https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/ysph/news-rss/?keywordId=243&orgId=109082&title=Alumni+and+Student+News+and+Profiles A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Yale School of Public Health en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Mon, 18 May 2026 02:30:02 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/casey-wells-mph-26-to-deliver-2026-commencement-student-address/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/casey-wells-mph-26-to-deliver-2026-commencement-student-address/ Wells studied health policy with a concentration in global health and a track in maternal and child health. Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/inspired-by-community-health-they-took-their-message-to-congress/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/inspired-by-community-health-they-took-their-message-to-congress/ Himani Pattisam, MPH '26, Emily Goines, MPH '26, and Dean Megan L. Ranney visited congressional offices in Washington, D.C. in March to advocate for public health funding during ASPPH Hill Day. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://gsas.yale.edu/about/news-announcements/qa-jose-aravena-25-phd https://gsas.yale.edu/about/news-announcements/qa-jose-aravena-25-phd A chance encounter introduced José Aravena, ’25 PhD, to YSPH Professor Becca Levy's research on positive aging. The moment changed the direction of his career. In this Q&A, Aravena discusses his interest in aging and brain health and shares some surprising findings from his fieldwork in southern Chile. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/spotlight-perpetua-buadoo-mph-26/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/spotlight-perpetua-buadoo-mph-26/ Research and education intern, People for Successful COrean REunification (PSCORE) Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/spotlight-joselito-malca-hernandez-mph-26/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/spotlight-joselito-malca-hernandez-mph-26/ Health Systems Analysis Fellow, The Global Fund Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/spotlight-emma-bebarta-mph-26/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/spotlight-emma-bebarta-mph-26/ Health Section Fellow, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/spotlight-pranjali-gupta-mph-26/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/spotlight-pranjali-gupta-mph-26/ Analyzing the impact of UNDP-supported health investment cases, United Nations Development Program Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/tillman-scholar-praises-ysph-executive-mph-program/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/tillman-scholar-praises-ysph-executive-mph-program/ U.S. Marine veteran and former firefighter Kage Harrington, MPH '27, hopes to use the skills he's learning in the Yale School of Public Health's Executive MPH program to help shape federal and state policies that strengthen public health, improve emergency systems, and protect communities during times of crisis. Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/future-physician-kennedy-odiboh-seeks-to-merge-clinical-work-with-health-justice-policy-interests/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/future-physician-kennedy-odiboh-seeks-to-merge-clinical-work-with-health-justice-policy-interests/ YSPH student Kennedy Odiboh, MPH '26 (Health Policy and Management), seeks to merge future clinical work with health justice policy interests. Wed, 17 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/cultivating-trust-and-healthy-food/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/cultivating-trust-and-healthy-food/ "Over the course of the summer, I often found myself thinking back to the discussions and the impact of community dialogue." Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/first-year-student-inspired-by-ysphs-commitment-to-community-driven-solutions-and-real-world-impact/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/first-year-student-inspired-by-ysphs-commitment-to-community-driven-solutions-and-real-world-impact/ First-year student Patrick Ampofo's long-term goal is to transform public health into a proactive, equitable system that empowers underserved populations, not merely by improving outcomes, but by redefining what equitable health care looks like. In doing so, he hopes to make inclusive, accessible care not a distant ideal, but a global standard. Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/first-year-student-is-pursuing-her-childhood-dreams-at-ysph/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/first-year-student-is-pursuing-her-childhood-dreams-at-ysph/ Getting an MPH degree from Yale School of Public Health is a dream come true for first-year student Hannah Pavlecic, MPH '27, who has been fascinated by infectious diseases since she was a small child. Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-student-wants-to-improve-access-to-lifesaving-treatments/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-student-wants-to-improve-access-to-lifesaving-treatments/ First-year student Vanessa McLennan, MPH '27, hopes to use her experience in pharmacology and public health to address structural barriers to life-saving medical treatments at the global level. Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/future-epidemiologist-drawn-to-ysphs-opportunities-for-specialization/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/future-epidemiologist-drawn-to-ysphs-opportunities-for-specialization/ First-year YSPH student Jessica Berman, MPH '27, Chronic Disease Epidemiology, hopes to work at the intersection of epidemiology, health equity, and data visualization to guide public health interventions and improve access to care. Outside of class, she enjoys playing tennis, watching movies, and getting lost in a good book. Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/flexible-curriculum-environmental-research-key-for-student-choosing-ysph/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/flexible-curriculum-environmental-research-key-for-student-choosing-ysph/ First-year student Sami Popol, MPH '27, is eager to join YSPH's profound community of teachers and scholars. She hopes to use the skills and knowledge she gains to make communities healthier and contribute to environmental justice as an environmental epidemiologist. Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-student-eager-to-apply-biostatistics-skills-to-todays-health-challenges/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-student-eager-to-apply-biostatistics-skills-to-todays-health-challenges/ YSPH first-year student Dongnan Liu is eager to learn from the school's exceptional professors and can't wait to dive into Yale's abundant research resources. She enjoys learning in a diverse community and making new friends. Outside of school, she loves dancing to K-pop and singing. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-ysph-student-praises-schools-rigorous-academic-environment/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-ysph-student-praises-schools-rigorous-academic-environment/ First-year student Althea Onaifo chose to pursue her MPH degree at YSPH because of its rigorous academic environment, where expansive theoretical knowledge is blended with an emphasis on practical application. She hopes to use the skills and knowledge she gains to help reshape how health care systems impact marginalized communities. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/close-knit-community-and-broad-course-choices-attract-first-year-student-to-ysph/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/close-knit-community-and-broad-course-choices-attract-first-year-student-to-ysph/ First-year student Niki Bajaj, MPH '27, says the Yale School of Public Health's close-knit community and the ability to take classes offered by different Yale schools persuaded her to enroll in the program. But she also admits her desire to try New Haven's famous apizza factored into her decision. Wed, 20 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-stories-viral-hepatitis-the-silent-epidemic-that-should-have-been-prevented/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-stories-viral-hepatitis-the-silent-epidemic-that-should-have-been-prevented/ Every 30 seconds, someone in the world dies from a hepatitis-related illness—yet the majority of people living with hepatitis are unaware of their infection. It is a silent epidemic, that is comparable to HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (TB). As we recognize Hepatitis Awareness Month this May, and Hepatitis Testing Day on May 19, it’s important to confront the ongoing viral epidemic that causes over 6,000 new infections and more than 3,500 deaths worldwide each day—despite being preventable and treatable [1]. Tue, 27 May 2025 14:00:00 Z https://som.yale.edu/story/2025/joint-degree-spotlight-bringing-business-tools-healthcare https://som.yale.edu/story/2025/joint-degree-spotlight-bringing-business-tools-healthcare After enrolling at the Yale School of Public Health, Casey Ma ’26, decided to expand her skill set by combining her MPH with an MBA at Yale School of Management. Tue, 27 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-afeez-sodeinde/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-afeez-sodeinde/ This series spotlights the amazing students in the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) program. This month, we focus on students conducting research on infectious diseases across different labs in the department. Here, PhD student Afeez Sodeinde tells us about the program and some of his exciting research in the Vogels Lab and Grubaugh Lab. Fri, 23 May 2025 14:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-nicole-feriancek/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-nicole-feriancek/ This series spotlights the amazing students in the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) program. This month, we focus on students researching infectious diseases in different labs in the department. Here, PhD student Nicole Feriancek tells us about the program and some of her exciting research in the Vogels and Grubaugh Lab. Wed, 21 May 2025 14:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/dean-ranney-to-grads-create-trust-embrace-hope/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/dean-ranney-to-grads-create-trust-embrace-hope/ The Yale School of Public Health celebrated its first graduating class as an independent school on May 19th with a rousing ceremony in historic Woolsey Hall. Wed, 21 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-emd-labs-karthika-satyanarayanan/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-emd-labs-karthika-satyanarayanan/ This series spotlights the amazing students in the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) program. This month, we focus on students conducting research on infectious diseases in different labs in the department. Here, MPH student Karthika Satyanarayanan tells us about the program and some of her exciting research in the Ko Lab. Wed, 14 May 2025 13:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/2025-commencement-student-address/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/2025-commencement-student-address/ Lucia Shen, MPH ’25, a Horstmann Scholar in the U.S. Health Justice Concentration in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, will deliver the student address at the 2025 Yale School of Public Health Commencement. Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/top-of-the-class-2025-student-awards/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/top-of-the-class-2025-student-awards/ As we honor the Class of 2025, it is our great privilege to acknowledge the outstanding performance of a special group of students whose leadership, innovation, scholarship, and research excellence deserve recognition. We introduce to you the recipients of the Class of 2025 Student Awards. Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://som.yale.edu/story/2025/innovating-integrity-yale-healthcare-conference https://som.yale.edu/story/2025/innovating-integrity-yale-healthcare-conference Cecil Ehirindu ’27, a joint-degree student at Yale SOM and the Yale School of Public Health, and public health student Cecilia Jiye Lee reflect on their experience co-chairing a hallmark student-led conference. Tue, 13 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-giselle-geering/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-giselle-geering/ This series spotlights the amazing students in the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) program. This month focuses on students who are conducting research on Malaria. Here, Yale college student Giselle Geering tells us about the program and some of their exciting research in a Q&A format. Mon, 21 Apr 2025 19:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/birth-doula-olivia-francis-to-further-education-through-yale-fellowship/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/birth-doula-olivia-francis-to-further-education-through-yale-fellowship/ Olivia Francis, MPH '25, is a second-year student interested in maternal and child health promotion. While pursuing her degree, Olivia became a birthing doula through Mama Glow, a leading maternal health and education platform. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/a-real-time-response-to-a-real-world-crisis-ysph-students-learn-to-lead-with-measles-outbreak-report/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/a-real-time-response-to-a-real-world-crisis-ysph-students-learn-to-lead-with-measles-outbreak-report/ At the Yale School of Public Health, students in Joanne McGovern’s "Public Health Emergencies: Disaster Planning and Response" course aren’t just learning about crises—they’re actively responding to them. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-alumni-spotlight-series-maile-b-thayer/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-alumni-spotlight-series-maile-b-thayer/ This series spotlights the incredible achievements of our alumni. This month, we are highlighting graduates of the Yale Public Health Modeling Unit. Here we are excited to feature Maile B. Thayer, who currently works at the US CDC’s Dengue Branch, in the Division of Vector-borne Diseases within the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. Here, she shares insights into how the Yale PhD Program shaped her career and discusses some of the impactful work she is doing now. Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/data-scientists-discuss-digital-health-equity-at-yale-conference/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/data-scientists-discuss-digital-health-equity-at-yale-conference/ Experts shared insights on the transformative role of data science in public health at a two-day conference hosted by Yale School of Public Health in March. Mon, 24 Mar 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-stories-rafa-lopes-shares-his-work-in-public-health-modeling-at-the-grubaugh-lab/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-stories-rafa-lopes-shares-his-work-in-public-health-modeling-at-the-grubaugh-lab/ I am currently working on models that integrate climate and genomic data to improve our understanding and prediction of infectious disease outcomes in a changing climate. My primary focus is on arboviruses, such as dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, and Zika virus, which are strongly influenced by temperature and precipitation. I am conducting this work under the guidance of Dr. Nathan Grubaugh, an Associate Professor specializing in arboviruses, and Dr. Colin Carlson, an Assistant Professor focused on climate epidemiology. I am also fortunate to collaborate with Abbey Porzucek and Yi Ting Chew, both PhD students in the department. Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/patient-care-advocate-monica-hirschheimer-proud-of-opportunities-at-ysph/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/patient-care-advocate-monica-hirschheimer-proud-of-opportunities-at-ysph/ YSPH student Monica Hirschheimer, MPH '25, is a second-year student interested in addressing disparities and stigmas in health care. She serves as an executive team member for YSPH's UHOPE Haven in pursuit of patient care and advocacy. Thu, 20 Mar 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-abbey-porzucek/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-abbey-porzucek/ This series spotlights the amazing students working with faculty from the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) Department. This month focuses on students who are conducting research in Public Health Modeling. Here, PhD student Abbey Porzucek tells us about the program and some of her exciting research in a Q&A format. Wed, 19 Mar 2025 12:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-yi-ting-chew/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-yi-ting-chew/ This series spotlights the amazing students working with faculty from the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) Department. This month focuses on students who are conducting research in Public Health Modeling. Here, PhD student Yi-Ting Chew tells us about the program and some of her exciting research in a Q&A format. Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/6th-annual-yigh-global-health-case-competition-focuses-on-strategies-to-address-climate-change-and-food-insecurity/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/6th-annual-yigh-global-health-case-competition-focuses-on-strategies-to-address-climate-change-and-food-insecurity/ On February 15th, students across Yale participated in the 6th annual YIGH Global Health Case Competition. During the competition, participating students are randomized into multidisciplinary teams. After receiving case materials, teams had two weeks to develop a proposal to address the challenge of climate change and food insecurity in the Ecuadorian Andes. Seven teams presented their proposals to a panel of judges on the day of the competition. Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/student-praises-summer-internship-experience/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/student-praises-summer-internship-experience/ YSPH second-year student, Don-Pedro Ume, MPH '25, says the most impactful experience outside the classroom, for him, was the summer internship and case competitions. Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-elisabeth-nelson/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-elisabeth-nelson/ This series spotlights the amazing students in the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) program. This month focuses on students who are conducting field-based research. Here, PhD student Elisabeth Nelson tells us about the program and some of her exciting research in a Q&A format. Wed, 19 Feb 2025 13:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-bsmph-student-alyssa-agarwal/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/emd-student-spotlight-series-bsmph-student-alyssa-agarwal/ This series spotlights the amazing students in the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) program. This month focuses on students who are conducting field-based research. Here, BS/MPH student Alyssa Agarwal tells us about the program and some of its exciting research in a Q&A format. Fri, 14 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/paradigm-shifting-work-brought-biostatistics-student-to-ysph/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/paradigm-shifting-work-brought-biostatistics-student-to-ysph/ This Student Spotlight focuses on Yukang Zeng, MS '25 (Biostatistics). Before coming to YSPH, he founded his own research institute and affiliated think tank. Wed, 11 Dec 2024 13:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/army-veteran-chose-ysph-for-collaborative-environment-and-opportunities/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/army-veteran-chose-ysph-for-collaborative-environment-and-opportunities/ This month's Student Spotlight focuses on Galen Jones, MPH/MBA '26 (Health Care Management). Jones, who spent nine years in the Army as a Special Forces medical sergeant, he came to YSPH as a Pat Tillman Scholar. Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-celebrates-its-independence-at-first-ever-state-of-the-school-address/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-celebrates-its-independence-at-first-ever-state-of-the-school-address/ Dean Megan L. Ranney, MD, MPH, gave the Yale School of Public Health’s first-ever state of the school address on October 17th as the first dean of the newly independent professional school. Mon, 28 Oct 2024 10:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-program-helps-ysph-students-learn-to-listen-with-compassion/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-program-helps-ysph-students-learn-to-listen-with-compassion/ Incoming Yale School of Public Health students participated in a mandatory Compassionate Dialogue session during orientation in August. This was the first year for Compassionate Dialogue, which addressed the need for more people to listen with compassion and empathy in a conflict-driven world. Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/mph-student-and-doula-brit-fleck-cherishes-supportive-yale-community/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/mph-student-and-doula-brit-fleck-cherishes-supportive-yale-community/ This Student Spotlight focuses on Brit Fleck, MPH ’25 (Social & Behavioral Sciences, Health Justice Concentration). Prior to coming to Yale, she worked as an end-of-life doula at a Bay Area hospice. Wed, 16 Oct 2024 12:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/haven-free-clinics-5k-exceeds-fundraising-goal/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/haven-free-clinics-5k-exceeds-fundraising-goal/ The HAVEN Free Clinic's 10th annual ANDA 5K exceeded its fundraising goal. Fri, 11 Oct 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/dewan-appointed-director-of-graduate-studies/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/dewan-appointed-director-of-graduate-studies/ Dr. Andrew DeWan, PhD, MPH, has been appointed as the Yale School of Public Health’s new Director of Graduate Studies effective Oct. 1, Dean Megan L. Ranney announced Friday. Sun, 06 Oct 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/health-equity-fellowship-celebrates-five-years-supporting-local-communities/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/health-equity-fellowship-celebrates-five-years-supporting-local-communities/ As part of the Yale School of Public Health’s commitment to improving health equity and supporting community programs in Greater New Haven, the Health Equity Fellowship (HEF) program recently completed its fifth successful year. Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/health-and-wellness-village-at-new-haven-pride-creates-inclusive-space-for-care/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/health-and-wellness-village-at-new-haven-pride-creates-inclusive-space-for-care/ Yale health profession school students played a leading role organizing the Health and Wellness Village at the New Haven Pride celebration, held on September 7 in Downtown New Haven. Wed, 11 Sep 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/from-tragedy-to-advocacy-how-one-ysph-student-is-battling-the-opioid-crisis/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/from-tragedy-to-advocacy-how-one-ysph-student-is-battling-the-opioid-crisis/ Dita Bhargava's fight to stop America's opioid epidemic is a personal one. A new student in the Yale School of Public Health's Executive MPH Program, Bhagarva lost her son to fentanyl poisoning six years ago. She hopes to apply the skills she learns at YSPH to prevent future opioid deaths by advocating for new government policies and community interventions. Fri, 30 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z