Professor Ochoa Receives Prestigious Belgian Honor for Global Health Contributions | | |
Epidemiology Associate Professor Theresa Ochoa, MD, a distinguished pediatrician and global health researcher, has been awarded the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre de Léopold by His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium. This prestigious recognition is one of the highest honors granted by the Belgian monarchy and celebrates Ochoa’s outstanding contributions to medicine, research, and international collaboration.
Ochoa is currently an associate professor at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, where she continues her impactful work in infectious diseases and global health in the Department of Epidemiology. Before her current role, she served as director of the Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. Her academic journey also includes doctoral studies at the University of Leuven in Belgium, further strengthening her ties to the country that now honors her achievements.
“This is a great honor for me,” said Dr. Ochoa. “In part, it is a recognition of more than 30 years of collaboration between the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp and the Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt in Peru.”
Throughout her career, Ochoa has tirelessly advocated for improving health outcomes in low-resource settings. Her research has advanced the understanding of infectious diseases affecting vulnerable populations, and her leadership has helped shape public health strategies across Latin America and beyond.
This recognition highlights Ochoa’s accomplishments and underscores the importance of international partnerships in advancing science and health equity. Her work inspires colleagues and students alike, both in Houston and worldwide. You can read the full article here.
| | EPIDEMIOLOGY FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS | | |
UT Physicians, Brighter Bites, and UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Receive $249,577 Grant to Address Health Disparities | |
UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, UT Physicians, and Brighter Bites have received a $249,577 grant from The Cigna Group Foundation to launch a produce prescription program aimed at addressing food insecurity and improving diabetes outcomes among Hispanic adults in Houston.
The program will provide participants with biweekly boxes of fresh produce, culturally tailored nutrition education, and personalized support from registered dietitians and community health workers. Over six months, the initiative will also track improvements in diet and diabetes biomarkers, including hemoglobin A1c levels.
This innovative “food-is-medicine” approach integrates healthcare and nutrition to promote long-term health equity.
Principal investigators on this study include Shreela Sharma, PhD, RDN, LD, director of the Center for Health Equity (CHE), and Maha Almohamad, PhD, research scientist with CHE. To read more about this innovative program, please read the full story here.
| | New Epidemiology Faculty: Heather Highland, PhD | |
We are pleased to welcome Heather Highland, PhD, as an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology. A proud alumna of Trinity University, Highland earned her PhD in Human and Molecular Genetics from the MD Anderson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, where she conducted her doctoral research under the mentorship of Epidemiology Professor Craig Hanis, PhD.
Now joining the research faculty, Highland continues her work in the genetics and molecular characterization of cardiometabolic diseases, focusing on underserved populations. She is also joining the Border Health Research Center, where she will contribute to advancing research and initiatives to address health disparities in border communities.
Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys swimming, building LEGO creations with her nieces, and spending time with her cat, Petunia, who has claimed her as a favorite resting spot.
| | Varela Leads Study on Climate and Health Impacts in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor | |
A new study led by UTHealth Houston, EPIDriver, and CECLISA (Center for Advanced Health Clinical Studies in Guatemala) will assess environmental and health risks in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor, an area increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Assistant Professor Andrea Ramirez Varela, MD, is part of the collaborative research team conducting a cross-sectional study that integrates household surveys, environmental monitoring, and spatial analysis to better understand the region’s health conditions, water and air quality, and living environments.
A pilot phase conducted in May 2025 helped refine data collection tools and strengthen community engagement strategies. This work, funded by EPIDriver, aims to inform evidence-based public health interventions that can improve resilience and well-being in some of Central America’s most at-risk communities.
You can read more details about the study here.
| | Disrupted Sleep-Wake Rhythms May Signal Higher Risk for Type 2 Diabetes | |
A new study led by postdoctoral fellow Chris Ho Ching Yeung, PhD, and Epidemiology Associate Professor Qian Xiao, PhD, reveals that irregular rest activity rhythms, daily patterns of movement and rest, may significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Using wearable actigraphy devices and data from the UK Biobank, the research team found that individuals with weaker circadian rhythms were more likely to develop the disease. Machine learning models identified these rhythm patterns as stronger predictors of diabetes than many traditional risk factors, including total physical activity and sleep duration.
The findings were consistent across age, sex, BMI, and shift work status. This research suggests that rest activity rhythm characteristics could serve as digital biomarkers for early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Read the full study in Diabetes Care here.
| | EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDENT NEWS | | From Graduation to Ground Zero: A Public Health Journey in Post-Earthquake Nepal | | Just days after earning his degree in public health, doctoral student Bipin Singh, MPH, found himself in the heart of Nepal’s earthquake recovery efforts. From distributing emergency supplies to preventing disease outbreaks and restoring education, he witnessed firsthand how public health stands at the front lines of disaster response. Read his powerful story of resilience, service, and the life-saving role of public health published in ASPPH Student Stories. | |
School of Public Health Welcome Week 2025
Welcome Week events are open to all students, faculty, and staff. Please visit the events calendar for more information.
