Purdue University Public Health

It's , which is the perfect reason to brag about Purdue University's No. 3 ranking among U.S. public universities in the U.S. for internships and co-ops!

Read more about the 2026 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings: https://bit.ly/4yoazkM

💻 It's never too late to pursue your next giant leap online with the College of Health and Human Sciences. HHS offers a variety of online graduate programs and certificates to help you take the next step in your career. From health administration to hospitality and tourism management and beyond, HHS’ online programs combine high-quality educational experiences with flexibility that works with your schedule.
➡️ Explore all HHS online programs: https://hhs.purdue.edu/online/

🧡 August is International Autoinflammatory Awareness Month! 🧡

Did you know that autoinflammatory diseases are different from autoimmune diseases?

While autoimmune diseases occur when the adaptive immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, autoinflammatory diseases are caused by a malfunction of the innate immune system. This causes the body to trigger episodes of severe inflammation—even when there is no infection or other obvious cause.

💡 The Reality of Living with an Autoinflammatory Disease

🔥 Unpredictable Flares
Recurring episodes of inflammation can appear without warning and disrupt daily life.

🌡️ Systemic Symptoms
High fevers, painful joint swelling, skin rashes, and chronic fatigue are just some of the challenges many patients face.

🧩 The Long Road to Diagnosis
Because these conditions are rare and often genetic, finding the correct diagnosis can take years.

🧡 This August, we're stepping into our to raise awareness of periodic fever syndromes and other rare autoinflammatory diseases. Greater awareness leads to earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved quality of life.

👉 Learn more, find support, and access the official advocacy toolkit through the Autoinflammatory Alliance and Autoinflammatory Awareness Month here: https://autoinflammatorymonth.org/

Together, we can help ensure these rare diseases are recognized, understood, and never overlooked.

🧡

With summer at it's peak, protect your skin today for a healthier tomorrow!

🌳 Seek Shade
⏰ Especially between 10 AM – 4 PM, when UV rays are strongest.

👒 Cover Up
✔️ Wide-brim hat
✔️ UV-blocking sunglasses
✔️ UPF-rated clothing

🧴 Wear Sunscreen Every Day
☀️ Broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+
⏱️ Apply 30 minutes before heading outdoors.
🔄 Reapply every 2 hours (or after swimming/sweating).
🙌 Don't forget your ears, hands, neck, and feet!
🏠 Remember—UV rays can pass through windows, so sunscreen matters indoors and year-round.

🔍 Early Detection Saves Lives
🩺 Check your skin head-to-toe every month.
👨‍⚕️ Schedule a yearly skin exam with a dermatologist.

Sources: SkinCancer.org & CDC

We are incredibly proud to celebrate two of our fantastic Public Health alumni, Emma Gordon and Emma Garzella, on their recent publication!

In partnership with Right By You (RBY)—a youth-focused reproductive health navigation service that connects texters to care and resources related to abortion, adoption, birth, contraception, and parenting, the study documented needs around personalized, responsive support for appointment scheduling, privacy, and abortion funding (in Missouri and beyond).

Meet the Researchers:

✔ Emma Gordon: Purdue Public Health BS alum, currently pursuing her MPH in Maternal and Child Health at UIC.

✔ Emma Garzella: Double Purdue Public Health alum (BS & MPH), currently a second-year osteopathic medical student (OMS II).

Right By You is a remarkable volunteer-run organization staffed by real people six days a week, helping people nationwide access accurate, non-judgmental resources.

📖 Read for Free: The article is open-access for the next 50 days! Read their work here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001078242600154X?dgcid=author

👉 Learn more about RBY: https://www.rightbyyou.org/

We're thrilled to announce that Marley Sharpe is the recipient of the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award.

This award recognizes an undergraduate student who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and engagement.

Congratulations Marley!

The Department of Public Health would like to recognize Madeline Brown-Savita, PhD for participating in our Spring 2026 Hooding Ceremony!

Favorite Memory
"Introducing my now‑husband to my best friend at a Purdue football tailgate during my first year — a moment that ended up shaping the rest of my life."

After Graduation
"I will be joining Eli Lilly as a global patient safety post-doc with their medical oncology team."

Congratulations Madeline!

The Department of Public Health would like to recognize Rachel Lange, PhD, for participating in our Spring 2026 Hooding Ceremony!

Favorite Memory
"Developing a community of friends and family!"

After Graduation
"I am excited to jump into teaching general public health courses and spending time with my daughter!"

Congratulations Rachel!

The Department of Public Health would like to recognize Lauren Thompson, MPH concentration in Family and Community Health, for participating in our Spring 2026 Hooding Ceremony!

Favorite Memory
"Studying abroad in Madrid, Spain."

After Graduation
"To attend medical school."

Congratulations Lauren!