Faculty Results

Jason Seekamp with glasses and a dark buttoned shirt

Campus leadership paves way for impactful healthcare role

Jason Seekamp, MPH ’26

On his way to earning an MPH in Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Jason Seekamp has balanced research, leadership and a dean search committee seat during his final year. Learn how the Traverse City, Michigan, native discovered his passion for epidemiology and population health as he prepares to be a project manager for the health information technology firm Epic in Madison, Wisconsin.

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.

Closeup of Sydney McKinnon smiling

Senior lands full-time position at Eli Lilly before graduation

Sydney McKinnon, BA ’26

University of Michigan School of Public Health senior Sydney McKinnon’s journey from dental assistant in high school to public health advocate led her to a full-time job at Eli Lilly before graduation. Discover how curiosity, networking and a holistic college experience helped McKinnon succeed and inspire others through public health and pharmaceutical sales.

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.

Anand Parekh

Alumnus Dr. Anand Parekh named inaugural chief health policy officer

Veteran policy expert brings decades of federal experience to Michigan Public Health

When Anand Parekh, BA, MPH ’02, MD, was selected as the University of Michigan School of Public Health’s inaugural chief health policy officer, it wasn't just a new job—it was a homecoming that represented the culmination of a remarkable career dedicated to transforming public health.