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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, 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.

    Psychedelic acid trip vector in bright turquoise and black
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Negative Impacts of Psychedelic Drugs

    Negative Impacts of Psychedelic Drugs

    While there is buzz about the potential benefits of using psychedelic drugs for mental health treatment, research shows that the risks may outweigh the rewards.

    An older woman wearing a surgical mask looks out of the window during the COVID-19 pandemic
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Secluded In a Post-Pandemic World

    Secluded In a Post-Pandemic World

    Since the pandemic, older adults have struggled with re-entering society, raising concerns about the mental health impact of their isolation.

    person holding an animal collar, grieving. pet loss concept
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Whispers of Wagging Tails: Silent Shadows of Grief

    Whispers of Wagging Tails: Silent Shadows of Grief

    Grief after pet loss is not widely understood or respected. Allowing space for this grief can help others feel less alone.

    Despairing older man on a dark background
    Fellow Heather Sherr view Questioning Your Faith? Humility May Help

    Questioning Your Faith? Humility May Help

    As we age, we begin to question a lot, including our religion. Recent research points to humility as a tool to healthily navigate the process.

    Solitary defocused man in background with soft waving grass in an abstract, contemplative nature background - mental health concept
    Guest Author Caroline Efird view Understanding Mental Health Among Rural Populations

    Understanding Mental Health Among Rural Populations

    Cultural variations among Black and White rural populations deeply and uniquely impact their perceptions of mental health.

    "Observing Science" title and mission on dark grey background
    Guest Author Sandro Galea view Challenging the Challenges to Science

    Challenging the Challenges to Science

    On misinformation and its significant (and growing) threat to the efficacy and utility of science.

    Shot of an assortment of spices in spoons and bowls on a table
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view The Power of Spices

    The Power of Spices

    Enhancing food options with an assortment of herbs and spices may encourage people to eat healthy, nutrient-rich meals without all the sodium.

    Tariem Burroughs headshot
    Fellow Heather Sherr view Tariem Burroughs

    Tariem Burroughs

    Tariem Burroughs, executive director of external partnerships at Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, discusses his work helping public health students find their niche in the field.

    illustration of a diverse gut microbiome
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view The Socioeconomic Divide Goes to the Gut

    The Socioeconomic Divide Goes to the Gut

    Individuals with household incomes below $50,000 per year had less diverse gut microbiomes compared to those with higher annual incomes.

    "Observing Science" title and mission on dark grey background
    Guest Author Sandro Galea view Ways of Knowing

    Ways of Knowing

    On self-reflection and science as a particular way of knowing.

    Young child sitting alone in a dark hallway
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Preventing Child Maltreatment

    Preventing Child Maltreatment

    Combating child maltreatment demands an approach that considers the unique challenges faced by children of all ages and stages of development.

    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.

    Man trying to stay cool during a heat wave
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Scorching Summers: Heat Waves Trigger Surge in ER Visits

    Scorching Summers: Heat Waves Trigger Surge in ER Visits

    Heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe, highlighting the need to prepare communities to stay cool against this looming threat.

    Fellow Heather Sherr view The Price of a Mani-Pedi

    The Price of a Mani-Pedi

    Nail salon technicians are constantly exposed to harmful chemicals, which can have a profound impact on their cognitive health and well-being.

    TitlePeople with raised hands, silhouettes of concert crowd in front of bright stage lights.
    Fellow Heather Sherr view Turning Down the Volume on Hearing Damage

    Turning Down the Volume on Hearing Damage

    Loud music at concerts and festivals can cause long-term hearing damage, and earplugs may offer a promising solution. If people wear them.

    Distressed white grainy texture over black background
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Flickering Flames, Lingering Threats

    Flickering Flames, Lingering Threats

    While use of flame retardants has steadily declined, products of the past and present may pose lasting concerns for the health of the public.

    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.

    Fellow Heather Sherr view The Weight of Women’s Health Insurance

    The Weight of Women’s Health Insurance

    Insurance status is deeply connected to birth weight, with uninsured pregnant women more likely to have a low-birth-weight birth.

    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%.

    Young girl sitting on bed with continuous glucose monitor on arm checking blood sugar levels through phone
    Fellow Heather Sherr view Blood Sugar Blackouts in the Backcountry

    Blood Sugar Blackouts in the Backcountry

    Diabetic children living in rural areas have more difficulty accessing continuous glucose monitors, a convenient blood sugar management tool.

    Fellow Heather Sherr view Kimberly Bertrand

    Kimberly Bertrand

    Kimberly Bertrand, a cancer epidemiologist in the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University and co-investigator with the Black Women’s Health Study, shares about her work and some of the key findings from the study to date.

    Fellow Jude Sleiman view The Lesser-Known Killer

    The Lesser-Known Killer

    Nearly 83% of alcohol-related cancer deaths could be averted if adults who drink reduced their alcohol consumption to align with dietary recommendations.

    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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