International Student Results

Farhia Ahmed Mohamed

From Kuwait to the UN: Changing public health systems

Farhia Ahmed Mohamed, MPH ’26

Farhia Ahmed Mohamed, an MPH student in Nutritional Sciences, landed a highly selective internship at the United Nations, supporting global evaluation work. From Kuwait to Ann Arbor, her path spans clinical nutrition, cross-border research, AI policy and health equity. Her work is focused on systems change, prevention and evidence-based public health impact.

Liying Chen, wearing glasses and a green parka, with a waterfall in the background at Yosemite National Park

Finding clarity in numbers and community

Liying Chen, MS ’20, PhD ’26

Michigan Public Health Biostatistics PhD student Liying Chen transforms clinical medicine experience into impactful public health research. Chen harnesses statistics, AI, and big data for cancer, mental health, and substance use, supported by a diverse community and renowned mentorship.

Justice Akuoko-Frimpong

Using data to improve health outcomes

Justice Akuoko-Frimpong, MS ’24

University of Michigan School of Public Health Biostatistics PhD student Justice Akuoko-Frimpong combines teaching excellence with impactful research. As a statistician on the CAPTURE study for COPD respiratory disease, he analyzes data to improve patient care while mentoring future public health professionals.

Lala Sri Fadilla

Fulbright Scholar takes aim at sustainable food systems in Indonesia

Lala Fadila, MPH ’24

Lala Sri Fadila, MPH ’24, grew up on the Indonesian island of Bangka in an environment where quality education opportunities were unevenly distributed. Now, she will graduate in May from the University of Michigan School of Public Health with a Master of Public Health in Nutritional Sciences.

Soumik Purkayastha

Finding inspiration at the intersection of public health and data science

Soumik Purkayastha, MS ’21, PhD ’24

A native of India, Soumik Purkayastha, MS ’21, PhD ’24, first made a connection with the University of Michigan School of Public Health in 2005 when he was in fourth grade. Now, Purkayastha will graduate in May with a PhD in Biostatistics from the Department of Biostatistics at Michigan Public Health. After graduation, Purkayastha will join the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Pittsburgh as an assistant professor in the fall.

Wadad Itani

Beirut tragedy inspires graduate's public health mission

Wadad Itani, MPH ’24

After surviving Beirut's 2020 explosion, Wadad Itani decided to dedicate her life to helping others and prioritizing human health. Itani’s journey culminates in earning a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.