PHP Welcomes 11th Cohort of Student Fellows

Each year since Public Health Post was founded in 2016, a small cohort of on-campus MPH students at Boston University School of Public Health has been selected as PHP fellows. These students spend the year cultivating their public health writing and science communication skills through one of two fellowship tracks: writing or multimedia.

Throughout the fellowship, students learn how to translate complex, academic research into plain language to engage readers and bring awareness to underreported, evidence-based public health solutions. Students work under the direction of Michael Stein, executive editor and chair and professor of health law, policy & management; Jennifer Beard, senior editor and clinical associate professor of global health; and Mallory Bersi, managing editor.

Guided by their individual interests, PHP fellows will publish more than 35 original articles or multimedia pieces throughout their year-long fellowship that break down health research, explain data graphics, and present interviews with leaders in the field.

At a time when education, public health, and health equity are under attack, PHP fellows develop a unique set of skills to help them communicate effectively for change among their peers, policymakers, and lay audiences alike.

Following a record number of applicants, PHP welcomed four new fellows to the team this year: Priyanka Athalye, Kylee Cochran, Rylie Lillibridge, and Farah Nimeri. Learn more about the fellows and their interests both inside and outside of public health below.

Priyanka Athalye (writing fellow) is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying epidemiology and biostatistics. She approaches public health from a social justice perspective and is interested in how social factors and health policy influence community health outcomes. Her background includes professional experience at the community and federal levels in public health. In her free time, Priyanka enjoys reading, crafting, taking long walks, and spending time with her friends and family.

Kylee Cochran (multimedia fellow) is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying health communication and maternal and child health. She is passionate about translating public health messages through creative and digestible media. Her interest in public health communication stems from her previous work as a maternal health research assistant and background in communication and art. In her free time, you can find Kylee working in her studio, building her painting and photography portfolio.

Rylie Lillibridge (writing fellow) is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying epidemiology and biostatistics. With a background in journalism, she is passionate about providing reliable and comprehensive health information to everyone. In her free time, she loves discovering new music, and when she’s not writing, you can probably find her at a show.

Farah Nimeri (writing fellow) is an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying epidemiology and biostatistics. She is drawn to the intersection of clinical medicine and public health and is passionate about addressing barriers to equitable healthcare, particularly language access. In her free time, Farah can be found baking, reading, and trying out new coffee recipes.

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