Health Care

Investigating racism's impact on birth outcomes

Q&A with University of Michigan researcher Safyer McKenzie-Sampson on racism’s impact on reproductive health

Safyer McKenzie-Sampson is the John G. Searle Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior & Health Equity at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She focuses her research on the multi-level impacts of racial discrimination on adverse perinatal outcomes in Black communities. Her work uniquely examines these outcomes through the lens of maternal nativity, highlighting the experiences of Black immigrants

M-PACT Scholar brings youth-centered research home

Q&A with University of Michigan researcher Asari Offiong on adolescent health and community-based participatory research

Asari Offiong is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Behavior & Health Equity at Michigan Public Health, where she conducts community-based research. As an M-PACT Scholar, Her research centers on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, integrating reproductive justice and youth-centered perspectives to understand how young people navigate complex health decisions.

Likelihood, potential impacts of federal shutdown: University of Michigan experts can comment

University of Michigan researchers are available to share their insights on a federal government shutdown at the end of the day Tuesday, unless lawmakers break the impasse and make a deal before then.

From equations to impact: Advancing public health through biostatistics

Q&A with University of Michigan researcher Jian Kang on mental health, aging and cancer

Jian Kang is a professor and associate chair for Research in the Department of Biostatistics at Michigan Public Health, where he develops cutting-edge statistical methods for analyzing complex biomedical data. He’s particularly interested in brain-computer interfaces and neuroimaging, developing methods that help researchers better understand how the brain works and how it changes with age or disease.

Health policy researcher seeks better care for everyone

Q&A with University of Michigan researcher Micah Aaron on healthcare equity, systems reform and social change

Micah Aaron grew up witnessing inequality firsthand in Detroit, which shaped her mission as a health services researcher. Now as an assistant professor of Health Management and Policy at Michigan Public Health, she studies healthcare systems, hospital consolidation, and value-based care to ensure quality healthcare works for everyone, especially those who need it most.

On the Heights: July 2025

Departmental news, research highlights, community achievements, and more to help you stay connected with the Michigan Public Health community.