Departments Unite for Halloween-Themed Student Mixer

The Department of Epidemiology and the Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health recently collaborated to host a vibrant, multi-department student professional mixer, bringing together students from across the School of Public Health.

Held during Halloween week, the event encouraged attendees to wear costumes, creating a festive and playful atmosphere that added to the professional networking experience. Students mingled, shared insights, and built connections across disciplines, all while showcasing their creativity through spooky, clever, and fun attire.

One student even came dressed as a banana, proving that potassium isn’t just good for your health, it’s great for breaking the ice at mixers too!

The lively mixer highlighted the collaborative spirit of the School of Public Health and provided a unique opportunity for students to expand their academic and professional networks in a relaxed, themed setting.

View event photos here: Flickr Photo Album

EPIDEMIOLOGY FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

Human Genetics Center at ASHG 2025

Members of the Human Genetics Center at the School of Public Health recently attended the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting, held in Boston, MA, in October. The international conference brought together thousands of researchers, clinicians, and students to explore the latest advancements in human genetics.

The Human Genetics Center delegation included faculty, staff, and students who participated in the event through presentations and poster sessions. Epidemiology doctoral student Jiawei Tu, MPH, and Postdoctoral Fellow Xingzhong Zhao, PhD, were selected to deliver oral presentations, sharing their research with a global audience and contributing to key discussions in the field. Epidemiology Assistant Professor Chloe Sarnowski, PhD, presented her work during the poster session along with several Epidemiology doctoral students, including Alyssa Johnston, MPH, Iman Egab, MPH, Ardalan Naseri, MPH, Mengyu Zhang, MS, Shuyi Guo, MS, and Bohong Guo, MS., who presented posters, engaging with peers and experts on their latest findings.

Also in attendance: Epidemiology Associate Professors Han Chen, PhD, Goo Jun, PhD, Assistant Professor Yixuan He, PhD, faculty associate Megan Grove, MS, along with Professor Degui Zhi, PhD, from the School of Biomedical Informatics.

The Human Genetics Center’s strong presence at ASHG 2025 highlights its commitment to advancing genetic research and fostering collaboration across disciplines.

BMI Alone May Miss Hidden Health Risks

A new study from UTHealth Houston’s Border Health Research Cohort reveals that body mass index (BMI) alone may not accurately reflect an adult’s risk for cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Co-principal investigators Joseph McCormick, MD, professor of epidemiology, and Kari North, PhD, director of the Border Health Research Center, found that many individuals with a “healthy” BMI still had excess fatty tissue, which is linked to serious health risks. By measuring waist circumference and using bone density metrics to assess body fat, the team discovered that over half of non-obese participants had hidden adiposity. These findings suggest that clinicians should consider additional measures beyond BMI to identify at-risk patients better. The study was published in JAMA Network Open.

Co-principal investigators of the study included Susan Fisher-Hoch, MD, professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health, and Jennifer E. Below, PhD, of Vanderbilt University.

Founding of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM)

A new article traces the origins of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) and the development of travel medicine as a recognized discipline. Epidemiology Professor Herbert DuPont, PhD, was a key figure in this evolution, collaborating with other pioneers to organize the first international congress in Zurich and co-lead the foundational meeting in Atlanta, where ISTM was formally established and he was elected its first President. He played a vital role in launching the Journal of Travel Medicine and co-editing the first textbook that defined the field’s scope. DuPont’s strategic vision and leadership helped shape the society’s structure, academic direction, and global outreach. His efforts were later honored with the ISTM Founder’s Award, recognizing his lasting impact on travel medicine. Today, ISTM provides education, research, and clinical guidance to healthcare professionals worldwide, helping to prevent and manage health risks associated with international travel. Its work is crucial in promoting safe travel and responding to emerging global health threats.

Spooktacular Connections at the Epidemiology Halloween Potluck

The Department of Epidemiology faculty and staff gathered for our annual Halloween potluck, sharing delicious food, eerie stories, and festive costumes. It was a frightfully fun afternoon filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a sense of community spirit.

Young Adult Cancer Survivors Face Elevated Social Risks, Study Finds

A new study, presented at the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities, uses nationally representative data to explore the social risks faced by cancer survivors compared to adults without a history of cancer. The abstract reveals key patterns that could shape future approaches to survivorship care and population health. Young adult survivors between the ages of 18 and 39 face significantly higher burdens of social risks, including food and housing insecurity and financial barriers to healthcare, than older adults.

These challenges also vary across communities, underscoring the importance of considering both life stage and broader social context when developing support systems. The study was designed by Epidemiology Assistant Professor Ami Sedani, PhD, in collaboration with Epidemiology Professor Bijal Bala, PhD, at the School of Public Health, Dallas campus.

You can read more about the study here.

Quarterly Meeting for the Health Equity Collective

The Health Equity Collective hosted its quarterly meeting in September, bringing together partners to celebrate progress, share insights, and shape the path forward. The Health Equity Collective is a systems coalition that brings together healthcare and community organizations to improve care coordination for social drivers of health. The Center for Health Equity serves as the backbone organization for this coalition.

The event marked the launch of the CARE Network, a closed-loop referral system designed to connect healthcare and social services more effectively. Attendees also honored the vital contributions of Community Health Workers, whose leadership continues to strengthen the public health workforce.

