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    Our Team

    Our Team

    Abby Varker headshot

    Abby Varker is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying health policy and law, and sex, sexuality, and gender. Her passions include establishing policy to promote sexual and reproductive health and low-cost health care. Her background is in psychology, ethics, and the natural sciences, which informs her public health practice. Outside of her public health work, Abby is in an a cappella group and has been singing since she was 4 years old.

    Abby Varker

    Multimedia Fellow

    View Abby Varker’s Collection

    Abby Varker is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying health policy and law, and sex, sexuality, and gender. Her passions include establishing policy to promote sexual and reproductive health and low-cost health care. Her background is in psychology, ethics, and the natural sciences, which informs her public health practice. Outside of her public health work, Abby is in an a cappella group and has been singing since she was 4 years old.

    Lia Musumeci headshot

    Lia Musumeci is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying community assessment, program design, implementation and evaluation with a focus on substance use and mental health. She has worked in a non-profit community mental health clinic and behavioral health research. She is passionate about drawing on her past experiences to explore mental health and substance use-related diversion programs, as well as to enhance interventions for smoking cessation. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and exploring different types of tea.

    Lia Musumeci

    Writing Fellow

    View Lia Musumeci’s Collection

    Lia Musumeci is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying community assessment, program design, implementation and evaluation with a focus on substance use and mental health. She has worked in a non-profit community mental health clinic and behavioral health research. She is passionate about drawing on her past experiences to explore mental health and substance use-related diversion programs, as well as to enhance interventions for smoking cessation. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and exploring different types of tea.

    Heather Sherr headshot

    Heather Sherr is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying epidemiology and biostatistics with a concentration in chronic and non-communicable diseases. Her public health interests are informed by her background in developmental biology, genetics, and biological anthropology. In her free time, Heather enjoys listening to live music, visiting science museums, and playing video games.

    Heather Sherr

    Writing Fellow

    View Heather Sherr’s Collection

    Heather Sherr is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying epidemiology and biostatistics with a concentration in chronic and non-communicable diseases. Her public health interests are informed by her background in developmental biology, genetics, and biological anthropology. In her free time, Heather enjoys listening to live music, visiting science museums, and playing video games.

    Jude Sleiman headshot

    Jude Sleiman is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying epidemiology, biostatistics, and global health programs. Informed by her extensive travel and experiences living in four diverse countries, Jude is dedicated to understanding how health is perceived and addressed across different cultures. She is passionate about leveraging data-informed health policy to enhance health outcomes worldwide. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new destinations, delving into the latest romance and mystery books, and binging her favorite TV shows.

    Jude Sleiman

    Writing Fellow

    View Jude Sleiman’s Collection

    Jude Sleiman is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying epidemiology, biostatistics, and global health programs. Informed by her extensive travel and experiences living in four diverse countries, Jude is dedicated to understanding how health is perceived and addressed across different cultures. She is passionate about leveraging data-informed health policy to enhance health outcomes worldwide. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new destinations, delving into the latest romance and mystery books, and binging her favorite TV shows.

    Dani Weissert headshot

    Dani Weissert is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, focusing on global health and maternal and child health. She cares deeply about sexual and reproductive health justice, rural health, the ethics of program delivery, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) issues. In her free time, she enjoys reading, rock climbing, and being outdoors.

    Dani Weissert

    Writing Fellow

    View Dani Weissert’s Collection

    Dani Weissert is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, focusing on global health and maternal and child health. She cares deeply about sexual and reproductive health justice, rural health, the ethics of program delivery, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) issues. In her free time, she enjoys reading, rock climbing, and being outdoors.

    Jen Beard headshot

    Jennifer Beard, PhD, MA, MPH, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Global Health and the Associate Editor of Public Health Post. She was a co-principal investigator for the multi-study Ghana Operations Research for Key Populations project, which focused on HIV prevention and other needs of young female sex workers and their intimate partners, prisoners, men who have sex with men, post-secondary female students, women who work in bars, people who inject drugs, and people living with HIV at risk of dropping out of antiretroviral therapy.

    Jennifer Beard

    Associate Editor

    View Jennifer Beard’s Collection

    Jennifer Beard, PhD, MA, MPH, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Global Health and the Associate Editor of Public Health Post. She was a co-principal investigator for the multi-study Ghana Operations Research for Key Populations project, which focused on HIV prevention and other needs of young female sex workers and their intimate partners, prisoners, men who have sex with men, post-secondary female students, women who work in bars, people who inject drugs, and people living with HIV at risk of dropping out of antiretroviral therapy.

    Portrait of Michael Stein

    Michael Stein is the dean ad interim at Boston University School of Public Health, editor-at-large for Public Health Post, and author, most recently of the books Me vs Us: A Health Divided, Accidental Kindness: A Doctor’s Notes on Empathy, and The Turning Point: Reflections on a Pandemic with Sandro Galea. He is a physician and health services researcher who is an international authority on the intersection of primary care, mental health, and substance use disorders.

