News and Stories

Marissa Lovell, MPH '21 from Oregon State's health promotion program, coordinates school-based health programs in Lane County, focusing on nutrition, mental health, and culturally responsive prevention.  

When the pandemic hit, the OSU Center for Health Innovation (OCHI) didn't just study the problem—they deployed a "Surge Bench" of students to fix it. Working alongside the Oregon Health Authority, these students logged over 5,000 hours of contact tracing, data entry, and vaccine support, gaining real-world workforce skills in the process.

Studying abroad usually implies travel, but when the pandemic hit, OSU global health students Courtney Jost and Nate Capener had to pivot. Through a virtual internship with the Botswana program, they continued critical research on disability resources and policy, proving that international impact doesn't always require a passport.

Sandi Phibbs teaches online MPH students and manages innovation, evaluation and research at OSU's Center for Health Innovation (OCHI).

Jonathan Garcia, received the 2021 Oregon Public Health Association Health Equity Champion Award for his work advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through innovative teaching and community engagement with LGBTQ+ Latinx youth.

Biology isn't the only path to medical school. OSU public health graduates share how their unique backgrounds and community-focused training gave them an edge in admissions.

Interval breast cancers appear after normal mammograms but before the next screening. OSU's Veronica Irvin researches ways to improve detection and care.

Study examining cardiovascular disease among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders found significant health disparities and highlighted critical data gaps that mask the unique health needs of these diverse populations.

Medical mistrust and misinformation have led to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Latino communities; addressing historical trauma and promoting family-centered messaging are key to improving vaccination rates.

Mikayla Pivec '20 partners with OSU professor to launch "Selfless Servings," combating healthcare burnout with healthy, local meals.

OSU alumna Ashley Vaughn, MPH '21, returns as a public health instructor, combining her background in education with a passion for social justice and health equity.

Doctoral student Nancy Vargas saw firsthand the struggle of Latinx communities during her COVID-19 research. Recognizing that immediate needs like food must be met before long-term health goals like vaccination, she partnered with OSU Extension 4-H to deliver essential food boxes to families in need across five Oregon counties.