Message from the Editors-in-Chief

Dear readers,

We would like to extend our gratitude to our wonderful editorial team for their hard work on the pieces featured in this newsletter and in Volume 9 of the journal this year. We are immensely proud of each staff member who contributed to the articles within this newly founded publication. Stepping into our roles, we shared a joint understanding that there was a need for our editorial staff to showcase their opinions. We felt that it was important, as the Editors-in-Chief of the Undergraduate Journal of Public Health, to produce a publication showcasing the work specifically written by our editorial staff at the University of Michigan who, in the past, have not had the opportunity to do so. We would also like to thank our executive board members who worked alongside us in guiding this newsletter to its success.

We would also like to give a special thank you to our wonderful advisor, Dr. Ella August, for her guidance and expertise throughout the past year. We deeply appreciate the time, energy, and guidance she has dedicated to UJPH. Her mentorship has played a vital role in helping us grow as writers, editors, and future public health professionals.

We would also like to thank Michael Kasiborski and the SPH Marketing team for all their help in launching this newsletter this year. We would also like to thank Kelly Conlon for her support in designing both the journal and newsletter this year

Finally, we extend our appreciation to Prison Birth Project for their collaboration in allowing us to highlight the amazing work being accomplished within their organization. We hope the readers find interest in the critical conversations shared within the pieces produced in this newsletter

As graduating seniors from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, we hope that this newsletter not only inspires future undergraduate students to share their ideas but also empowers them to take a stance. Public health is inherently rooted in advocacy, equity, and action, and we believe students play a critical role in shaping conversations that drive change. Whether it’s through research, opinion pieces, or personal reflections, we encourage you to use your voice boldly and unapologetically. The future of public health depends on it.

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Isabelle Duong and Sam Riordan