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Findings Spring 2023

Public health isn’t about coming into a community and suggesting the solution or intervention that we think is right. It’s about spending time with a community, listening and ultimately working together to bring about a change that the community feels will best meet its needs. Throughout this issue of Findings, you’ll read stories of Michigan Public Health students, alumni and faculty who are deeply dedicated to the communities they serve.

Findings is the alumni magazine of the University of Michigan School of Public Health and is published twice each year.

Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud and Dearborn Public Health Director Ali Abazeed

Cover Story

A passion for Dearborn: Michigan Public Health alumni lead with a public health perspective

University of Michigan School of Public Health alumni Abdullah Hammoud and Ali Abazeed are leading their hometown of Dearborn, Michigan, with a public-health-in-all-policies approach. Hammoud, an epidemiologist, is the mayor, and Abazeed is the founding director of the inaugural Department of Public Health.

Chief strategy officer has long-term vision for Dearborn

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE: This is an extended interview with Mariam Jalloul, MPH ’19, that contains additional material not included in the print edition. Jalloul, chief strategy officer for Dearborn, Michigan, witnessed some rather memorable events during her three years working in Washington, DC, and now she’s ready to leave her mark on her hometown.

Salute to a flu fighter: Arnold Monto’s 60-year career combating respiratory viruses

Reflecting on his six-decade career in public health, Michigan Public Health’s Dr. Arnold Monto said his success has hinged on his ability to address the laboratory, population and policy concerns that impact public health measures to halt the spread and reduce the severity of influenza epidemics and pandemics. He has helped save countless lives, prevent untold suffering and provide future generations with the tools to stem the threat of severe respiratory illnesses.

Public Health IDEAS adds two new interdisciplinary research initiatives

Michigan Public Health recently launched two new initiatives under its Public Health IDEAS umbrella that will focus on preventing the spread of infectious diseases and building health equity: Public Health IDEAS for Combating Infectious Diseases and Public Health IDEAS for Building Health Equity. The initiatives highlight the expertise of Emily Martin, Bhramar Mukherjee, Enrique Neblett and Justin Colacino.

From LA to Ann Arbor, in pursuit of leadership

During Davontae Nathaniel Foxx-Drew’s time at the University of Michigan, where he is pursuing a Master of Health Services Administration from the School of Public Health in the Department of Health Management and Policy and an MBA from the Ross School of Business, Foxx-Drew has demonstrated the academic skills and leadership qualities that likely will land him a prominent and impactful position in the healthcare industry.

Larry Brilliant: A lifelong pursuit of public health

Dr. Larry Brilliant, MPH ’77, arrived at the University of Michigan School of Public Health in the 1970s with perhaps the most impressive résumé for a prospective student. He and his wife, Girija, had just returned from India after helping eradicate smallpox. Of course, the physician and medical epidemiologist has gone on to have a world-class career in public health and in the technology industry.

Suzanne Gilbert: Bridging eye care to public health

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE: Suzanne Gilbert, MPH ’75 and PhD ’83, has dedicated her life to working in international public health and preventing blindness after co-founding the Seva Foundation with fellow alum Dr. Larry Brilliant, among others, more than 40 years ago. She is the senior director of Research and Strategic Opportunities at Seva’s headquarters in Berkeley, California.

Getting to know DEI Director Whitney Peoples

After nearly two years in her role as the inaugural director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Whitney Peoples has learned a lot and is planning bigger things for the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Previously, she served in leadership roles at the university’s Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, and has more than 20 years of experience in feminist and critical race research, activism and teaching.

Q&A: Nihad Dukhan, master Arabic calligrapher

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE: The modern Arabic calligraphy featured in this issue of Findings was designed by Nihad Dukhan, an Arab American master calligraphy artist and a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Detroit Mercy. Dukhan is active in promoting Arabic/Islamic calligraphy and increasing people’s awareness of its cultural significance through exhibits, lectures and workshops.

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Findings Spring 2023