On the Heights: March 2026
March highlights include a successful poster session celebrating student research and internships, faculty leadership of a new open access environmental journal, and ASPPH awards and committee appointments.
Research Results
Maternal mortality's narrowing racial gap masks a deepening crisis for less-educated women
The racial gap in maternal mortality is narrowing — but not because outcomes are improving. Climbing death rates among less-educated white women, combined with a persistent crisis for Black mothers at all education levels, reveal a deepening public health emergency, according to new University of Michigan research.
How does extreme weather affect community health? A University of Michigan researcher explains
Environmental epidemiologist Carina Gronlund on the surprising links between housing, heat and health equity—and what can be done about it
University of Michigan’s Carina Gronlund investigates how Detroit’s neighborhoods, weather and housing shape health risks. Her research connects extreme heat, pollen and poor housing to sleep, cognitive health and disease—advancing environmental justice, public health, and community resilience amid shifting climate conditions.
Can AI help predict outcomes in ovarian cancer?
International team of researchers awarded multimillion-dollar grant to apply AI to identify factors tied to long term survival
Epidemiology professor Leigh Pearce is leading an international team conducting AI-driven analysis to predict ovarian cancer survival and treatment response. Their analysis will help guide treatment selection and clinical trial recommendations.
On the Heights: February 2026
February highlights include faculty expertise on AI-driven cancer research, youth violence prevention, farmworker housing policy, epigenetics and ultra-processed foods, and a new state advisory appointment.
AI grant targets deadliest form of ovarian cancer
University of Michigan researcher receives a multimillion-dollar grant to use AI to better predict survival and treatment outcomes for the most common and deadly form of ovarian cancer.