Welcome to the April issue of HSPH Update, an e-letter for friends of the Harvard School of Public Health.
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Spotlight on environmental health
HSPH researchers study environmental threats to health, such as hazardous substances found in the air, water, and wherever people live and work. And HSPH is helping propel the growing study of how genes and environmental forces interact to cause disease--from diabetes to asthma to the afflictions of aging. HSPH student Ramon Sanchez, SD '11, sees the future of energy production--and cleaner healthier skies--in tiny green algae. Where DNA Meets Daily Life That dance between genes and environment is the focus of a burgeoning field of public health research--one that could someday have a big payoff. Read more about HSPH researchers' work in environmental health.
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Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to speak at HSPH about healthcare reform
Watch live webcast
April 28, 4:00-5:00 PM EDT
www.ForumHSPH.org
In recognition of the five-year anniversary of healthcare reform in Massachusetts, The Forum at Harvard School of Public Health is pleased to present:
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick
Costs and Quality: The Next Phase of Massachusetts Healthcare Reform
Introduction by Senior Associate Dean Robert Blendon
From 5:15-6:00 PM, immediately following the Governor's remarks, a panel of experts and architects of the Massachusetts healthcare plan will address its progress and the path forward.
Panelists
John Auerbach, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Hurmon Hamilton, President, Greater Boston Interfaith Organization
Nancy Kane, Professor of Management, Harvard School of Public Health
John McDonough, Professor of the Practice of Public Health, Harvard School of Public Health
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Efforts to fight cancer in the developing world highlighted in Science special issue
HSPH Dean Julio Frenk is featured in Science magazine's March 25, 2011, special issue on the "Cancer Crusade at 40." The article, "A Push to Fight Cancer in the Developing World," highlights the work of Frenk and his colleagues on the Global Task Force on Expanded Access to Cancer Care and Control in Developing Countries to move cancer up on the global health priorities list. Felicia Knaul, Frenk's wife, a member of the task force, and director of the Harvard Global Equity Initiative, is featured in the same article in a profile describing her experience as a woman living with cancer and global advocate for expanded access to cancer care. Read more
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Time magazine's "Ten Ideas That Will Change the World" features HSPH faculty research
 The concept of the "demographic dividend" pioneered by HSPH faculty member David Bloom and colleagues is featured in Time magazine's "Ten Ideas That Will Change the World," published March 17. Bloom and colleagues identified the "demographic dividend" or "demographic transition" that occurs as countries transition from high rates of fertility and mortality -- women having lots of children, many of whom die young -- to low birthrates and longer life expectancies. Read more
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The Triangle Factory Fire and workplace safety regulations
 Observing the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City on March 25, Elkan Blout Professor of Environmental Genetics David Christiani discussed how the tragedy mobilized government officials and the public to strengthen workplace safety regulations. He also talked about Alice Hamilton, the first woman professor at Harvard, who became a leading researcher in industrial hygiene and toxicology at HSPH. Listen to podcast
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HSPH Prof. Nancy Krieger pens new book, Epidemiology and The People's Health: Theory and Context
 In the eight-chapter, 400-page book Nancy Krieger traces and analyzes the history and contours of epidemiologic theories from ancient societies on through the development of -- and debates within -- contemporary epidemiology worldwide. The book's central argument is that epidemiologic theory has long shaped epidemiologic practice, knowledge, and the politics of public health. Read more
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A time of promise and possibility  Among this year's newly admitted prospective students may be a future Secretary of Health and Human Services, a social entrepreneur who will eradicate malaria, or a brilliant scientist who will link an environmental factor to a chronic disease such as diabetes or asthma. Your gift to the Alumni Fund for Student Assistance will immediately increase the pool of student funding, allowing promising future leaders to attend HSPH regardless of their financial circumstances. Make a gift to the HSPH Alumni Fund for Student Assistance today.
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New video series: Why Public Health?
 Looking for some inspiration? Watch "Why Public Health?", a new series of videos in which HSPH students talk about why they chose to enter the field.
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