Mental Health Results

Lady Pérez

Online MPH degree opening doors that were once closed

Lady Pérez, MPH ’26

Lady Pérez, once denied admission across Florida because of a criminal record, found a path forward at the University of Michigan. Now graduating from the Online MPH in Population and Health Sciences from the School of Public Health, she turns lived experience into public health advocacy—advancing trauma-informed mental health, reentry support and equity.

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.

Kate Monti

Health tech founder builds on public health roots to increase access to care

Kate Monti, MPH/MSW ’17

Attending a women’s entrepreneurship event while in graduate school helped launch alumna Kate Monti’s career in digital health and entrepreneurship. Monti, who earned a dual master’s degree in Public Health and Social Work in 2017, is the founder and president of Avela Health.

Sania Farooq

Pursuing a medical career with a public health focus

Sania Farooq, BS ’21

Sania Farooq’s coursework at Michigan Public Health involved real-life impact projects such as health education initiatives during COVID-19. These experiences cemented her commitment to a career that marries public health with medicine effectively.

bridget moss lead

Nurse practitioner overcomes burnout with public health education

Bridget Moss, MPH ’24

Burnout led nurse practitioner Bridget Moss to the University of Michigan’s online MPH program. Now a graduate, she plans to use her new skills to address environmental and social justice issues, making a meaningful impact in her community and beyond.