Health Disparities

Soumik Purkayastha

Finding inspiration at the intersection of public health and data science

Soumik Purkayastha, MS ’21, PhD ’24

A native of India, Soumik Purkayastha, MS ’21, PhD ’24, first made a connection with the University of Michigan School of Public Health in 2005 when he was in fourth grade. Now, Purkayastha will graduate in May with a PhD in Biostatistics from the Department of Biostatistics at Michigan Public Health. After graduation, Purkayastha will join the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Pittsburgh as an assistant professor in the fall.

Matthew Hernandez

Staying grounded: Building public health skills for local impact

Matthew Hernandez, MPH ’24

Matthew Hernandez, MPH ’24, became interested in learning about the foundations of public health with the goal of being able to contribute to public health research. Through the online MPH program in Population and Health Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, he said he’s gained the necessary skills to achieve those research goals.

Jonathan Amos with US Capitol in the background

COVID-19 experience influences career in health policy and equity

Jonathan Amos, MPH ’24

Jonathan Amos, MPH ’24, has had a longstanding interest in social policy and politics. It was their initial experience as a professional navigating the complex US healthcare system that led them to understand the importance of health policy and public health to improve lives and advance equity. Amos will graduate in May with a Master of Public Health degree in Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Nichole Sorhaindo

Alumna sees public health at work in 'everything'

Nichole Sorhaindo, MPH ’09

As the senior director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Planning and Integration, American Psychological Association, Nichole Sorhaindo, MPH ’09, drives the strategic planning, development, execution and assessment of association-wide models to create an environment that is accessible, equitable and inclusive for all stakeholders within the organization and the field of psychology.

Wadad Itani

Beirut tragedy inspires graduate's public health mission

Wadad Itani, MPH ’24

After surviving Beirut's 2020 explosion, Wadad Itani decided to dedicate her life to helping others and prioritizing human health. Itani’s journey culminates in earning a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Caroline, left, and Allison Tuohy

Sisters aim to have 'fulfilling careers helping people'

Allison Tuohy, BA ’19; Caroline Tuohy, BS ’21

Allison and Caroline Tuohy took different routes as they studied towards earning their degrees from the University of Michigan School of Public Health but reached a similar destination. Allison focused on a degree in Community and Global Public Health, while her younger sister, Caroline, majored in Public Health Sciences.