A Spartan Transforming Public Health

Not all public health researchers are fortunate enough to help build an academic department from the ground up, let alone have the full backing and partnership of community members along the way. But Jennifer Johnson is among those lucky few. At Michigan State University, she's part of a public health department that is fast becoming a national model for community-based participatory research and implementation that’s making a profound impact on the health of Michigan residents.

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

Cultural competence is more than just a buzzword; it’s the essential skill of understanding, appreciating, and effectively interacting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. But why is this so crucial for public health practitioners? Simply put, cultural competence ensures that health initiatives are not only respectful and relevant but also finely tuned to the unique needs of every community, paving the way for better health outcomes and greater social equity.

Gayle Shipp Awarded Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Equity Scholars for Action Grant

Gayle Shipp, PhD, RD, assistant professor in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, has been awarded a prestigious grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Equity Scholars for Action (HES4A).

Making Long-Lasting Memories in Ghana

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.

College of Human Medicine Receives State Funding for Academic and Community Programming

Michigan State University is receiving $32.225 million in state funding for eight projects and programming, three of which are College of Human Medicine initiatives.

The announcement follows Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signing the state’s fiscal 2024-25 budget into law Wednesday. See full story on MSUToday.

Supporting Neurotechnology Research Participants

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.

Department Announces Newly Appointed Associate Chairs

Flint is a national leader in community-based participatory research and has a long history of creating social justice change. In partnership with the Michigan State University Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, Flint will continue to advocate for public health policy change locally, nationally, and internationally.

Shining a Light on Sexual Health

Recent Master of Public Health (MPH) graduate Harsna Chahal, ‘24, has been a Spartan for as long as she can remember. The Michigan native has fond memories of visiting Michigan State University’s (MSU) campus with her father, who works on campus. “The core memories I’ve created at MSU have made it my second home, and the people here are part of my community,” she said. 

If Food is Medicine, Data Helps Determine the Dosage

If researchers from Michigan State University have their way, the old adage, “You are what you eat” will become, “You are what you know.”

“Knowledge is power,” said Heatherlun S. Uphold, assistant professor in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health and Department of Translational Neuroscience in the MSU College of Human Medicine. “Our efforts focus on sharing power and information with the communities that we serve so people can make informed decisions.

New research: 1 in 5 U.S. Adults Lost to Suicide Had Recent Jail Experience

Content warning: If you or someone you know needs help, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

A newly published study found that one in five U.S. adults who die by suicide spent at least one night in jail in the year prior to their death. Rapidly and efficiently providing prevention, screening and outreach resources for this group is critical to reducing adult suicides nationwide. 

From the Classroom to the Community

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.

First Public Health Researcher in Flint Becomes Founding Chair of Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health

Jennifer Johnson was happy in her position as a professor of psychiatry at Brown University when Michigan State University came calling. Would she be interested in joining the College of Human Medicine in Flint where she could help build a public health program in partnership with the community? She said yes.