    Michael Stein

    Editor-at-Large

    View Michael Stein’s Collection

    Michael Stein is the dean ad interim at Boston University School of Public Health, editor-at-large for Public Health Post, and author, most recently of the books Me vs Us: A Health Divided, Accidental Kindness: A Doctor’s Notes on Empathy, and The Turning Point: Reflections on a Pandemic with Sandro Galea. He is a physician and health services researcher who is an international authority on the intersection of primary care, mental health, and substance use disorders.

    a woman smiling at camera

    Mallory Bersi joined Public Health Post after several years of working as a writer in public health communications. She received her MPH from Boston University School of Public Health with a focus in health communication and promotion and maternal and child health. When she is not getting lost in a good book or (overly) invested in TV characters, she enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

    Mallory Bersi

    Managing Editor

    View Mallory Bersi’s Collection

    Mallory Bersi joined Public Health Post after several years of working as a writer in public health communications. She received her MPH from Boston University School of Public Health with a focus in health communication and promotion and maternal and child health. When she is not getting lost in a good book or (overly) invested in TV characters, she enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

    Since 2016, we’ve featured over 800 guest authors.

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    Latest News

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    Silhouette of a man sadly sitting on the bed in the bedroom, looking out the window. Depression concept
    Guest Author Ronny Bruffaerts view How Childhood Shapes Young Adult Depression

    How Childhood Shapes Young Adult Depression

    Gender-specific differences in how depression develops from childhood to early adulthood highlight the need for tailored prevention programs.

    close-up portrait of a young man. disordered eating concept
    Fellow Heather Sherr view Disordered Eating Among Sexual and Gender Minorities

    Disordered Eating Among Sexual and Gender Minorities

    LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected by eating disorders due to stressors such as discrimination, harassment, and trauma.

    Young sad woman with empty shopping cart among produce aisle at supermarket
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Unlocking Support: How SNAP Benefits Influence Substance Use

    Unlocking Support: How SNAP Benefits Influence Substance Use

    Expanding SNAP eligibility criteria could be a vital step in addressing food insecurity as a driver of substance use.

    close up of man holding his lost hair
    Fellow Heather Sherr view The High Price of Hair Loss

    The High Price of Hair Loss

    More and more people are willing to spend thousands of dollars and subject themselves to invasive procedures for a full head of hair.

    Lonely tired stressed woman alone in a dark room
    Fellow Heather Sherr view Fueling Happiness

    Fueling Happiness

    American adults with both an unhealthy diet and poor sleep habits are more likely to experience depressive symptoms.

    illustration of a woman carrying a heavy load on her back. hoarding and messy mind concept
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Hoarding and Health

    Hoarding and Health

    Tackling the stigma surrounding hoarding is essential for enhancing treatment outcomes for individuals living with hoarding disorder.

    assorted sweetened beverage bottles with plastic straws
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Sweet Success

    Sweet Success

    After a tax on sweetened beverages went into effect, lower-income families cut their sugary drink purchases in half.

    Guest Author Christal Hamilton view Public Insurance Improves Young Adult Well-Being

    Public Insurance Improves Young Adult Well-Being

    Medicaid expansion is improving health coverage, access to care, and financial well-being for low-income young adults.

    "Observing Science" title and mission on dark grey background
    Guest Author Sandro Galea view Creating the Next Generation of Scientists

    Creating the Next Generation of Scientists

    On training the next generation of scientists, our past shortcomings, and how we can do better for the future.

    black and white portrait of a young man
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Anti-Transgender Laws and Youth Suicide

    Anti-Transgender Laws and Youth Suicide

    States with anti-transgender laws saw a 38-44% increase in youth suicide attempts in the year following the enactment of the law.

    "Observing Science" title and mission on dark grey background
    Guest Author Sandro Galea view On Teaching the Foundations of Science to Populations

    On Teaching the Foundations of Science to Populations

    What we now know about the complexity of disease causes and characteristics calls for greater care in how we teach science.

    Silhouettes of people in a hurry to get to their jobs in the corridor of a modern building
    Guest Author Betsy Porter view Boosting Job Quality: How State and City Policies are Filling the Federal Gap

    Boosting Job Quality: How State and City Policies are Filling the Federal Gap

    States and cities have been experimenting with novel policies that can improve jobs and the lives of employees across their jurisdictions.

    Cyclist riding in a bike lane in the city
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Road Safety Benefits in Bike-Friendly Cities

    Road Safety Benefits in Bike-Friendly Cities

    Cities with higher rates of biking and more biker-friendly infrastructure tend to be safer for all road users, including pedestrians.

    Aerial view of deforestation. Climate change concept
    Guest Author Christine Swoboda view Public Perceptions About Climate Change and Health

    Public Perceptions About Climate Change and Health

    Younger adults, women, and those with higher educational attainment were more likely to believe climate change will harm their health.

