Student research in action

At the John D. Bower School of Population Health, research is not something students wait to do after graduation – it is something they lead now. Across disciplines and settings, SOPH students are applying what they learn in real time, presenting original work, earning competitive recognition and engaging communities across Mississippi and beyond.

Advancing Research in the Deep South

SOPH students are earning recognition beyond campus as well. Population Health Science PhD student Kerri Ivey was awarded a Center for Clinical and Translational Research Predoctoral Fellowship through UAB, supported by the NIH National Research Service Award.

This two-year fellowship provides research funding focused on reducing diseases that disproportionately affect the Deep South, reinforcing SOPH’s mission to address health disparities through meaningful, community-focused research.

Leading the Conversation: IPE Student Grand Rounds

SOPH students are actively contributing to Interprofessional Student-Centered Grand Rounds, monthly sessions that bring together students from multiple disciplines to present clinical cases, policy topics and real-world challenges.

These student-led sessions emphasize communication, critical thinking and collaboration, offering a space where future healthcare professionals can learn from one another and better understand how different perspectives shape patient care and system improvement.

SOPH students Torrey Robinson, Angie Garrett and Anthony Walters presented independent research during recent sessions. Robinson, who serves as SOPH’s representative on the Student Liaison Advisory Council, was also recognized with the Interprofessional Excellence Award for her commitment to fostering collaboration and communication across disciplines.

From Policy to Practice: Health Policy Grand Rounds

SOPH’s Health Policy Fellows are taking the lead in advancing critical conversations around policy and public health. The 2026 Health Policy Fellows representing the John D. Bower School of Population Health are (from left) Shakir Hossen, Leslie Musshafen, Jake Johnson, Alex Tomar, Indu Anand, Hien Piotrowski, Md Minhazul Abedin, and Luiz Nascimento Campedelli.

At the 2026 Health Policy Grand Rounds, fellows presented their collaborative work and shared insights into the legislative process, including how to read and track bills and effectively communicate policy recommendations.

The session highlighted the importance of preparing future leaders to engage with policy at both the state and national levels, while providing students with the tools to translate research into action.

Building Expertise in Cardiovascular Research: Mickel Sandifer and GTEC

Student success continues with Mickel Sandifer, who was recently admitted to the Jackson Heart Study Graduate Training and Education Center at the University of Southern Mississippi.

The program, which focuses on cardiovascular epidemiology and research training, offers advanced opportunities for students interested in understanding and addressing chronic disease in Mississippi and beyond.

For Sandifer, the opportunity reflects both academic achievement and a continued commitment to advancing population health through research.

Inspiring the Next Generation: Workforce Development Conference

SOPH students are also engaging directly with the next generation of healthcare professionals.

At the 2026 CHCAMS Workforce Development Conference, SOPH students Torrey Ropbinson and Mickel Sandifer presented, “Why Higher Education? Why Now? Why You? Building Mississippi’s Future Health Workforce,” an interactive session designed to introduce college students to careers in public and population health.

The session explored health disparities in Mississippi, highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and emphasize the critical need to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce. Through this work, SOPH students are helping inspire future leaders while reinforcing the role of education in improving health outcomes across the state.