As we begin a new year at the John D. Bower School of Population Health, I am pleased to share this issue of our newsletter, which reflects the energy, innovation and commitment that continue to define our school.

The John D. Bower School of Population Health enters the spring 2026 semester with a focused and refined portfolio of academic programs designed to meet the evolving needs of students and the public health workforce.

The MPH for MDs program allows any MD, DO or enrolled student in the UMMC School of Medicine to earn an MPH while building advanced skills in population health, prevention and health systems.

The Robert M. Hearin Foundation has awarded funding to support public health education at UMMC. Through this investment, tuition will be covered for 11 students to complete the Certificate of Population Health Science.

The John D. Bower School of Population Health continues to foster connection, belonging and balance through student centered events that bring faculty and students together in meaningful ways.

The John D. Bower School of Population Health is thrilled to recognize its Ethics Bowl team for earning first place at this year’s University of Mississippi Medical Center Ethics Bowl.

Meet Angie Garrett, a doctoral student in the Department of Population Health Science, whose work and perspective reflect a deep commitment to improving health outcomes through research and collaboration. In this interview, Angie shares her path from addiction recovery to population health.

The John D. Bower School of Population Health is proud to highlight the work of Dr. Yufeng Zheng, associate professor in the Department of Data Science, whose research and leadership continue to advance artificial intelligence and data science at UMMC and beyond.

See recent academic and scientific production from SOPH students and faculty. The academic production includes publications, presentations, grants, abstracts and awards.

The study brings national attention to critical maternal health trends in Mississippi and underscores the importance of sustained public health investment and policy action.

The Mississippi Academy of Sciences will host its 90th Annual Meeting in the summer of 2026, marking an important milestone for one of the state’s longest standing scientific organizations. MAS has served as a valued platform for the independent research of faculty and students from the John D. Bower School of Population Health.

Experts around the nation presented their research to population health students and faculty at the Biostatistics and Data Science Seminars and Population Health Grand Rounds.

These talented professionals bring diverse expertise across education, research and applied analytics, further advancing the school’s mission to improve health outcomes through innovation, collaboration and excellence in population health science.

The 2026–27 academic year marks the 10 year anniversary of the opening of the John D. Bower School of Population Health. Over the past decade, the School has grown from a bold vision into a vital academic and community partner working to improve health outcomes across Mississippi and beyond.

Check out what's coming up at the John D. Bower School of Population Health!