On the Heights: October 2025
Faculty research shapes policy debates on mass deportation, SNAP benefits, and health communication while centers expand lifecourse research focus and new technology advances lab safety training.
Health Care Access Results
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
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.
Healthy Minds Study: College student depression, anxiety decline for third consecutive year
Nation's largest student mental health study finds sustained improvements across key measures
The Healthy Minds Study shows college students reporting lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts for the third year in a row, based on responses from 84,000+ students nationwide.
New research reveals gaps in COVID-19 prevention policies for farmworkers
Q&A with researcher Devon Payne-Sturges
University of Michigan research on Oregon's COVID-19 response shows comprehensive workplace policies effectively protected both general workers and farmworkers. Expert Devon Payne-Sturges shares insights for future pandemic preparedness.
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.