OU Hudson College of Public Health

Meet Kate Mohr, MPH—an HCOPH alum passionate about prevention, data, and making a difference through public health.

Drawn to public health through personal experiences and a drive to improve community wellness, Kate discovered a passion for data during her undergraduate studies and knew pursuing her MPH would help turn that passion into impact.

“Having practical experience as a GRA really helped apply the things I was learning during the program.”

During her time at HCOPH, mentorship and hands-on opportunities helped shape her path—from working as a graduate research assistant to collaborating with health department and evaluation teams on real-world public health initiatives. Those experiences built the foundation for the work she does today.

Now serving as a Research Project Manager in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the Hudson College of Public Health, Kate supports health promotion programs across Oklahoma through evaluation, reporting, and equity-focused research that helps communities thrive.

Her advice to future students? Reach out, get involved early, and take advantage of hands-on opportunities—they can shape your future in ways you never expect.

Meet Julianna Lopez—an HCOPH student passionate about finding meaningful ways to improve community health through public health education and experience.

Julianna’s interest in health care began early, but it was a high school lesson on the HIV/AIDS crisis that introduced her to epidemiology and helped her realize public health was where she belonged.

“As I walked out of the classroom, I knew I would one day be a public health professional.”

As she began to explore public health and epidemiology more deeply, Julianna realized just how boundless the field truly is: “Public health was so much more expansive than I ever could have imagined.”

After earning her undergraduate degree in community & population health from OU, Julianna briefly attended another university graduate program before realizing she wanted a stronger, accredited public health education that would fully prepare her for the future she envisioned. That decision led her to the Hudson College of Public Health—the only accredited school of public health in Oklahoma.

For Julianna, accreditation mattered because she wanted rigorous training, diverse learning opportunities, and the confidence that she was receiving the highest-quality public health education possible.

Now a first-year MPH student in Health Promotion Sciences, she’s gaining hands-on experience as a graduate research assistant on a Safe Streets and Roads for All project while building connections with faculty and peers who share her passion for improving community health.

At every step, she’s found that the right environment, training, and community can make all the difference in preparing for a future in public health.

Meet John Grady Heller, PhD, MPH—an HCOPH alum driven by curiosity, discovery, and impact.

Drawn to Epidemiology for its investigative nature and ability to improve lives at a population level, Grady found his path in understanding complex systems and using research to create meaningful change.

“The people at HCOPH—mentors, professors, and peers—are what truly prepared me for where I am today.”

After earning his PhD in 2024, those relationships and hands-on experiences helped shape his journey—and today, he serves as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. His work focuses on uncovering earlier indicators of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, with the goal of improving diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life.

His advice to future students? Find people who are invested in your success—and advocate for yourself every step of the way.

What’s in the air? Our latest research is helping answer that question 🦇

A new study co-authored by OU Hudson College of Public Health Assistant Professor Hongwan Li, Ph.D., found genetic evidence of three mammalian viruses in air samples collected near bat roosts on a university campus. The findings highlight how breathing-level air sampling can be used as a non-invasive tool for environmental monitoring and viral surveillance.

This collaborative research showcases the power of the One Health approach— bringing together environmental, animal and human health to better understand our shared world.

Meet Gregory Day, MS, PhD—an HCOPH alum whose career reflects the power of commitment, precision, and purpose.

Gregory’s journey into Industrial Hygiene didn’t follow a traditional path. After building a successful career in business, he made the bold decision to start over—taking prerequisite courses while working full time, driven by a keen eye for detail and a readiness for something more.

“I quickly learned that I had found my calling.”

From earning his MS (1996) to his PhD (2002), his time at HCOPH shaped a career dedicated to protecting worker health and safety. A pivotal research experience—developing a Monte Carlo simulation alongside faculty mentorship—set the course for his future and opened doors that would define his professional path.

Now retired from his role as an Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Officer with the Federal Aviation Administration Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, Gregory spent his career safeguarding workplace environments and supporting the health of aviation professionals.

His advice to future students? Stay committed and embrace the challenge—because the opportunities that follow are worth it.

Meet Chandler Welch, DHA, FACHE—an HCOPH alum leading with purpose in healthcare administration.

Through the MHA program, Chandler gained more than business and leadership skills. He built a foundation grounded in real world experience, from internships to capstone projects, preparing him to navigate today’s complex healthcare landscape.

“Be intentional—this path is a commitment not only to yourself, but to the patients and staff you will serve.”

After graduating in 2016, those experiences and connections helped shape his journey. Today, he serves as Senior Director of Hospital Administration for Cherokee Nation Health Services. As a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, his work is deeply personal—advancing healthcare access and serving communities close to home.

His impact is a reminder that meaningful leadership starts with purpose and grows through service.

Congratulations to Dr. Sixia Chen on his appointment as Program Chair for the Survey Research Methods Section (SRMS) of the American Statistical Association! 👏

In this nationally recognized leadership role, Dr. Chen will lead the development of the SRMS scientific program for the Joint Statistical Meetings — the largest annual gathering of statisticians and data scientists in North America. His responsibilities will include organizing invited sessions, topic-contributed sessions, short courses and related programming focused on emerging research and innovations in survey methodology and its applications.

“Dr. Chen’s appointment to this important leadership role is a testament to his outstanding contributions to survey research methodology and his continued engagement within the national statistical community,” said Jennifer Peck, interim chair of the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology.

Congratulations to Paul Grunsted, recipient of the Robert M. Bird Society Award at the OU Hudson College of Public Health! 👏

Presented during the college’s annual Awards and Honors Ceremony, this award recognizes excellence in scholarship, teaching and service across the college and OU Health campus.

At this year’s ceremony, the award was presented to Paul Grunsted, a Ph.D. candidate in Epidemiology. Grunsted was recognized for his strong record of research, teaching, and service, including multiple first-author manuscripts under review and peer-reviewed publications. He has also served as a graduate research assistant, teaching assistant, and lecturer, supporting learners across disciplines while actively contributing to public health research and community engagement throughout Oklahoma.

Congratulations to Dr. Amanda Janitz, recipient of the Dean’s Master Teaching Award at the OU Hudson College of Public Health! 👏

Presented during the college’s annual Awards and Honors Ceremony, this award recognizes outstanding excellence in teaching, mentorship and student success across our academic programs.

Dr. Janitz was honored for her exceptional commitment to graduate student mentorship, innovative teaching practices, and dedication to helping students thrive academically and professionally. Colleagues also praised Dr. Janitz for continuously evolving her teaching methods through student and peer feedback while incorporating modern analytic strategies, interactive problem-solving exercises, and applied research experiences into her courses. Her teaching approach includes hands-on opportunities such as developing R21-style grant proposals and participating in peer review activities designed to mirror the scientific process.

Congratulations to Dr. Janitz on this well-deserved recognition.

Meet Cassandra D. Querdibitty, PhD, MPH, MCHES, CPH—an HCOPH alum turning passion into purpose.

Drawn to Health Promotion Sciences to better understand and address the root causes of health inequities, Cassandra found more than a degree—she found a foundation built on connection, collaboration, and community engagement.

“Public health is relationship-driven work—and this program understands that deeply.”

From earning her MPH (2015) to her PhD (2021), those relationships helped shape her path—and today, she’s back at the Hudson College of Public Health as an Assistant Professor. Her work advances Indigenous maternal health equity through community-engaged research that centers Indigenous voices and knowledge systems.

Her advice to future students? Invest in relationships. That’s where real impact begins.