative to Create a County Healthy Vending Policy. [Poster Presentation]. American Public Health Association Conference, Minneapolis, MN, USA, October 27-30, 2024.

Currier, C., Kramer, J., VanderMolen, J., Swem, P., Vaughn-Payne, P., Janoudi, J.S., Hoepfner, J., Braun, B.* & Huerta, C., Harris, R.  Moving the Needle on Sugar Consumption:  Building Bridges Across Communities to Create a County Healthy Vending Policy. [Poster Presentation]. Michigan Premier Public Health Conference, Muskegon, MI, October 14, 2024.

Hamdan, S*., Currier, C. & Kramer, J.  Improving healthy default beverage options on restaurant children’s menus:  The Sugar Smart Coalition.  [Poster Presentation]. Michigan Premier Public Health Conference, Muskegon, MI, October 14, 2024.

Smith, B*., Amponsah*, S., Hunter*, A., Rich*, K., Malouin, R. & Currier, C. (2024, March 7-10). Barriers to Effective Refuse Disposal in Larteh, Ghana.  [Poster presentation]. The Consortium of Universities for Global Health Conference 2024, Los Angeles, CA, United States.

Currier, C., Ali*, F., Rich*, K., Shannon*, K., Smith*, B. & Vega*, F.  (2024, March 21-23).  Sustainable Models for Global Academic Partnerships: Elements of a Successful Service Experience for MPH Students Abroad. [Oral presentation].  Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health Conference, Arlington, VA.

Brew, R., Dean, C., Currier, C. & Yonder, J.  (2023, July).  Lessons Learned:  Pursing Public Health Program Accreditation in Four Michigan Universities  [Invited presentation]. Great Lakes Society for Public Health Education, July 26, 2023 (Online).

Phillips, S., Currier, C. & El Reda, D.  (2023, March).  Connecting the APE and the ILE: Revisiting the Student Path through Design and Assessment in an Online MPH Program [Oral presentation]. Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health Conference, Arlington, VA, March 15-17, 2023.

Phillips, S., Currier, C. & El Reda, D.  (2023, March).  Expanding the High-Touch, Wrap-Around Student Success Model:  Supporting Students from Enrollment through Graduation.  [Oral presentation]. Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health Conference, Arlington, VA, March 15-17, 2023.

Currier, C., Malouin, R. & Akor, S.  (2023, March).  Sustainable Models for Global Academic Partnerships:  Public Health in Ghana.  [Oral presentation]. Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health Conference, Arlington, VA, March 15-17, 2023.

Currier, C., Hunt, L., Mansour, C., Delgado-Kipp, L., Soriano, J., Blanks, J. & Solis, L. (2022, November). Honoring Latino Healthcare Workers:  Promoting Diversity through Award and Example.  [Roundtable presentation].  American Public Health Association Conference, Boston, MA, USA, November 6-9, 2022.

Selected Media Coverage:

• Faculty Voice: Global Insights, Local Impact: How Cultural Competence Shapes Public Health Strategies

To request a comprehensive CV summarizing Dr. Currier’s achievements, email Dr. Currier.

Master of Public Health Director
Associate Chair of Education
Assistant Professor 

Dr. El Reda is an applied public health practitioner with nearly 20 years of experience working in both the public (i.e., city, county, state health departments) and private sector (health insurance industry) in the United States. She has published on a variety of topic areas, such as infectious disease outbreaks, maternal and child health, patient-centered medical homes, immunization, obesity, and cancer. Dr. El Reda has extensive experience in the use of health care administrative claims data in the design, implementation, and evaluation of value-based care programs.

Selected Publications:

Gasana J, Albahar S, Alkhalidi M, Al-Mekhled Q, El Reda D, Al-Sharbati M. Risky Roads in Kuwait: An Uneven Toll on Migrant Workers. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Aug 7;19(15):9726. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19159726. PMID: 35955082; PMCID: PMC9368245. 

