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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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    Young woman sitting in bed listening to music through headphones
    Fellow Mallika Chimpiri view Healing Harmonies: A New Bedtime Routine for Students

    Healing Harmonies: A New Bedtime Routine for Students

    Music therapy is linked with improved sleep quality as well as a reduction in insomnia symptoms and reported feelings of anxiety.

    portrait of a young woman wearing headphones, listening to a guided meditation for her mental health
    Guest Author Molly Nowels view Beyond Therapy: The Role of Digital Resources in Mental Health Support

    Beyond Therapy: The Role of Digital Resources in Mental Health Support

    As demand for mental health services rises, digital platforms that combine self-guided tools with provider-led care are essential.

    Portrait of a young woman, alone and scrolling on her phone
    Fellow Aidan Stotz view The Social Media Paradox: More Friends, Less Connection

    The Social Media Paradox: More Friends, Less Connection

    The more time people spend actively engaging on social media—whether through posting, commenting, or messaging—the lonelier they may feel.

    Portland, Oregon, USA downtown skyline with Mt. Hood at dawn
    Fellow Lia Musumeci view Debate for Decriminalizing Drugs

    Debate for Decriminalizing Drugs

    A new study suggests that the passage of Oregon's Measure 110 was not the primary driver of the rise in drug overdose deaths in the state.

    Portrait of a young woman sitting along in a kitchen and drinking a glass of wine
    Fellow Dani Weissert view Sip Happens: The Social Normalization of Wine Moms

    Sip Happens: The Social Normalization of Wine Moms

    Wine mom culture—the phenomenon of using wine as a coping mechanism—is widely accepted and is fostering concerning habits among some women.

    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.

    Contemporary art collage of human hands holding dialogue bubble. Concept of health communication, news, chat, infographic.
    Guest Author Isabel Markowski view The Hidden Power of Difficult Conversations in Public Health

    The Hidden Power of Difficult Conversations in Public Health

    Empowering individuals to speak up, to share what is embarrassing or shameful, is central to fostering better public health outcomes.

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

    Unreliable Science

    The science that drives our health policy depends on reliable investigators, reliable peer review, and reliable messengers.

    Hospital beds in hospital room. Medical care and surgery access concept
    Fellow Rowena Lindsay view Surgery Can't Wait: A Crisis in Rural America

    Surgery Can’t Wait: A Crisis in Rural America

    Rural patients must travel longer distances to hospitals for emergency surgery, and quality of care and affordability are not guaranteed.

    abstract and colorful design with various shapes. panic and chaos concept
    Editor Monica Wang view From Panic to Perspective: How to Make Sense of Health News and Claims

    From Panic to Perspective: How to Make Sense of Health News and Claims

    A how-to guide from PHP's executive editor on critically evaluating health claims and navigating sensational headlines.

    woman ordering dinner through a food delivery app
    Fellow Bernadette Carter-Salmond view Greedflation: Examining the Efficacy of Delivery App Fee Regulation

    Greedflation: Examining the Efficacy of Delivery App Fee Regulation

    While delivery app fee regulations were originally intended to support small, independent restaurants, they instead benefit larger chains.

    Portrait of mother, father and son preparing and eating breakfast in the kitchen at home.
    Guest Author Molly Waring view Awareness of MyPlate Among U.S. Adults with Young Children

    Awareness of MyPlate Among U.S. Adults with Young Children

    MyPlate is designed to help people and families eat a healthy diet, but only 29% of adults with young children are aware of this resource.

    A newborn baby's feet are visible in a hospital incubator. Neonatal health concept
    Fellow Aidan Stotz view Before the First Cry: A Crisis in Neonatal Health   

    Before the First Cry: A Crisis in Neonatal Health   

    Babies exposed to high levels of NO2 in the final weeks of pregnancy had a 30% higher risk of NICU admission than those with cleaner air.

    Black plastic kitchen spatula
    Fellow Bernadette Carter-Salmond view Cooking Up Contamination

    Cooking Up Contamination

    Using plastic cookware daily could introduce up to 5,000 pieces of microplastics into your meals each year.

    Aerial view of lower Manhattan New York City
    Guest Author Frederica P. Perera view Climate Policies Improve the Health of Mothers and Children in NYC

    Climate Policies Improve the Health of Mothers and Children in NYC

    Climate-related policies in New York City have improved air quality across the city, particularly benefitting mothers in polluted areas.

    triptych of agriculture fields, a dry lake, and the ocean as a visual metaphor for temperature increases and climate change
    Fellow Mallika Chimpiri view The Anatomy of Climate Denial

    The Anatomy of Climate Denial

    While the climate change denier network is relatively small, it effectively enables climate-related misinformation to rapidly spread online.

    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.

    Young woman taking birth control pills, emphasizing contraceptive health concept
    Fellow Bernadette Carter-Salmond view The Contraceptive Care Divide Among Disabled Youth

    The Contraceptive Care Divide Among Disabled Youth

    Teens with autism and other developmental disabilities were less likely to use hormonal contraceptives than their typically developing peers.

    portrait of a young woman using a mobile app
    Fellow Rowena Lindsay view Period Apps After Dobbs: More Users, More Risks

    Period Apps After Dobbs: More Users, More Risks

    Following the Dobbs decision, the number of women using period-tracking apps has increased from 37% to 45%, raising privacy concerns.

    Doula therapist care and treatment for pregnant couple
    Fellow Rowena Lindsay view How Doulas Improve Health for New Mothers and Babies

    How Doulas Improve Health for New Mothers and Babies

    Pregnant women supported by a doula were 46% more likely to attend a postpartum appointment than those without.

    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.

    Close-up of a young girl with chickenpox measles on her body. Missed vaccination concept
    Fellow Jude Sleiman view Shots Missed: The Troubling Decline in Childhood Vaccines

    Shots Missed: The Troubling Decline in Childhood Vaccines

    The health landscape in the United States reveals that both access barriers and exemption trends are contributing to vaccination gaps.

    Concept of artificial intelligence (AI) for disease diagnosis in medicine
    Fellow Aidan Stotz view A Second Set of (AI) Eyes: Smarter Screening for Lung Cancer

    A Second Set of (AI) Eyes: Smarter Screening for Lung Cancer

    When early detection can mean the difference between life and death, AI-assisted cancer detection offers a promising way forward.

    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.

    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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