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Transforming Dental Research Through
Data, Design, and Public Health
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Epidemiology graduate Sayali Tungare, BDS, MPH, PhD, is reshaping dental public health through a powerful blend of epidemiology, informatics, and clinical insight. Now an Assistant Professor at UTHealth Houston McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, Tungare is advancing our understanding of dental pain management and the prescribing patterns of opioids and antibiotics in dentistry. Her work bridges public health and clinical practice by applying human-centered design, mixed methods research, and large-scale EHR (electronic health record) data analysis to real-world challenges.
Her work, funded by national organizations like the NIH and CareQuest Institute, uses human-centered design and large-scale EHR data to improve patient care. From dashboard tools that reduce opioid prescriptions to national studies on wisdom tooth extractions, Tungare’s research is driving real-world impact. Read the full article here.
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Epidemiology Career Seminar Series
Are you a PhD or DrPH graduate from the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Epidemiology program? We’d love for you to be a part of a new Quarterly Career Seminar Series for doctoral students starting Fall 2025!
We are seeking alumni from all sectors—academia, industry, government, nonprofits, and beyond—to:
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Share candid insights into life after graduation
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Share career journeys
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Discuss challenges and lessons learned
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Offer practical advice on navigating transitions and exploring opportunities in the field
Your experiences can provide invaluable guidance and inspiration as students shape their professional paths, while you continue building your network and gaining visibility as a leader in your field.
Interested in participating or learning more?
Please fill out the form at go.uth.edu/AlumniSpeakerForm or email Elena.V.Feofanova@uth.tmc.edu for more information.
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Explore the Wonders of
Brain Health
Thursday, August 21
1:30 PM via Zoom
The Stroke Institute Brain Health Research Group is an exciting new initiative dedicated to advancing brain health research. The meeting is open to junior faculty, students, and fellows who are eager to share data, publish their findings, secure funding, and kickstart their research projects.
Registration Information:
go.uth.edu/brain-health-monthly-meeting
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Acres Homes
Community Walk & Learn
Saturday, August 2
8:00 AM
Join the Acres Homes Chamber Farmer's Market, BeWell Acres Homes, Fit Houston, the Health Equity Collective, and many health-minded community partners for a Walk & Learn in Acres Homes. Our walk begins and ends at the Acres Homes Farmer's Market, and we will walk to the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center for their Back to School event, then we will walk back to the Acres Homes Chamber. Walking and learning are the way to go as we embrace the great things happening in the vibrant community that is Acres Homes.
FREE EVENT - Family Friendly - Open to the Public - Doggie Friendly
For more information: Click here
| | Save the Date for the Texas Public Health Summit 2025 | | |
Texas Public Health Summit 2025
Lone Star Outlook: Infectious Disease Preparedness for 2050
September 25, 2025
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Hybrid Event from the Texas Medical Center
Join us for the 2025 Texas Public Health Summit (TXPHS25), where public health professionals, industry leaders, and subject-matter experts will come together to explore the future of infectious disease preparedness in Texas. This year’s theme, Lone Star Outlook: Infectious Disease Preparedness for 2050, invites attendees to reflect on key milestones, examine today’s challenges, and look ahead to the innovations shaping our future.
Visit TEPHI Events for registration details.
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TEPHI INFECTION PREVENTION
& CONTROL SEMINAR SERIES
Module 307: Sterilization
Thursday, August 7
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm, virtual
Discover the fundamentals of healthcare sterilization—from key definitions to process monitoring. This session is approved for CME, CNE, a-IPC, CIC, and CPH continuing education credits.
Register to attend here: Link
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The Cupboard
Student Food Bank
Noon - 3:00 pm
RAS Building, B-04
Monday, August 11
Thursday, August 14
Monday, August 25
Thursday, August 28
The Cupboard is a no-cost food resource for students who may need assistance.
Location: SPH Building, Basement
Email: TheCupboard@uth.tmc.edu
| | Epidemiology Professor Susan Fisher-Hoch, MD, was featured on KRGV news, spotlighting the results from her 20-year-long study that shows the rate of people being diagnosed with diabetes in Brownsville, Texas. Watch the video here. | | Calling all Epidemiology alums! Epi in the News would like to include alum updates and news to feature in our monthly spotlight! Please email Jana Satterwhite, Communications Specialist, to be considered for our upcoming newsletters. | Reminder: For more information on how to handle media requests, see the UTHealth Houston HOOP policy here. If you are contacted by the media, please call the UTHealth Houston Media Relations team on the hotline, 713-500-3030 - someone is available 24/7. Deb Lake is the designated School of Public Health contact. Always choose to call the hotline for immediate assistance. | | SUBMISSIONS AND NEWSLETTER DEADLINE | | All campuses are encouraged to submit items for consideration for the monthly Epi newsletter. Please feel free to submit your items to sphepi@uth.tmc.edu. | | | | |
