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    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 chair of the Department of Health Law, Policy & Management at Boston University School of Public Health, executive editor of 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

    Executive Editor

    View Michael Stein’s Collection

    Michael Stein is the chair of the Department of Health Law, Policy & Management at Boston University School of Public Health, executive editor of 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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    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.

    young girl doing schoolwork, running on limited sleep
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Snooze or Lose: The Mismatch Between Sleep Patterns and School Timing

    Snooze or Lose: The Mismatch Between Sleep Patterns and School Timing

    Early school start times often force teens to wake up before their bodies are fully rested, negatively impacting their academic performance.

    man having a talk therapy session with his therapist
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Singles' Therapy

    Singles’ Therapy

    There is a growing gap in mental health treatment use among single adults who may have a need for these services.

    A classic hookah with colorful rays of light and smoke in background
    Fellow Heather Sherr view Hooked on Hookah

    Hooked on Hookah

    Hookah use is rising among high school and college students, but few of these young people are aware of the health risks associated with it.

    Emergency medical vehicle on rural dirt road. Opioid overdose in rural settings concept
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Opioid Epidemic's Toll on Native American Populations

    Opioid Epidemic’s Toll on Native American Populations

    Native Americans are facing an uptick in opioid-related deaths, highlighting the need for more culturally sensitive interventions.

    Illustration inside the barrel of a gun
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view A Law for Life: Gun Regulations and Young Adult Suicide

    A Law for Life: Gun Regulations and Young Adult Suicide

    Predictive models show that states with both minimum age and permit-to-purchase laws would see a 33% decrease in firearm suicide deaths among young adults.

    "Observing Science" title and mission on dark grey background
    Guest Author Sandro Galea view Science as Art?

    Science as Art?

    On the intersection of art and science, and how both serve as essential forms of human expression.

    cans of preserved fruits and vegetables
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Preserved Foods: Canned, Frozen, and Dried

    Preserved Foods: Canned, Frozen, and Dried

    Fresh foods are often seen as our healthiest option, but preserved foods offer similar nutritional benefits while being convenient and cost-effective.

    a bullet hole with cracks in the glass isolated on a black background
    Guest Author Brent R. Klein view Enhancing School Safety: How Adolescents Obtain Firearms

    Enhancing School Safety: How Adolescents Obtain Firearms

    Research shows that a majority of school shooters obtain firearms at home, highlighting the risks of insecure gun storage.

    "Observing Science" title and mission on dark grey background
    Guest Author Sandro Galea view Scientific Sentences of Certainty

    Scientific Sentences of Certainty

    On reflecting certainty, conveying authority, and writing about the work of science.

    woman shopping for baby food at the grocery store
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Sweet Deception: Are Baby Foods Nutritious?

    Sweet Deception: Are Baby Foods Nutritious?

    Despite the attractive marketing claims, many baby food products are failing to meet nutritional standards and recommendations.

    Back view of male dentist pointing at tooth X-ray image on screen during consultation in a dental clinic
    Fellow Heather Sherr view New Options in Dental Care

    New Options in Dental Care

    Dental therapists may help alleviate dental care shortages by providing basic treatments, allowing dentists to care for more complex cases.

    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.

    Toddler reaching for cleaning products underneath a bathroom cabinet - pediatric poisoning concept
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Spikes in Severe Unintentional Pediatric Poisoning

    Spikes in Severe Unintentional Pediatric Poisoning

    Despite ongoing safety measures and public education efforts, severe pediatric poisoning cases continue to rise.

    People walking across city street with sun setting in background
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Reflective Pavement May Cool Cities

    Reflective Pavement May Cool Cities

    While reflective pavement may offer a promising solution for cooling surface temperatures, its effects on air temperatures are minimal.

    young woman walking in an urban setting
    Guest Author Elisabeta Militaru view Your Surrounding Landscape Can Influence Your Personality

    Your Surrounding Landscape Can Influence Your Personality

    The places we live likely shape the types of behaviors we engage with, which can lead to changes in personality traits over time.

    oil refinery near housing neighborhood
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Neighborhood Environmental Injustice

    Neighborhood Environmental Injustice

    Neighborhoods experiencing environmental injustices, such as high levels of air pollution, are associated with poorer health outcomes.

    femme hand squeezing a grapefruit, causing the juices to squirt
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Beyond the Taboo: Vaginal Squirting and Owning Your Pleasure

    Beyond the Taboo: Vaginal Squirting and Owning Your Pleasure

    Vaginal squirting is a normal response to sexual stimulation, but myths surrounding squirting may perpetuate shame and reduce pleasure.

    headshot of Marni Sommer, a menstrual health researcher and advocate
    Fellow Dani Weissert view 'Menstrual Health Is a Fundamental Part of Public Health'

    ‘Menstrual Health Is a Fundamental Part of Public Health’

    Marni Sommer, professor of sociomedical science at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, discusses her work as a menstrual equity researcher and advocate.

    hand of young woman holding a tampon
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view The Toxins Lurking in Your Tampons

    The Toxins Lurking in Your Tampons

    In a recent viral study of tampons, all products tested contained measurable amounts of multiple toxic metals, including lead and cadmium.

    Silhouette of a young woman experiencing pregnancy, standing in front of a darkened window
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Crisis Pregnancy Centers

    Crisis Pregnancy Centers

    Crisis pregnancy centers may provide access to care and free services, but these centers fail to offer comprehensive reproductive care for patients.

    Close-up of older couple holding hands while dancing
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Age Doesn’t Protect: The Rise of STIs in Older Adults

    Age Doesn’t Protect: The Rise of STIs in Older Adults

    No matter your age, STIs can be an invisible risk. Older adults may not be thinking about this, but they should.

    Domestic violence and abuse concept
    Guest Author Alyssa Amendola view A Deadly Oversight: Unintended Consequences of Restricting Abortions

    A Deadly Oversight: Unintended Consequences of Restricting Abortions

    For women in violent relationships, an abortion can be the difference between finding freedom from or being tethered to an abuser.

    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.

    aesthetic bathroom with sun shining through window
    Fellow Heather Sherr view To Close or Not to Close

    To Close or Not to Close

    Does closing the toilet lid before flushing keep germs contained to the bowl? Research suggests that there might be more to it.

    Young child receives vaccine from health care worker
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Vaccine Gaps in Immigrant Communities

    Vaccine Gaps in Immigrant Communities

    In Washington, some immigrant communities are at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases due to low and declining vaccination coverage.

    young father holding child
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Becoming a Dad Too Soon May Be Bad for the Heart

    Becoming a Dad Too Soon May Be Bad for the Heart

    Younger fathers may face unique challenges and stressors that contribute to poorer long-term heart health.

    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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