Michigan Research
May 2025In this issue, we highlight incredible research from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, recently ranked #2 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Public Health Schools. Researchers at Michigan Public Health are dedicated to making lasting societal impacts, addressing critical public health issues ranging from preventing cancer and heart disease to reducing childhood hunger and gun violence.
The Invisible Shield
Michigan Public Health Researchers are Transforming Virus Outbreak Detection in Michigan
By Eric Shaw
With quiet precision, Michigan Public Health researchers are using wastewater to detect outbreaks before they start. This short video reveals how real-time data and Centers for Disease Control-backed research are reshaping public health response in Michigan.
Uncovering Hidden Dangers: How Environmental Research Can Prevent Cancer
By Bob Cunningham
Black women face 40% higher breast cancer mortality rates. Dr. Justin Colacino investigates how environmental factors—not genetics—drive this stark health gap.
Saving Lives With Public Health Research
By John Meeker
Senior Associate Dean for Research
School of Public Health
From polio vaccines to healthier communities today, discover how public health research silently saves millions of lives. The University of Michigan’s School of Public Health conducts over $100 million annually in research that prevents disease, improves treatments and creates environments where people thrive – often without us noticing the dangers we’ve avoided.
Learn how today’s public health research becomes tomorrow’s life-saving breakthroughs.
Fighting Childhood Hunger With Evidence and Empathy
By Destiny Cook
One in five children in the United States faces food insecurity, affecting families in every community. At Michigan Public Health, researcher Kate Bauer is working to change that. Her research uncovers barriers in food assistance systems and elevates solutions offered by families themselves—helping reduce stigma and drive practical change.
Partnership With Apple Studies Environmental and Headphone Noise Exposure Impacts on Hearing
By Matt Markey
Every day, we encounter invisible threats with the potential to damage our hearing. University of Michigan researchers are partnering with Apple to track how headphone use and environmental noise affect more than 160,000 study participants. The findings link hearing damage to cardiovascular disease, depression and dementia.
Discover what researchers have learned about how everyday sounds may affect your health.
U-M Researchers Address Key Housing Needs
By Eric Shaw
Discover insights from the groundbreaking 2024 Michigan Statewide Housing Needs Assessment, a collaborative effort between U-M’s Housing Solutions for Health Equity and the state of Michigan. It addresses housing’s role in health, stability and opportunity.
Urban Health Expert Focuses on Improving Housing Opportunities Across Michigan
By Kelsey Keeves
Roshanak Mehdipanah’s global research highlights the deep connection between housing policies and health outcomes. At U-M, her work drives innovative solutions to improve housing conditions, reduce disparities and foster healthier communities.
Impact Stories:
Research at U-M’s School of Public Health
Research at the University of Michigan School of Public Health transforms lives. From addressing childhood hunger and mental health to preventing chronic disease and community violence, Michigan Public Health researchers are improving health and equity across Michigan and around the world. Federal investment fuels this vital work. Longstanding support from agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control enables U-M to lead in public health innovation, translating evidence into real-world solutions. Continued investment is essential to sustaining this momentum. An investment in Michigan Public Health research is an investment in stronger communities, healthier families and a more resilient future.
Impact Stories From the University of Michigan
From engineering breakthroughs and social science insights to medical and policy innovations, U-M researchers are driving progress in every field. The following stories showcase the breadth of discovery happening across the university—research that improves health, strengthens communities and shapes a better future for Michigan and beyond.
About Michigan Research
Michigan Research is the University of Michigan’s flagship monthly e-newsletter, produced by the Office of the Vice President for Research. Each edition spotlights groundbreaking U-M research and scholarship that addresses critical challenges, sparks innovation and shapes the future across a range of disciplines.