Champine RB, McCullough WR, El Reda DK. Critical Race Theory for Public Health Students to Recognize and Eliminate Structural Racism. Am J Public Health. 2022 Jun;112(6):850-852. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2022.306846.  2022 Apr 21. PMID: 35446604; PMCID: PMC9137028. 

Nur U. El Reda D, Hashim D, Weiderpass E.  A prospective investigation of oral contraceptive use and breast cancer mortality: findings from the Swedish women's lifestyle and health cohort.  BMC Cancer. 2019 Aug 14; 19(1):807.

El Reda, D, Strom O, Sandin S, Oh JK, Adami HO, Lof M, Weiderpass E. Determinants of long-term weight change among middle-aged Swedish women. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017 Jan 7. doi: 10.1002/oby.21745. PMID: 28063229.

Jeffrey Alexander, PhD, Amanda Markovitz, MPH, Michael Paustian, PhD, MS, Chris Wise, PhD, Darline El Reda, Dr.PH, Lee Green, MD, MPH, Mike Fetters, MD, PhD. Implementation of Patient-Centered Medical Homes in Adult Primary Care Practices. Medical Care Research and Review 2015, Vol. 72(4) 438–467. PMID: 25861803

Tao, M., Rangarajan, K, Paustian, M., Wasilevich, E., El Reda, D. Dialing In: Effect of telephonic wellness coaching on weight loss. American Journal of Managed Care. 2014; 20(2): e35-e42. PMID: 24738553

Markovitz A., Song J.Y., Paustian M., El Reda D. Association between Maternal Preventive Care Utilization and Adolescent HPV Vaccination: It’s Not Just About Pap Testing. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2014 Feb; 27(1):29-36. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2013.08.012. Epub 2013 Dec 4. PMID: 24315716

A. Annis Emeott, RN, MPH, A. Markovitz, MPH, M. H. Mason, MHSA, L. Rajt, MSW, D. A. Share, MD, MPH, M. Paustian, PhD, and D. El Reda, Dr.PH, MPH. Four-Year Evolution of a Large, Statewide Patient-Centered Medical Home Designation Program in Michigan. Med Care. 2013; 51(9): 846-853. PMID: 23872904

Paustian, M. L., Alexander, J. A., El Reda D., Wise C., Green L., Fetters, M. Partial and Incremental PCMH Practice Transformation: Implications for Quality and Costs. Health Serv Res. 2013. DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.12085. PMID: 23829322

Alexander, J. A., Paustian, M. L., Wise C., Green L., Fetters, M. Mason M. H., El Reda D. Assessment and Measurement of Patient-Centered Medical Home Implementation: The BCBSM Experience. Ann Fam Med. 2013; 11 Suppl 1: S74-81. PMID: 23690390Text

Selected Media Coverage:

• MSU Public Health News: Darline El Reda Appointed Director of the Master of Public Health Program and Associate Chair of Education
• MSU Public Health Faculty Voice: Preventable Deaths: Americans Rank Last

To request a comprehensive CV summarizing Dr. El Reda's achievements, email Dr. El Reda.

Assistant Professor 

Natalie Kasiborski is a dedicated public health consultant and assistant professor. She has over 15 years of experience working in the public health arena, as an expert educator, clinical social worker, agency leader and program director specializing in rural and mental health. Through her work with the School Community Health Alliance of Michigan, she provides technical assistance around school-based mental health and social emotional support to programs, schools, and providers across the State of Michigan. In 2021, she was named “40 under 40 in Public Health” by the De Beaumont Foundation, an honor awarded to recognize leaders whose creativity and innovation are strengthening communities, innovating bold solutions, improving health, and changing lives. Dr. Kasiborski is also an assistant professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in the Department of Public Health, where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate level courses. 

Dr. Kasiborski earned a Doctorate in Social Work and a Master of Public Health degree from Michigan State University, and a Master of Social Work degree and Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan. 

