June 2025 Experts Highlights & Announcements

Lisabeth named interim dean School of Public Health 
Lynda Lisabeth, Ph.D., M.P.H., professor of epidemiology and senior associate dean for faculty affairs in the School of Public Health and a research professor of neurology in the Medical School, will serve as interim dean of the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Her appointment, which is effective June 16 and will last until a permanent dean is appointed, was approved by the Board of Regents at its June 12 meeting.

Okanlami joins NIH Working Group to guide efforts in advancing disability health research
Oluwaferanmi O. Okanlami, M.D., M.S., assistant professor of family medicine, has been invited to participate as a member of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Disability Health Research Working Group (DHRWG).  The DHRWG is an official Working Group of the NIH Council of Councils, a body that provides advice to NIH officials on matters related to the policies and activities of the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives. Okanlami was tapped for his expertise in primary care and rehabilitation for people with disabilities and for promoting adaptive sports and fitness -- credentials the NIH described as “invaluable” for informing its own disability health research efforts. 

Martin appointed to NASEM Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases
Emily Toth Martin, Ph.D., M.P.H., professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health, has been appointed to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats. This committee of experts aims to generate high-quality and timely, evidence-based guidance and support to those who need immediate insights for decision-making related to emerging infectious diseases and public health and national security threats.

Regents approve new faculty promotions at May 2025 meeting
Fifty-five IHPI members were approved for promotions to the ranks of professor and associate professor at the May Regents meeting. 

New waves of National Poll on Healthy Aging data available for public use
Aging researchers can access the poll’s data on older adults’ experiences with healthcare costs, caregiving, scams, weight management, and much more.