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    Our Team

    Our Team

    Jack Mellom headshot


    Jack Mellom is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying health communication and promotion. His passions include promoting public health through new mediums in hopes of making its dissemination digestible for all. He has a background in plant sciences, which has given way to his love of public horticulture being used to improve health, as well as his love of plants. His favorite tree is the Live Oak. Outside of his public health work, Jack loves all things music, his favorite artist being Vampire Weekend.

    Jack Mellom

    Multimedia Fellow

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    Jack Mellom is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying health communication and promotion. His passions include promoting public health through new mediums in hopes of making its dissemination digestible for all. He has a background in plant sciences, which has given way to his love of public horticulture being used to improve health, as well as his love of plants. His favorite tree is the Live Oak. Outside of his public health work, Jack loves all things music, his favorite artist being Vampire Weekend.

    Bernadette Carter-Salmond headshot


    Bernadette Carter-Salmond is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying health communication and promotion. Some of her public health interests include mental health, sexual and reproductive health, substance use, and environmental justice. She is especially passionate about how public health issues intersect with vulnerable populations. In her free time, she enjoys watching anime and sports, meditating, and going to comedy shows.

    Bernadette Carter-Salmond

    Writing Fellow

    View Bernadette Carter-Salmond’s Collection


    Bernadette Carter-Salmond is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying health communication and promotion. Some of her public health interests include mental health, sexual and reproductive health, substance use, and environmental justice. She is especially passionate about how public health issues intersect with vulnerable populations. In her free time, she enjoys watching anime and sports, meditating, and going to comedy shows.

    Mallika Chimpiri headshot


    Mallika Chimpiri is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying epidemiology and biostatistics. Her interest in public health stems from a passion for clinical medicine and exploring how various determinants can intersect to manifest population-level disease. In her free time, Mallika can be found reading fiction, rewatching comfort shows, or taking portraits of her friends. 

    Mallika Chimpiri

    Writing Fellow

    View Mallika Chimpiri’s Collection


    Mallika Chimpiri is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying epidemiology and biostatistics. Her interest in public health stems from a passion for clinical medicine and exploring how various determinants can intersect to manifest population-level disease. In her free time, Mallika can be found reading fiction, rewatching comfort shows, or taking portraits of her friends. 

    Rowena Lindsay headshot


    Rowena Lindsay is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, specializing in epidemiology & biostatistics and health communications. She is passionate about reproductive and environmental health. Her background is in science journalism, and as both a writer and public health practitioner, she aims to empower people to make informed decisions in all aspects of their lives. Outside business hours, you can find her hiking, practicing yoga, and listening to audiobooks while crafting. 

    Rowena Lindsay

    Writing Fellow

    View Rowena Lindsay’s Collection


    Rowena Lindsay is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, specializing in epidemiology & biostatistics and health communications. She is passionate about reproductive and environmental health. Her background is in science journalism, and as both a writer and public health practitioner, she aims to empower people to make informed decisions in all aspects of their lives. Outside business hours, you can find her hiking, practicing yoga, and listening to audiobooks while crafting. 

    Aidan Stotz headshot


    Aidan Stotz is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying epidemiology and biostatistics with a concentration in chronic and non-communicable diseases. He is passionate about cancer epidemiology, particularly pediatric cancer research, and examining how social determinants shape health inequities. His experience includes rural and urban mental health, data analysis, and social justice advocacy. In his free time, he enjoys reading, discovering new music, and thrifting.

    Aidan Stotz

    Writing Fellow

    View Aidan Stotz’s Collection


    Aidan Stotz is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying epidemiology and biostatistics with a concentration in chronic and non-communicable diseases. He is passionate about cancer epidemiology, particularly pediatric cancer research, and examining how social determinants shape health inequities. His experience includes rural and urban mental health, data analysis, and social justice advocacy. In his free time, he enjoys reading, discovering new music, and thrifting.

    Jen Beard headshot

    Jennifer Beard is a clinical associate professor of global health at Boston University School of Public 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 is a clinical associate professor of global health at Boston University School of Public 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.

    Monica Wang headshot

    Monica L. Wang is an associate professor of community health sciences at Boston University School of Public Health and the executive editor of Public Health Post. An award-winning researcher, educator, and thought leader, she specializes in social determinants of health and health equity, with a focus on chronic disease prevention and community-engaged interventions. With over a decade of experience leading health disparities research, Dr. Wang has made significant contributions to understanding and addressing systemic health inequities.