Selected Publications:

Swain, M. & Kasiborski, N. (2018). Improving Behavioral Health Care Access through a Local Health Department Model in Schools. 18^th Annual Academy Health National Health Policy Conference. Washington, DC. February 5-6, 2018

Kasiborski, N. & Van Dam, E. (2015).  Integrating care within a School Based Health Center: Increasing capacity through the expanded role of mental health professionals. Conference on Adolescent Health. Ann Arbor, MI. April 24, 2015.

Kasiborski, N. & Moore, T. (2015). Roots and causes of challenging behaviors: Reframing complex trauma. Annual Child Abuse Council Conference. Petoskey, MI. April 17, 2015.

Kasiborski, N. (2014). The Importance of routines: Helping children with sleep, meals, and transitions. Invited presentation at Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District Early Childhood Networking Night. Petoskey, MI. October, 8, 2014.

Kasiborski, N., Peacock, L., & Grabruck, M. (2014). Pathways community HUB model and the School Based Health Center. School-Community Health Alliance 10^th Anniversary Conference. Bellaire, MI. July 25, 2014.

Kasiborski, N. (2013). Look what I can do: What to expect in your child’s development. Invited presentation at Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District Early Childhood Networking Night. Petoskey, MI. March 13, 2013.

Schmittel, E., Kubiak, S. & Kasiborski, N. (2010). Relating incarcerated mothers’ family violence and support to loss of  parental rights. Poster presentation for National Council on Family Relations Conference, Minneapolis, MN. November.

Kasiborski, N., & Lampen, M. (2010).Implementation of an International Social Work Experience in Mexico: Lessons Learned. Oral paper accepted for presentation at the 2010 Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Portland, OR: October 14-17, 2010.

Kasiborski, N., Ahmedani, B., & Kubiak, S.P. (2010). The Role of Peer Mentoring in Doctoral Education. Oral paper accepted for presentation at the 2010 Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Portland, OR: October 14-17, 2010

Schmittel, E., Kasiborski, N., & Kubiak, S.P. (2010). Foster Care Experiences of Children Born to Incarcerated Women. Oral paper accepted for presentation at the 2010 Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Portland, OR: October 14-17, 2010.

Kasiborski, N., & Schmittel, E. (2010). Showcase: Mothers Exiting Prison: Predicting Child Welfare outcomes in a Longitudinal Study. Oral Paper accepted for presentation at the 2010 Graduate Academic Conference: Showcase Room, East Lansing, MI: March 26, 2010

Kubiak, S., Kasiborski, N., & Schmittel, E. (2010). Mothers Exiting Prison: Predicting Child Welfare Outcomes in a Longitudinal Study. Oral Paper accepted for presentation at the 2010 Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA: January 14-17.

Kubiak, S.P., Kasiborski, N., Karim, N., & Schmittel, E. (2012). Does subsequent criminal justice involvement predict foster care and termination of parental rights for children born to incarcerated women? Social Work in Public Health, 27(1-2), 129-47.

Kennedy, A.C., Agbenyiga, D., Kasiborski, N., & Gladden, J. (2010). Risk chains over the life course among homeless urban adolescent mothers: Altering their trajectories through formal support. Children and Youth Services Review, 32, 1740-1749.

Kubiak, S.P., Kasiborski, N., & Schmittel, E. (2010). Assessing long-term outcomes of an intervention designed for pregnant incarcerated women. Research on Social Work Practice, 20 (5), 528-535.

Kubiak, S.P., Kasiborski, N. & Schmittel, E. (2010).  Maternal Criminal Justice and Child Welfare Involvement. Report  submitted to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Selected Media Coverage:

• MSU Public Health News: MSU Appoint Faculty to Lead Expanded Public Health Concentrations

To request a comprehensive CV summarizing Dr. Kasiborski's achievements, email Dr. Kasiborski.