Keynote speaker Jaclyn Albin, MD, associate professor of Internal Medicine, Pediatric and Public Health at UT Southwestern School of Medicine and O'Donnell School of Public Health, delivered a compelling message on the power of food as medicine, urging a reimagining of the role of nutrition in healthcare. Breakout sessions encouraged bold thinking around future priorities and strategies for growth as the Collective approaches its seventh year of impact.

EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDENT NEWS

Thomas F. Burks Scholarship for Academic Merit

Dr. Thomas F. Burks was a distinguished researcher, inspiring teacher, and beloved academic leader at UTHealth Houston. In his honor, the Interfaculty Council established the Thomas F. Burks Scholarship for Academic Merit to recognize outstanding students based on academic merit.

Each UTHealth Houston school may nominate two students who have matriculated and demonstrated academic achievement. The School’s scholarship committee will select two applications to forward to the IFC scholarship selection committee.

[Click here to apply]

Faculty recommendation letters are optional and may be emailed to Melanie.E.House@uth.tmc.edu or uploaded with the application.

EPIDEMIOLOGY ALUMNI NEWS

Alumna Publishes Doctoral Research in

Brain and Behavior

Melissa Lopez Varon, PhD, MS, is making a significant impact in cancer prevention and global health. Her journey began with a realization that effective cancer control requires collaboration beyond clinical settings. This led her to pursue a PhD in Epidemiology at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, where she focused on community and global health.

After earning her doctorate in 2022, Lopez Varon took on dual leadership roles at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Director of Global Oncology and Program Director of a cervical cancer prevention initiative funded by the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas grant. Her work focuses on establishing partnerships across Texas and internationally to enhance cancer prevention efforts, particularly in underserved communities.

She frequently travels to partner sites to support training, operations, and program development, sharing evidence-based strategies to help build sustainable health systems. Her approach is grounded in cultural sensitivity and mutual respect, which she sees as essential for successful collaboration.

Lopez Varon finds deep fulfillment in working with healthcare providers on cervical and breast cancer prevention and early detection. She also contributes to policy development, helping clinicians implement proven strategies to improve women’s health outcomes. Despite challenges, she remains committed to expanding access to care and fostering global collaboration.

She emphasizes the growing importance of public health in community well-being and advocates for adaptable, culturally informed communication strategies that are responsive to diverse communities. You can read more about her journey here.

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:

Share candid insights into life after graduation
Share career journeys
Discuss challenges and lessons learned
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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Glymphatic System and Brain Health

Thursday, November 20

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

via Zoom

The Stroke Institute Brain Health Research Group is an exciting new initiative dedicated to advancing brain health research.

This month's presentation, "Glymphatic System and Brain Health: Risk factors, athophysiology, clinical, and neuroimaging features for glymphatic system impairment in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias," by Jeffrey Iliff, PhD, from the University of Washington.

Registration Information:

go.uth.edu/brain-health-monthly-meeting

UTHealth Houston

Sports Day!

Saturday, November 15

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Recreation Center Fields

Get ready for a day of fun, connections, and competition! Join students from all UTHealth Houston schools for our annual Sports Day—a chance to meet new friends, show off your school spirit, and compete for the UTHealth Houston Sports Day Championship Trophy! Events include volleyball, kickball, tug of war, and lots of free water, lunch, and giveaways!

The Student InterCouncil (SIC) can’t wait to see you out on the fields for an unforgettable Sports Day!

Center for Infectious Diseases Lecture

Join us for a dynamic session featuring Epidemiology PhD students Hossaena Ayele, MSc, and Jesus Duran Ramirez, MPH, as they present their latest research.

Date: Wednesday, November 19

Time: Noon - 1:00 pm

Location: RAS W-02

Virtual Option: Microsoft Teams

Free lunch for the first 25 attendees

More Information Here

UTHealth Houston

Fitness in the Park at Discovery Green

Now to November 15

Hip Hop Yoga

November 12

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Clase de Yoga Respiración Consciente y Meditación de Sonidos en Español

November 10

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Gentle Yoga Flow and Sound Meditation

November 4

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

From now through Nov. 15, you can join friends, colleagues, and the community for Fitness in the Park at Discovery Green: free, UTHealth Houston-sponsored exercise classes that combine movement, music, and mindfulness.

For more information about Fitness in the Park and to view the entire schedule, visit the Fitness in the Park website.

The Cupboard

Student Food Bank

Noon - 3:00 pm

RAS Building, B-04

Monday, November 3

Thursday, November 6

Monday, November 10

Thursday, November 13

Monday, November 17

Thursday, November 20

The Cupboard is a no-cost food resource for students who may need assistance.

Location: SPH Building, Basement

Email: TheCupboard@uth.tmc.edu

TEPHI INFECTION PREVENTION

& CONTROL SEMINAR SERIES

Module 310: Special Populations

Thursday, November 6

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm, virtual

Module 310 and earn continuing education credits. This module will provide an introduction to infection prevention and control practices (IPC) in special populations within healthcare settings.

JOIN THE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH TEAM TO

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S

Saturday, November 8

Helix Park

Opening Ceremony 9:15 am

Walk Starts 9:30 am

Join the School of Public Health team in the Walk to End Alzheimer's to help raise funds and awareness for the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.

There is no registration fee for the Walk and open to all. If you raise a minimum of $100.00, you will earn the official t-shirt!

Registration and more information

available here!

NOTES

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. 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.