UMD Public Health

Let's talk about men's health! Men face their own unique health challenges. Here are some facts that men can keep in mind for their health! -Over 90% of all people who die in occupational accidents are men (National Safety Council, 2024). Many of these are preventable, and men can stay safe by following safety guidelines, using personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety tools correctly, asking questions if they don’t understand, and advocating for themselves if their workplace is unsafe.
-Men are at elevated risk for certain diseases such as heart disease (Louisiana Heart and Vascular, 2025). This is partially because of hormonal differences, as well as having larger hearts and different fat distribution. Men can prevent heart disease by eating a healthy diet, getting regular cardiovascular exercise, and finding ways to manage stress and cope with life’s challenges such as yoga, meditation, and social support.
-Certain cancers disproportionately affect men, such as prostate, lung, and colorectal. Men should talk to their doctors about prevention and screening, and collaborate with them to make decisions that are right for them.
Graphic created by Lauren Meier '26

Congratulations to Public Health Major of the Year, Ian Skoglund!

Skoglund is a junior double majoring in public health and statistics. He has extensive research experience, as well as experience doing harm reduction and public health outreach. He is currently working with Dr. Gray as a research assistant, as well as serving as President of the Public Health Student Group. He has played a key role in reviving the group after a year’s hiatus, describing his position as “getting the group’s name back out there” and finding new ways to grow and improve the group.

His future plans include working in the public health field after graduation, then pursuing a master’s degree and working in either biostatistics or epidemiology. He says his interests are in both qualitative and quantitative aspects of public health, and he hopes to use his statistics skills in order to improve health outcomes and “uplift marginalized communities."

Here is what he has to say on being named Major of the Year: “My efforts are only possible with the support from my friends, peers, faculty, and colleagues. Thank you to everyone who has helped shape me into the student I am and the public health professional I will eventually be. All of the faculty care deeply about each student’s goals and helping them achieve to the highest degree. Thank you for your exceptional dedication.”

This week’s student feature is Willem Hoeksema!

Willem is a senior here at UMD. He comes to public health with a unique background in construction. It was during a construction internship that he realized his passion for public health. Working closely with their health and safety specialist, he “really liked what he did to keep people safe” and wanted to do the same. “I asked him what his background was and he said public health.”

He keeps a busy schedule here at UMD, as a member of the University Singers and the Newman Center. His advice for other students doing the same are to schedule classes carefully with their academic advisors and have a balance of days focused on classes and days focused on studying.

Willem’s current plans after graduation are to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety and to work in occupational health and safety on construction sites.

His words of advice for fellow undergraduates? “Befriend your classmates. They’re going through the same things you are. It’s good to walk through it with someone else.”

Graphic created by Lauren Meier '36

Let's take some time to talk about women's health! Women face some unique health challenges, and here are some facts that women can keep in mind to stay healthy!

-80% of Americans with osteoporosis are women (Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, 2026). Osteoporosis can lead to broken bones, reduced mobility, and reduced quality of life. Although most patients with osteoporosis are older, it is most preventable when young. Eating high-calcium foods, weight training, and weight-bearing exercise can all help strengthen bones.
-Heart attacks often go unrecognized in women because they present differently than they do in men. Learn more about signs of heart attacks in women at the American Heart Association website, heart.org.
-Certain cancers (like breast cancer) are much more prevalent in women. Following guidelines for mammograms and well-woman visits can help catch cancer and other conditions when they’re most treatable, plus give you tools and advice to stay healthy.
Graphic created by Lauren Meier '26

Congratulations to Jessica Hanson, associate professor of public health in the UMD Department of Applied Human Sciences and interim associate dean of UMD College of Education and Human Service Professions, who received the 2026 Community-Engaged Scholar Award from the University of Minnesota Office for Public Engagement. Hanson is passionate about community-engaged research and focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating public health interventions within American Indian communities.

https://youtu.be/mlybqnVZ_IU?si=iEYccnjeZGfDpCGp



University of Minnesota Duluth

Jessica Hanson: 2026 Community-Engaged Scholar Award Research and Creative Activities recipient Community-Engaged Scholar Award: Research and Creative Activities Jessica Hanson, Interim Department Head and Associate Professor, Department of Applied Huma...

This week’s faculty feature is Dr. Scott Carlson! He is the interim dean of CEHSP as well as an associate professor of psychology.

As the dean, he does a variety of work with the public health program, including budgets, hiring, and curriculum decisions. He says that it is a “fantastic program” and he’s always impressed by the projects he sees at the student showcases, which he attends whenever he has the opportunity.

Although his research is in psychology, it has public health implications too. Some of his previous work examines the link between alcohol use, social norms, and expectations for drinking. This, and similar research, sheds important light on why people drink and can be used to design better public health campaigns.

Dr. Carlson’s advice for undergraduates is to “keep an open mind, follow what interests and excites you, and talk to people who have blazed ahead on the path to figure out how to do what connects with your passions as a career.” Graphic created by Lauren Meier '26

Here is an exciting webinar opportunity coming up soon!

This week’s faculty feature is Dr. Marzell Gray, an assistant professor here in the Public Health program!

His research focuses on COIL (collaborative online international learning) and behavioral health, which is part of the health and wellness coaching minor he co-created and now coordinates. He has led the program since its inception and is proud to see its growth each year. His current global research collaborations include partners in the United Kingdom and Uganda.

The part of his position he looks forward to the most is working with students. He likes day-to-day conversations, being in the classroom, as well as “helping students as they prepare for their own futures.”

He describes his approach to his work as “interdisciplinary.” Dr. Gray brings experience in exercise science, health coaching, and business to both his teaching and research at UMD. He says these fields “intersect in ways people can better understand how to live a higher quality of life or help others do the same.” His work emphasizes whole-person wellbeing, including social, financial, and mental health.

His advice for his students is: “Never let people tell them that they can't be successful or that you don't fit past expectations. There are always people who will believe in you. I am one of those people, along with others right here at UMD."

Graphic created by Lauren Meier '26

Jenny Johnson '27 and Lauren Meier '26, were recently selected as the Student Representatives for the Minnesota Society for Public Health Education (MN SOPHE)! They will serve on the board and take on their own projects for MN SOPHE throughout the next year, as well as help plan the next MN SOPHE Annual Summit to be held in fall 2026. Johnson and Meier, who are currently completing lab, research, and/or communication assistantships with Dr. V., are excited to apply their leadership and communication skills in this professional setting. Way to go, Lauren and Jenny!

PHSG is holding a Valentine's Day meeting tonight! They'd love to see you all there.

February is Wise Healthcare Consumer Month! This month is all about learning how to make smart healthcare choices and be a self-advocate. Here are some tips to follow this month and all year round:
-Don’t be afraid to take your time choosing a healthcare provider, or getting a second opinion if the first one doesn’t feel quite right. Pick a provider that makes you feel heard and respected, and that takes your concerns seriously.
-Ask questions! You can ask your provider, your insurance company, and your pharmacy any questions that you may have. These can be about your condition, your insurance policy, or any tests and treatments that may be ordered. This can not only help you make healthier decisions but also help you save money.
-See your provider for regular physicals and follow a healthy lifestyle. Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, exercise, and eat healthy.
Graphic by Lauren Meier, '27