Michael D. Green, Anna Shetler, Emily Dore, Elijah Watson, Fatima Fairfax, Han Shen, Samantha Doonan, Arinala Randrianasolo, Nigel James, Deena Aboul-Hassan
The IAPHS Student Committee plays a pivotal role in uniting the future leaders of population health science by fostering connections as friends, colleagues, and collaborators. We aim to bridge the diverse academic backgrounds of students nationwide, offering a platform for professional growth, academic development, and networking. Throughout the year, we organize various events, including a professional development activity at the annual fall conference, student talks and posters, and informal social gatherings. These initiatives are designed to enhance students’ skills and prepare them for their future careers.
We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic new members and chairs to join our vibrant community. Whether you’re already a member or a student passionate about population health but not yet affiliated with IAPHS, we invite you to get involved. The committee meets monthly, and tasks range from organizing webinars, to fostering community for IAPHS students, to writing blog posts (like this one!).
To join or learn more about the committee and its activities, please reach out to Sue Bevan at sbevan@iaphs.org. We welcome new student committee members annually, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our collective efforts in advancing population health.
Michael D. Green Michael D. Green (he/him) is a Ph.D. Candidate in Population Health Sciences at the Duke University School of Medicine. Michael broadly researches social determinants of health, cardiovascular health, and unequal treatment. As Chair of the Student Committee, he is looking forward to facilitating programming for IAPHS Student Members and advocating as the student representative on the IAPHS Board of Directors.
Anna Shetler Anna E. Shetler (she/her) is a doctoral student in the Sociology and Demography dual-degree program at Penn State. Anna studies disparities in health across place and race. As Secretary and Social Media Chair of the Student Committee, she is looking forward to getting word out about her favorite academic association: IAPHS!
Emily Dore Emily Dore (she/her) is a doctoral student at Emory University, and she will be joining the Social Policies for Health Equity Research Center at Harvard School of Public Health as a postdoc in June 2024. Emily studies how structural and political factors shape health over the life span. She is a student co-chair of Webinar Activities and looks forward to connecting with IAPHS members through webinars and other events!
Elijah Watson Elijah Watson (he/him) is a PhD in Anthropology and MPH in Epidemiology student at Northwestern. He studies how socioeconomic circumstances over the life course contribute to biological aging. As student co-chair of Webinar Activities, he is excited about helping to shape professional development opportunities for IAPHS student members.
Fatima Fairfax Fatima Fairfax (she/her) is a doctoral student in Sociology at Duke University. Fatima focuses on the impact of emerging health technology on existing racial healthcare disparities. In her role as co-chair of Diversity and Membership Outreach of the student committee, she is excited to spread the word about IAPHS and increase membership engagement across disciplines and backgrounds.
Han Shen Han Shen (she/her) is a doctoral student in the Population, Health, and Place program at University of Southern California. Han studies socio-spatial determinants of health and cancer disparities among racial/ethnic minorities. As the Diversity and Membership Co-chair of the Student Committee, she hopes to invite more student members from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, fostering connection and collaboration within the community.
Samantha Doonan Samantha Doonan (she/her) is a doctoral student in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Her research applies a health equity lens to opioid and cannabis policy evaluation. Samantha serves as a Student Committee Co-chair for Conference Activities. She looks forward to connecting in St. Louis!
Arinala Randrianasolo Arinala (Nala) Randrianasolo (he/him) is a doctoral student in the Sociology and Demography dual-degree program at Penn State. Nala's research focuses on health disparities, race, and the life course. Specifically, he is focusing his work on the health outcomes of multiracial individuals across the life course. As a general member, Nala is looking forward to collaborating with the other committee members and learning about them and their research, and learning even more about IAPHS.
Nigel James Nigel James is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in the Dual Title Program in Health Policy & Administration and Demography. He applies econometric models and spatial analysis to examine social protection and health insurance tools. His aim is to broaden knowledge on applying such tools for sustainable development financing, strengthening healthcare systems to improve health outcomes, and reducing health disparities. In his role as a Student Committee member, he endeavors to support committee roles, advancing the goals of IAPHS programs.
Deena Aboul-Hassan Deena Aboul-Hassan is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, where she is majoring in Movement Science on the pre-medical track. Deena's research interests surround health disparities and physical activity support in individuals with chronic pain and fatigue. As an Arab-American, Deena is passionate about spreading cultural awareness and hopes to become a physician that provides quality care to underrepresented racial/ethnic groups. In her free time, she likes to stay physically active through figure skating, and is a competitor for the University of Michigan Figure Skating Club.
All comments will be reviewed and posted if substantive and of general interest to IAPHS readers.