Dear faculty, students and staff, 

Let’s get ready for National Public Health Week, taking place next week from April 6-12. This is the time of year when our community can come together to celebrate each other’s accomplishments, but more importantly, the critical role of public health in our lives and communities. The APHA’s theme this year is Ready. Set. Action! This focus feels particularly fitting for the moment we are in, and conveys the urgency to continue advancing work that improves our daily lives, safeguards our families, extends our lifespans and strengthens our communities.

This programming-packed week offers an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contributions of our students, faculty and community partners, while honoring the public health workforce that shows up every day in service of healthier, more equitable communities. It is also a moment to reinforce and showcase our commitment to research, policy and practice that promote health for all.

On Tuesday, April 7, the school’s annual marquee event, Public Health Research Day, will showcase the breadth and impact of student and community partner research across our school, highlighting innovative work that is shaping the future of public health. Then on Thursday, April 9, we are honored to welcome Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, for the 2026 Barnes Lecture, which promises to inspire and challenge us as we consider the global dimensions of our shared mission. I personally find these events energizing, and that is fueled by having our community show up for one another. I look forward to seeing you at these and other events through the week!

In addition, several departments, centers and institutes are hosting events in and around National Public Health Week. I encourage you to explore the full schedule of events and join us for what promises to be a dynamic and meaningful week of learning, engagement and action! 

Sincerely,

Francesca L. Beaudoin, M.D., Ph.D.
Interim Dean, School of Public Health