Alumni,Environmental Health Sciences Results

Nicolle Marinec with a white sleeveless shirt standing in front of purple flowers

Curiosity fuels a winding public health career

Nicolle Marinec, MPH ’04

Nicolle Marinec built a career spanning peer health education, international telehealth projects, and VA research after earning her MPH degree in Health Behavior and Health Education. Now pursuing an MBA, she’s developing digital health tools and launching her own venture in reproductive and women’s health.

Julidè Mayer

Student Leader of the Year came to Michigan to change health from the inside

Julidè Mayer, MPH ’26

Julidè Mayer earned her MPH in Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health in April 2026. Born near Paris and raised in Luxembourg, she came to Michigan with law and biomedical degrees—and left with a plan to change European health systems from the inside out.

Paige Jewell, with her cap and gown on after graduation, on the Ann Arbor campus

How a scholarship opened the door to environmental justice, opportunity at NSF

Paige Jewell, MPH ’26

The James and Barbara Martin Scholarship did more than help Paige Jewell earn her Master of Public Health in Environmental Health Promotion and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. It inspired her to make the most of every opportunity. Now a Michigan Public Health graduate, Jewell is putting her degree to work as a standards specialist at NSF in Ann Arbor.

Abas Shkembi

Working in the heat is deadlier than we thought

Abas Shkembi, MS ’23

Michigan Public Health researcher Abas Shkembi, a PhD student in Environmental Health Sciences, has found that occupational heat deaths may be hundreds of times higher than official records show—between 3,000 and 17,000 annually versus the reported 30 to 60. His research also reveals that low-income workers, minorities and immigrants bear the greatest burden.

Chloe Thach with a blue blazer and a white sweater underneath at the School of Public Health

First-generation student finds purpose, community in public health

Chloe Thach, MPH ’26

Chloe Thach, a first-generation student from Cleveland, found her path from medicine to public health after learning how social determinants drive food insecurity and health inequities. At the University of Michigan School of Public Health, she pursued global and community-centered research, policy impact, and mentorship—and will return for a PhD.

Liying Chen, wearing glasses and a green parka, with a waterfall in the background at Yosemite National Park

Finding clarity in numbers and community

Liying Chen, MS ’20, PhD ’26

Michigan Public Health Biostatistics PhD student Liying Chen transforms clinical medicine experience into impactful public health research. Chen harnesses statistics, AI, and big data for cancer, mental health, and substance use, supported by a diverse community and renowned mentorship.