Engaged Learning

Karly Miller

Passion for sports meets drive for healthier world through nutrition consulting

Karly Miller, MS ’25

Karly Miller has known since elementary school that she wanted to help people live happier, healthier lives through informed nutrition. Her drive for public health and passion for sports led her to the University of Michigan School of Public Health, where she found an outpouring of support from program directors.

From left, Katie Romas, holding their daughter and her husband, AJ Pope, holding their son

US Coast Guard officer navigates path to public health

Katie Romas, MPH ’25

Working with the Coast Guard’s Incident Management Assist Team, Katie Romas tackled real-world challenges, ranging from hurricane response to oil spills. These situations required her to coordinate efforts with other agencies, writing safety plans and minimizing environmental impact. She often found herself impressed by the work of industrial hygienists, the specialists who ensure the safety of responders and subsequently the environment during emergencies.

Bhaavna Yalavarthi

Ambitious senior tackles health disparities and criminal justice reform

Bhaavna Yalavarthi, BA ’25

Bhaavna Yalavarthi's resumé rivals those of graduate students who have spent many more years at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. That’s because the senior has packed a lot into her four years. As an undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Global Public Health, Yalavarthi has gone above and beyond to demonstrate her commitment to public health, criminal justice reform and policy advocacy.

Amina Dada

Ready to transform healthcare for patients

Amina Dada, MHSA ’25

For Amina Dada, the calling to devote her life to the healthcare profession did not come during a presentation by a high school guidance counselor, or from the desire to follow the footsteps of a relative who is a physician or a nurse. Her inspiration originated much closer to home. As a youth, Dada had watched her parents, immigrants from Pakistan, struggle with the complexities of navigating the healthcare system. Her late father was a two-time heart transplant recipient.

Lauren Czarnowczan, left, talks to a San Antonio community member

San Antonio PHAST trip bridges theory with practice

Public Health Action Support Team

In addition to the annual spring break trip to Grenada, PHAST provides students at the University of Michigan School of Public Health with an opportunity to apply their classroom learning to real-world public health challenges domestically each May.