Breaking Cycles and Rebuilding Systems: My Path to Public Health

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.

Students and Alumni Honored as Delta Omega Inductees

The Epsilon Pi Chapter of the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health at Michigan State University is pleased to announce the College of Human Medicine’s spring 2025 inductees. Each year, Delta Omega elects new students, faculty, alumni, and honorary members based on high academic standards and outstanding performance in scholarship, teaching, research, and community service. Election of membership in Delta Omega is intended to recognize merit and encourage further excellence in and devotion to public health work.

First Flint Spartan Scholar Looks Back

In 2021, Katlin Harwood-Schelb, MPH ’24, decided to take a chance. After hearing about a brand-new scholarship opportunity from MSU’s Master of Public Health (MPH) offering students living or working in Flint full financial support to pursue an MPH degree, she decided to apply.

“I wasn’t sure if I would get it, but you miss all of the opportunities you don’t take,” she said. “And I was very, very happy when I found out I got it.”

Rx Kids Celebrates Program's First Birthday

More than 1,300 babies and families in the city of Flint have received nearly $6 million in cash prescriptions since Rx Kids launched in January 2024. A birthday bash complete with cupcakes, coloring pages, and other birthday fun, was held Jan. 29 at the Flint Children’s Museum for 100 guests.

Let’s Give Michigan Families an Extra Hug with Cash Prescriptions

On my first day at MSU, as a student intern, I was greeted with one of the most memorable hugs of my lifetime. I was to work directly under Dr. Mona Hanna, a nationally recognized leader and award-winning pediatrician most known for her role in uncovering the Flint Water Crisis; it was a dream opportunity for any 20-year-old public health student, and I was a ball of nerves. As soon as Dr. Mona walked into the room, my worries evaporated as she threw open her arms and gave me a bear hug. “I’m a hugger,” she said.

Department Difference Makers Awards

The Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health Awards Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the Difference Makers Awards. These awards recognize the hard work of faculty members, staff members, and community partners. 

MSU Appoint Faculty to Lead Expanded Public Health Concentrations

To address the rural public health concerns and train the next generation of public health professionals on how to effectively use health data and improve health outcomes in a community, the Michigan State University Master of Public Health (MPH) Program in the College of Human Medicine has expanded the roles of two MPH assistant professors.   

Faculty Voice: The Importance of Early Detection of Zoonotic Diseases

The USDA’s order to test raw milk samples nationwide is a proactive measure that underscores the importance of public and zoonotic disease surveillance. This is of special importance when we are talking about viruses since they are known to change and adapt to new hosts. Early detection of zoonotic diseases like bird flu virus is important because it has a highly pathogenic strain (H5N1) that poses a potential zoonotic risk causing disease in humans.

Oh, SNAP: The Unintended Consequences of Addressing Food Insecurity

With 47 million people in the U.S. facing food insecurity in 2023—more than the combined population of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Texas, the urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. In one of the wealthiest nations in the world, it is unacceptable that many people struggle to access enough safe, nutritious food.  

Amber Pearson Appointed Associate Chair for Recruitment and Searches

The Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health is unique as the first academic Department to be co-developed and co-governed in partnership with the communities it serves. As Michigan State University's first fully philanthropically named Department, expansion efforts include recruiting top talent. With more than $186 million in federal research grants and other funding to date, this community-partnered public health department has been an economic engine for Flint while improving health outcomes and influencing health policy.