Meet the New IAPHS Newsletter Editor: Andy Subica

Get to know Andy Subica, the new IAPHS newsletter editor. IAPHS staff and members warmly thank outgoing editor Meghan Wolfe, who deftly and thoughtfully managed our newsletter for years.

Tell us about your background and your current research.

I was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai’i, in a small ex-sugar plantation town called Kurtistown. My training is in Clinical Psychology, and I am presently an Assistant Professor of Social Medicine, Population, and Public Health at the UC Riverside School of Medicine.

My research primarily involves using community-based participatory research approaches to explore and address the mental health, physical health, and substance use disparities affecting disadvantaged populations.

What brought you to IAPS and what do you like best about it?

I first heard about IAPHS from my colleagues Dr. Richard Carpiano and Dr. Bruce Link. I attended my first IAPHS conference in 2019 and found IAPHS members to be among the most innovative and social justice-oriented scholars in the field. My favorite aspect of IAPHS is its unique membership of deep thinkers and passionate advocates who possess a strong, collective commitment to improving our understanding of the social and structural forces that impact health in all populations.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy traveling, exercising, good food, being in nature, bouldering, and playing and watching sports such as soccer and basketball.

Can people send you ideas for the newsletter, and where should they send them?

YES. I am happy to hear from IAPHS members about all ideas, good news, accomplishments, and activities, and upcoming events and opportunities that may be of interest to our membership. Please send them to subica@gmail.com.

Finally, the quintessential IAPHS question: are onion rings actually donuts?

Oh goodness, no! This one hits close to home, given my sincere love for donuts. I think donuts everywhere are confused and a little offended as donuts are wonderful nuggets of sugary delight while onion rings by comparison (while tasty) are oily, unnaturally crispified vegetables.