Students Results

Closeup of Sydney McKinnon smiling

Senior lands full-time position at Eli Lilly before graduation

Sydney McKinnon

University of Michigan School of Public Health senior Sydney McKinnon’s journey from dental assistant in high school to public health advocate led her to a full-time job at Eli Lilly before graduation. Discover how curiosity, networking and a holistic college experience helped McKinnon succeed and inspire others through public health and pharmaceutical sales.

Blake Hardin

Merging research and advocacy with medicine

Blake Hardin

University of Michigan medical student Blake Hardin, who is also pursuing an MPH in Epidemiology, shares his medical school experience in this Q&A, focusing on his interests in disability health and advocacy, surgical outcomes research, medical education and ways to foster belonging at Michigan Medicine.

Owen Chun

CDC Scholar combines microbiology and public health through leadership

Owen Chun

University of Michigan senior Owen Chun earned a CDC John R. Lewis Scholarship, taught himself database coding to help communities access HIV resources, and leads 80 students in public health advocacy. Discover how this dual-degree student combines microbiology and public health through research, leadership and community engagement.

Sophia Steinert

Extending an internship into a yearlong learning experience

Sophia Steinert

Senior Sophia Steinert, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Public Health, extended her summer healthcare internship into a year-long opportunity and secured another position for next summer. Learn how the public health student's proactive approach to internships and early planning is building her career in healthcare administration before graduation.

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.

Laura Arboleda-Merino

From third grade dream to public health innovator

Laura Arboleda-Merino, MPH ’17

An internship at a local health department further crystallized Laura Arboleda-Merino's interests in public health. She was no longer just interested in treating individual patients, but in understanding and addressing systemic health challenges. Her academic journey led her to the University of Michigan School of Public Health. The transition wasn’t just about academic advancement but about finding a community that resonated with her interdisciplinary approach.