Boston University School of Public Health

09/04/2026

As SPH celebrates its 50th anniversary, we caught up with five of our longest-serving faculty and asked them to reflect on what has–and has not–changed over the course of more than 40 years as members of the SPH community.

We talked with Alexa Beiser, Les Boden, Howard Cabral, Daniel Merrigan, and Alan Sager, whose combined expertise—spanning workforce development, health policy and reform, biostatistics and data science, occupational health, and clinical research design—mirrors the breadth and depth of the SPH community today.

“I think that the core of the mission of SPH has stayed the same even with the tremendous growth that has taken place here. One can see this in how the mission statement of the School has been so consistent over the years. SPH has always had a sense of itself that I believe was unique,” says Howard Cabral (SPH’86,’98).

Read more of the group’s reflections here ➡️ http://spr.ly/6183BGB3dH

09/03/2026

As a third culture kid raised between Zambia and India, Nina Kumar developed a unique perspective on global health systems.

“Growing up in two areas where neglected tropical diseases are a very pervasive issue, it was constantly around me, and that was what piqued my interest, initially, in public health,” says Kumar, who now studies program management and global health as an MPH student at the School of Public Health.

Following her first year of coursework at SPH, Kumar had her first opportunity to explore firsthand a career in strategic healthcare consulting during a practicum at Willis Towers Watson (WTW).

The highlight of her summer came when her team invited her to shadow a full-day client finalist meeting with senior consultants and vendors—a rare opportunity for an intern.

“It was really cool that they were willing to go above and beyond to make sure that I had the best practicum experience,” says Kumar. “To walk in as an intern and get invited to be a part of that space with a public health background, it was amazing to see how applicable my MPH training and prior work experience in the industry were.”

Read more ➡️ http://spr.ly/6183B1hQ6J

09/02/2026

New students, familiar traditions! As we continue to celebrate 50 years of SPH, we’ve been taking a trip back to the archives. The first photo is yesterday, the second is from decades ago.

A lot has changed since that second photo, but every single year, our students remain committed to working towards a healthier world for all.

We’ve had so much fun welcoming our newest students to campus this week, happy first day of class!

09/01/2026

SPH STUDENTS! Applications for the Public Health Post fellowship are now OPEN!

Produced by BUSPH but editorially independent, PHP is a unique online population health magazine with two complementary aims: to surface critical intersections in public health and social justice across the United States and to train the next generation to be effective public health communicators.

And now is your opportunity to be part of it! You do NOT need a writing background to apply, you just need to be passionate about making health information accessible to all and excited about the opportunity to advance your communication skills.

To be eligible, you must be an on-campus MPH student graduating in January 2028 or later. There are two fellowship tracks: writing and multimedia. This is a paid opportunity.

Learn more about PHP's evolution and expansion in celebration of the School's 50th year ➡️ http://spr.ly/6180B1AQxg

Ready to apply? ➡️ http://spr.ly/6182B1AQxi

Reach out to managing editor Mallory Bersi, [email protected], with any questions!

08/31/2026

SPH's Emelia Benjamin and Jennifer Beard help lead the Medical Campus Faculty Development & Diversity Narrative Writing Program, a space where faculty can explore storytelling, reflect on their experiences, and communicate their work beyond the academic world.

Beard, a clinical professor of global health at SPH and the program’s co-director, brings her background in English literature, public health, and narrative writing to the program. The program provides faculty with “a refuge and an outlet” to explore their creative side and find new ways to express who they are and what they do.

One of the most popular programs for faculty development, the Narrative Writing Program emphasizes that our work here on the Med Campus isn't strictly about data and research. It's also about people, experiences, stories, and finding ways to connect with others.

Learn more ➡️

Narrative Writing Program offers a way for individuals to express themselves and discuss their work

08/31/2026

We are so excited to welcome our new students today for their first day of orientation!

Whether you grew up around the corner or hopped on a plane and arrived to Boston for the very first time today, we're so grateful that you chose BU.

08/28/2026

A well-documented truth: coal mining harms human health. A parallel truth: shuttering mines without consideration for people economically dependent on the industry can harm health, too.

“The key here is that two things can be true at the same time,” says SPH's Mary Willis, assistant professor of epidemiology and a core faculty member at Boston University’s Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS).

To optimize human health, a just clean energy transition will require intentional job creation in regions economically dependent on coal, findings suggest.

Read more ➡️ http://spr.ly/6187B62K9R

08/27/2026

As part of our 50th anniversary, we’re continuing to delve into the SPH archives. Last week, we shared some photos dated before the turn of the millennium.

This week, we’re sharing photos of our grads of the 2010s. Recognize any familiar faces? Still friends or collaborators with the people you met at SPH? Let us know! ➡️ http://spr.ly/6187B1Lmt1

08/27/2026

🚨Our SPH community in DC!🚨

Great opportunity learn more about science communication strategies from top journalists! Hosted by the Consortium of Universities for Global Health, Pulitzer Center, and Corus International.

Learn more ➡️

Consortium of Universities for Global Health

08/26/2026

Dolly Parton is proof that public health contributions are not just made by scientists and doctors. Dolly led a life of compassion and advocacy, and used her platform to improve the lives of children and families everywhere. Here are just a few examples of the ways Dolly advocated for health.

BUSPH and the entire public health community are so grateful for her contributions towards making the world a healthier place for all. Thank you, Dolly. ❤️🎸📚