    Wildfire in a forest with large flames leaving a large cloud of black and white smoke
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Impact of Wildfires on Skin Conditions

    Impact of Wildfires on Skin Conditions

    Chronic exposure to air pollutants contributes to and worsens skin conditions, highlighting yet another ill effect of a changing climate.

    Aerial view of car driving on road among dark green pine forest
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Electric Vehicles and Clean Energy Could Save Thousands of Lives

    Electric Vehicles and Clean Energy Could Save Thousands of Lives

    Switching to electric vehicles powered by clean energy could save $84-188 billion in health care spending and lost productivity by 2050.

    Aerial panoramic view of a small town near oil refinery industrial tanks
    Fellow Heather Sherr view Rigged Stress

    Rigged Stress

    Living close to active oil and gas development sites may increase rates of stress and depression among women trying to conceive.

    small pile of used cigarette butts in the dirt and grass
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Cigarette Butt Litter

    Cigarette Butt Litter

    Billions of cigarette butts are littered across U.S. streets and sidewalks. Marginalized communities bear the brunt of this pollution.

    Pregnant Woman Receiving Prenatal Check-Up by Doctor
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view The Hidden Inequity in Emergency C-Sections

    The Hidden Inequity in Emergency C-Sections

    Among low-risk pregnant mothers, Black mothers were 149% more likely than White mothers to undergo an unscheduled C-section.

    A close-up image of a packet of birth control pills
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Policy vs. Practice: Hurdles in Expanding Birth Control Access

    Policy vs. Practice: Hurdles in Expanding Birth Control Access

    In states where Medicaid covers 12-month supplies of birth control pills, most contraceptive users only receive a 1-3-month supply at a time.

    illustration about symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Despite growing awareness of the condition, around 75% of women with PCOS go undiagnosed.

    A couple stressed out and fighting during pregnancy
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Pregnancy, Divorce, and the Dangerous Gaps in State Laws

    Pregnancy, Divorce, and the Dangerous Gaps in State Laws

    Restrictive divorce laws in some states not only fail to protect pregnant individuals but may also actively contribute to harm.

    Young pregnant woman looking out the window
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Falling Through the Cracks: Pregnancy Coverage for Undocumented Mothers

    Falling Through the Cracks: Pregnancy Coverage for Undocumented Mothers

    Only 18 states offer comprehensive pregnancy care for undocumented mothers in the United States.

    Belly of pregnant woman monochrome on dark background; abortion concept
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view The Ripple Effects of Abortion Bans: A Glimpse into Texas' Future

    The Ripple Effects of Abortion Bans: A Glimpse into Texas’ Future

    Following the implementation of a strict abortion ban in Texas, there was a 12.9% rise in infant deaths across the state.

    doctor holding COVID-19 vaccine prepares to give vaccine to masked patient
    Guest Author Maddalena Ferranna view Causes and Costs of Global COVID-19 Vaccine Inequity

    Causes and Costs of Global COVID-19 Vaccine Inequity

    The persistent inequity in COVID-19 vaccination rates has had daunting health, social, and economic consequences worldwide.

    Shot of an unrecognisable man washing his hands in the kitchen sink at home
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Start With the Basics: Handwashing

    Start With the Basics: Handwashing

    The Mini-PASS initiative shows that portable water systems can be a safe, effective alternative to modern plumbing in rural communities that lack infrastructure.

    Man using AI chatbot on smartphone
    Fellow Heather Sherr view The Potential and Pitfalls of AI and Cancer Information

    The Potential and Pitfalls of AI and Cancer Information

    AI chatbots can share useful health information, but to be effective, they must use trusted sources and simple language to bridge knowledge gaps.

    Close up shot of a protective facial disposable mask sitting on the bed in a hotel suite
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Hospital Rooms to Hotel Rooms: NYC’s COVID-19 Response

    Hospital Rooms to Hotel Rooms: NYC’s COVID-19 Response

    In 2020, unused hotels were transformed into critical COVID-19 response infrastructure, offering valuable lessons for future public health crises.

    mosquito sucking blood
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Rising Temperatures Increase Dengue Risk in the U.S.

    Rising Temperatures Increase Dengue Risk in the U.S.

    As global temperatures rise, dengue fever is emerging as a growing threat in regions once considered low-risk.

    Petri dish with close up colourful detailed bubbles on a white background
    Guest Author Lauren Cooper view Socioeconomic Disparities and Antimicrobial Resistance

    Socioeconomic Disparities and Antimicrobial Resistance

    Higher levels of antimicrobial resistance were present among those living in more vulnerable, disadvantaged communities.

    About Us.

    Public Health Post is a daily population health publication written by Boston University School of Public Health students and leading public health experts. Every day, we spotlight critical intersections in public health and social justice to advance conversations about health in the United States.

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