PhD

Josh Foster-Tucker

The unexpected epidemiologist: Evolving from neuroscience to respiratory virus research

Joshua Foster-Tucker, MPH ’21

When Joshua Foster-Tucker’s wife suggested he apply to Michigan Public Health instead of attending medical school, neither could have predicted it would launch a passion for understanding infectious diseases. Now pursuing his PhD at Michigan Public Health, he studies respiratory viruses, including how they could accelerate immune system aging—research that could transform our understanding of health longevity. His journey, shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, personal challenges and mentorship illustrates how meaningful career paths can emerge from unplanned moments of redirection.

Laura Arboleda-Merino

From third grade dream to public health innovator

Laura Arboleda-Merino, MPH ’17

An internship at a local health department further crystallized Laura Arboleda-Merino's interests in public health. She was no longer just interested in treating individual patients, but in understanding and addressing systemic health challenges. Her academic journey led her to the University of Michigan School of Public Health. The transition wasn’t just about academic advancement but about finding a community that resonated with her interdisciplinary approach.

Kalee Rumfelt

Transforming challenges into epidemiological success

Kalee Rumfelt, MPH ’21, PhD ’25

Even from a young age, Kalee Rumfelt, MPH ’21, PhD ’25, has always been fascinated by human genetics. Her path to obtaining a doctoral degree in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, however, didn’t come without hurdles. Growing up in a low-income household near Detroit, Rumfelt faced significant financial challenges. Yet, she transformed those hardships into stepping stones toward academic success.

Darius Moore in a blue/gray suit, white shirt sand salmon tie posing for a portrait photo

Transforming public health education through public engagement

Darius Moore, MPH ’24

Recognized for his advocacy, particularly for people of color, Darius Moore, MPH ’24, has been instrumental in leading seminars and conferences during his tenure at Michigan Public Health. Now a doctoral student in Health Behavior & Health Equity at Michigan Public Health, his work in HIV prevention has solidified his status as an exceptional individual poised to make a lasting impact.

Darrell Hudson

New chair aims to 'eliminate racial, ethnic, socioeconomic inequities in health'

Darrell Hudson, MPH ’05, PhD ’09

Returning to the University of Michigan School of Public Health feels like a full-circle moment for Darrell Hudson, MPH ’05, PhD ’09. As the new chair of the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Hudson brings with him a profound passion for public health, deeply rooted in his experiences growing up in Detroit. He faced many adversities that would later shape his career in public health.

Soumik Purkayastha

Finding inspiration at the intersection of public health and data science

Soumik Purkayastha, MS ’21, PhD ’24

A native of India, Soumik Purkayastha, MS ’21, PhD ’24, first made a connection with the University of Michigan School of Public Health in 2005 when he was in fourth grade. Now, Purkayastha will graduate in May with a PhD in Biostatistics from the Department of Biostatistics at Michigan Public Health. After graduation, Purkayastha will join the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Pittsburgh as an assistant professor in the fall.