Abby Varker
Multimedia Fellow
produced by: Boston University School of Public Health
produced by: Boston University School of Public Health
Vaginal squirting is a normal response to sexual stimulation, but myths surrounding squirting may perpetuate shame and reduce pleasure.
Living close to active oil and gas development sites may increase rates of stress and depression among women trying to conceive.
PHPod sits down with Krista Fisher, a research fellow at the Movember Institute, to discuss the influence of toxic masculinity, intersectionality, and engagement in online spaces on men’s mental health outcomes.
As global temperatures rise, dengue fever is emerging as a growing threat in regions once considered low-risk.
Fresh foods are often seen as our healthiest option, but preserved foods offer similar nutritional benefits while being convenient and cost-effective.
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Marni Sommer, professor of sociomedical science at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, discusses her work as a menstrual equity researcher and advocate.
Research shows that a majority of school shooters obtain firearms at home, highlighting the risks of insecure gun storage.
On reflecting certainty, conveying authority, and writing about the work of science.
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.
Multimedia Fellow
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 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.
Writing Fellow
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 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.
Writing Fellow
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 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.
Writing Fellow
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 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.
Writing Fellow
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.
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.
Associate Editor
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.
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.
Executive Editor
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.
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.
Managing Editor
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.
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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.
Native Americans are facing an uptick in opioid-related deaths, highlighting the need for more culturally sensitive interventions.
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.
Research shows that combining sports betting with drinking raises the risk of alcohol misuse.
By communicating openly about the dangers of drug use and impaired driving, parents play a key role in helping teens avoid risky behaviors.
Fresh foods are often seen as our healthiest option, but preserved foods offer similar nutritional benefits while being convenient and cost-effective.
Research shows that a majority of school shooters obtain firearms at home, highlighting the risks of insecure gun storage.
On reflecting certainty, conveying authority, and writing about the work of science.
Despite the attractive marketing claims, many baby food products are failing to meet nutritional standards and recommendations.
Dental therapists may help alleviate dental care shortages by providing basic treatments, allowing dentists to care for more complex cases.
Lawrence Yang, professor and chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the NYU School of Global Public Health, discusses his research on migration stigma and mental health outcomes for migrant communities in the U.S.
Living close to active oil and gas development sites may increase rates of stress and depression among women trying to conceive.
Billions of cigarette butts are littered across U.S. streets and sidewalks. Marginalized communities bear the brunt of this pollution.
Despite ongoing safety measures and public education efforts, severe pediatric poisoning cases continue to rise.
While reflective pavement may offer a promising solution for cooling surface temperatures, its effects on air temperatures are minimal.
The places we live likely shape the types of behaviors we engage with, which can lead to changes in personality traits over time.
Neighborhoods experiencing environmental injustices, such as high levels of air pollution, are associated with poorer health outcomes.
Vaginal squirting is a normal response to sexual stimulation, but myths surrounding squirting may perpetuate shame and reduce pleasure.
Marni Sommer, professor of sociomedical science at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, discusses her work as a menstrual equity researcher and advocate.
In a recent viral study of tampons, all products tested contained measurable amounts of multiple toxic metals, including lead and cadmium.
Crisis pregnancy centers may provide access to care and free services, but these centers fail to offer comprehensive reproductive care for patients.
No matter your age, STIs can be an invisible risk. Older adults may not be thinking about this, but they should.
For women in violent relationships, an abortion can be the difference between finding freedom from or being tethered to an abuser.
As global temperatures rise, dengue fever is emerging as a growing threat in regions once considered low-risk.
Higher levels of antimicrobial resistance were present among those living in more vulnerable, disadvantaged communities.
Does closing the toilet lid before flushing keep germs contained to the bowl? Research suggests that there might be more to it.
In Washington, some immigrant communities are at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases due to low and declining vaccination coverage.
Younger fathers may face unique challenges and stressors that contribute to poorer long-term heart health.
Rising insulin costs are forcing people to make difficult decisions about their care, especially in states that did not expand Medicaid.
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.