    Monica Wang

    Executive Editor

    View Monica Wang’s Collection

    Monica L. Wang is an associate professor of community health sciences at Boston University School of Public Health and the executive editor of Public Health Post. An award-winning researcher, educator, and thought leader, she specializes in social determinants of health and health equity, with a focus on chronic disease prevention and community-engaged interventions. With over a decade of experience leading health disparities research, Dr. Wang has made significant contributions to understanding and addressing systemic health inequities.

    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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    woman hitting snooze on alarm clock
    Fellow Mallika Chimpiri view The Clouded Harms of Clock Changes

    The Clouded Harms of Clock Changes

    A new study shows that even minor, one-hour clock changes can negatively affect daily functioning and quality of life.

    Tired nurse standing outside of hospital at night
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Night Shift

    Night Shift

    Working night shifts takes a toll on one's health, but a light exposure intervention may help nurses better adjust to their changing schedules.

    Teen boy scrolling on phone late at night
    Fellow Dani Weissert view The Scroll Toll

    The Scroll Toll

    The more time young people spend scrolling on social media, the more likely they are to develop anxiety and attention difficulties.

    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.

    Older person with walking stick. Aging concept
    Guest Author Jack Tsai view Applying Concepts of Successful Aging to Whole Person Health

    Applying Concepts of Successful Aging to Whole Person Health

    To ensure all populations achieve better health outcomes, the goal of successful aging should be considered throughout the lifespan.

    Shopping carts with a pile of rubbish underneath a bridge. unhoused concept
    Fellow Heather Sherr view Investing in the Health of Boston's Unhoused

    Investing in the Health of Boston’s Unhoused

    Collaboration between several Boston-based organizations highlights the immediate and long-term support cities can offer the unhoused.

    "Observing Science" title and mission on dark grey background
    Guest Author Sandro Galea view Women in Science

    Women in Science

    On gender inequities in science and the need to uplift all genders to advance and elevate the work of science.

    back view of a young child holding a white teddy bear and standing alone at the window
    Guest Author Tia Palermo view Social Safety Nets May Reduce Child Maltreatment

    Social Safety Nets May Reduce Child Maltreatment

    Policies that address poverty can have positive spillover effects on broader outcomes, including improving child well-being.

    Waist-up portrait of an adult woman choosing fresh meat while shopping for groceries in the supermarket
    Fellow Heather Sherr view Meat in Moderation

    Meat in Moderation

    If 200 million adults chose to cut their red and processed meat intake by 30%, over one million cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented.

    Dentist working on patient's teeth
    Fellow Dani Weissert view The Geography of a Healthy Smile

    The Geography of a Healthy Smile

    The maldistribution of the dental workforce across the country disproportionately affects the health of rural and uninsured populations.

    Close-up of fluoridated water coming out of the tap
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view To Fluoridate or Not to Fluoridate?

    To Fluoridate or Not to Fluoridate?

    While water fluoridation has demonstrated public health benefits, its role in modern society is being questioned.

    closeup image of electric scooters parked on sidewalk
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Substance Use Fuels E-Scooter Injuries

    Substance Use Fuels E-Scooter Injuries

    From 2019 to 2022, e-scooter injuries nearly tripled, with the use of alcohol and other substances playing a key role in injury risk.

    Pedestrians and yellow taxi cabs on a pedestrian crossing. City noise concept
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Noise Pollution and Health

    Noise Pollution and Health

    Prolonged noise exposure can result in negative mental and physical health outcomes, including heart disease, hearing loss, and anxiety.

    Rentable e-bikes and electric scooters parked on the sidewalk
    Fellow Heather Sherr view Powering Injuries: The Risks of E-Bikes and Scooters

    Powering Injuries: The Risks of E-Bikes and Scooters

    Despite the safety warnings, people are using e-bikes and scooters unsafely, leading to a rise in injuries.

    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.

    blue vibrating sex toy on a blue background
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Sex Toys: Pleasure or Risk?

    Sex Toys: Pleasure or Risk?

    As sex toys break down with use, they may release harmful chemicals, like phthalates and microplastics, inside the body.

    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.

    doctor giving patient a flu shot
    Fellow Heather Sherr view The Flu Shot: Your First Step Towards Protection

    The Flu Shot: Your First Step Towards Protection

    Once patients have the access and motivation to get their flu shot, they will likely continue to do so in the future.

    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.

    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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