Video: What are HBHE faculty like outside of the classroom? (version 2.0)

Back by popular demand! Continuing to get to know HBHE faculty in a new way

Thank an Alum: Lydia Ahlum Hanson '12

RECENT MPH GRAD THANKS '12 HBHE ALUM

I met Lydia while working on a project for Dr. Gary Harper's program development class. I had no idea at the time that she would play such an integral role in my life as a preceptor, mentor, and friend. When I first started my MPH program in HBHE, it wasn't clear to me exactly what a career in public health focused on improving the health of transgender communities could truly look like. I had ideas about the kind of work I wanted to do, but I couldn't picture how all of the pieces fit together. Meeting Lydia not only led to an incredible internship experience, and now a contractual position, but also gave me the opportunity to better envision my career in public health. 

 During my internship at Affirmations, Metro Detroit's Community Center for LGBT People and their Allies, I worked with Lydia on a project to develop a two-day training for nurses on LGBTQ+ health. It was clear to me from the beginning of my internship that although Lydia was my preceptor, my role was truly as a partner in the project. I was given many opportunities throughout my internship to be involved in as many aspects of this project, and others, as was feasible. Lydia was there every step of the way offering her support and wisdom, at the same time valuing my ideas and feedback. 

 Lydia not only challenged me to use my skills and think critically about the work we were doing, she encouraged me to develop confidence in my role as a public health professional. There were many instances throughout my internship when I was asked to do things I wasn't sure I knew how to do. Lydia had high expectations for me, but I also knew that she believed in my ability, which made taking risks during my internship possible. She expanded my network by introducing me to many key stakeholders working to improve the health of LGBTQ+ communities in Michigan and has most recently presented me with an opportunity to work as a Tobacco Projects Consultant for Affirmations. 

 Lydia engages in public health work with integrity, insight and immense skill. It is very clear that she has a huge impact and is a highly respected leader in her field when speaking with anyone who has been fortunate enough to work with her. I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a chance and look forward to working with, and learning from, Lydia in the future. Thank you, Lydia, for all of your hard work improving the lives of LGBTQ+ communities in Michigan. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of that work. 

Thank you for each and every conversation we have had about privilege, social justice, and community-centered engagement. Thank you for helping me find my way. 

Elliot Popoff, MPH '15

Photo Slideshow & Video: Graduation 2015

The 2015 School of Public Health graduation was held April 30, 2015 at 3:00 pm in Hill Auditorium

This year's graduation speaker, Sekou Andrews, is an award-winning and internationally acclaimed poetic voice, Sekou creates personalized poetic presentations to inspire and engage audiences. He is the creator and leader of this cutting-edge category of speaking, which combines strategic storytelling, inspirational speaking, spoken word poetry, and the power of theater and comedy to make events into experiences, and transform listeners into responders. Sekou does more than inspire us with his story; he inspires us with our story.

SPH Graduation 2015 Photos: CLICK HERE

Host an HBHE Intern Anywhere In The World

This summer, over 80 HBHE MPH students are interning at sites across 11 states and 15 countries. Students are placed in a diverse array of sectors and bring skills such as program planning, evaluation, research methods, health education, motivational interviewing, community based participatory research, and health communication, among many others!

Could a summer intern from HBHE be an asset to your organization? We would love to connect with you and explore the possibilities. If you are interested, please fill out the short form below and we will be in touch!

You can also contact Kiran Szekeres, the Director of Internships and Alumni Relations via kiransd@umich.edu to learn more.

Instant Poll: Which Public Health Topic Best Defines Your Daily Work?

HBHE Faculty in the Spotlight

1. Dr. Brian Zikmund-Fisher was selected to receive the 2015 Henry Russel Award. This award, which recognizes both exceptional scholarship and conspicuous ability as a teacher, is one of the highest honors the University bestows upon members of its faculty who are in the early stages of their career.

2. Dr. Linda Chatters received the 2015 Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Award. This award was established in 1996 in honor of the former Dean of the School of Social Work, Harold R. Johnson. It recognizes University of Michigan faculty members on the Ann Arbor campus who have exhibited outstanding leadership in the area of cultural diversity. Linda’s contributions to the multicultural mission of the University have been extensive and of extraordinary caliber. Linda is highly deserving of this award, given her leadership and mentorship of faculty and students alike in the promotion of diversity.

3. Dr. Jose Bauemeister was awarded the 2015 University of Michigan School of Public Health Excellence in Teaching Award. This award recognizes faculty members who have made an exceptional contribution to teaching and mentoring U-M SPH students.

4. The Golden Apple Award is the only student nominated award that recognizes outstanding University teaching. HBHE is proud to announce that Dr. Frank Anderson, Dr. Gary Harper and Dr. Brian Zikmund-Fisher were all nominated for this prestigious award this year.