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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 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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    Young woman anxiously looking at phone in bar, betting on her favorite sports team. sports betting concept
    Fellow Heather Sherr view Harms of Buzzed Betting

    Harms of Buzzed Betting

    Research shows that combining sports betting with drinking raises the risk of alcohol misuse.

    Hands on steering wheel; man driving a car by night
    Guest Author Andrew Yockey view Preventing Teens from Driving Under the Influence

    Preventing Teens from Driving Under the Influence

    By communicating openly about the dangers of drug use and impaired driving, parents play a key role in helping teens avoid risky behaviors.

    Stressed woman managing finances on laptop at home office
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Financial Strain and Health

    Financial Strain and Health

    Financial and mental well-being are directly linked, with women, young people, and minorities disproportionately affected by financial vulnerability.

    Close up image of hands grabbing a pouch of smokeless tobacco out of a container
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Harms of Smokeless Tobacco

    Harms of Smokeless Tobacco

    With appealing flavors and discrete methods of use, smokeless tobacco use is on the rise, particularly among young people.

    surgical team performing an operation
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view New Organs, New You?

    New Organs, New You?

    Organ transplantation may have deeper effects on recipients than previously thought, with 96% of heart recipients reporting a change in physical attributes post-surgery.

    Young, sad girl sitting on couch with face turned away. Child mental health concept
    Guest Author Andrew Chang view Disparities in Unmet Mental Health Needs Among Children

    Disparities in Unmet Mental Health Needs Among Children

    Racial and ethnic minority children are more likely to have unmet treatment needs for mental health conditions than their White counterparts.

    border fence with shadow with a red and blue gradient filter. immigration concept
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Public Health on the Ballot: Immigration

    Public Health on the Ballot: Immigration

    A look at where the presidential candidates stand on issues surrounding immigration, past and present.

    Doctor doing routine care, such as checking a patient's blood pressure
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Care and Coverage: Mexican Immigrants’ Health Care Access

    Care and Coverage: Mexican Immigrants’ Health Care Access

    Insurance status and chronic health conditions are factors that may increase health care access for immigrants along the U.S.-Mexico border.

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

    Scientific Storytelling

    On the power of storytelling and how scientists may translate their work into stories that both inform and persuade.

    Joan Alker headshot
    Fellow Abby Varker view Joan Alker

    Joan Alker

    Joan Alker, executive director of the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, discusses her work and the role of Medicaid in the 2024 election.

    glasses in front of a stack of papers with a red and blue gradient filter. health coverage concept
    Fellow Abby Varker view Public Health on the Ballot: Health Coverage

    Public Health on the Ballot: Health Coverage

    A look at where the presidential candidates stand on issues surrounding health care coverage, past and present.

    Prison wall and guard lookout tower; recidivism concept
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Domestic Violence Reoffending

    Domestic Violence Reoffending

    The more a person interacts with the criminal justice system, the more likely they are to reoffend, resulting in future contacts.

    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.

    Looking up at sunlight peeking through the trees
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Nature's Prescription: How Green Spaces Can Improve Health

    Nature’s Prescription: How Green Spaces Can Improve Health

    Exposure to nature not only aids in stress management and inflammation reduction, but also creates opportunities for connection and community.

    Yellow and white umbrella on a blue sky for protection from the sun on the beach
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Burning Questions: Why U.S. Sunscreens Fall Short

    Burning Questions: Why U.S. Sunscreens Fall Short

    Only 1 in 4 sunscreens on the U.S. market offer sufficient sun protection and are free of concerning ingredients.

    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.

    Hand drawn expressive abstract backgrounds in black and white. Concept for sexual health being under attack.
    Guest Author Madison Cheng view The Sexual Health of U.S. Youth Is Under Attack

    The Sexual Health of U.S. Youth Is Under Attack

    Youth voices are needed now more than ever to improve the sexual health of teens across the United States.

    Young woman sitting at table talking with doctor via telehealth appointment on her laptop
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Click to Care: Telehealth Abortion Services

    Click to Care: Telehealth Abortion Services

    Telehealth abortion services have become a pillar of reproductive care post-Dobbs, offering the unique benefit of receiving care at home.

    high angle image of a new mother breastfeeding her infant
    Guest Author Laura Diaz view Understanding the Challenges of Breastfeeding

    Understanding the Challenges of Breastfeeding

    There are many benefits to breastfeeding, but racial, economic, and educational disparities make doing so difficult for some new parents.

    Fellow Dani Weissert view Unlocking Understanding: Sex Ed for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

    Unlocking Understanding: Sex Ed for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

    Young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive less sexual education than their neurotypical peers. Many believe parents should play a bigger role in filling in the education gaps.

    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.

    Young woman doing blood sugar test at home
    Guest Author Natalie Axelrod view Cost vs Care: Florida's Insulin Crisis

    Cost vs Care: Florida’s Insulin Crisis

    Rising insulin costs are forcing people to make difficult decisions about their care, especially in states that did not expand Medicaid.

    Shadow of a stressed, poverty-stricken man standing in alley
    Fellow Heather Sherr view The Chronic Challenges of Poverty

    The Chronic Challenges of Poverty

    People living in poverty are at an increased risk for chronic inflammation, a cause of symptoms linked to diseases like cancer and diabetes.

    woman wearing an exercise tracker tying shoe before getting some movement in
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Movement Matters

    Movement Matters

    Incorporating just 500 steps of additional movement into each day can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease death by 7%.

    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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