Addressing Emerging Challenges in Public Health

Dean Giles Welcome

Wayne Giles headshot

As we celebrate the 55th anniversary of the UIC School of Public Health, I find myself reflecting on how far we have come—and how the challenges we face today continue to call on our creativity, ingenuity, resilience, and collective action. Public health has never been static. It evolves with the times, and our school has always risen to meet the moment.

This year’s Healthviews centers on the theme of addressing emerging challenges in public health. From innovating public health communications, to new models of workforce development, and to healthy aging, our field needs bold ideas now more than ever. One of the privileges of serving as dean is seeing firsthand the work our students, faculty, alumni, and partners are doing to improve health locally and globally. Their stories—many of which you’ll find in this issue—are a testament to the values on which this school was founded: equity, community engagement, and a commitment to health as a human right.

Senior citizens in a water aerobics class
The New Age of Aging
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
As the global population grows older, the challenges of cognitive decline, chronic disease, and social isolation require a public health approach grounded in health, collaboration, and innovation. Here's what two UIC professors are doing.
Podcast studio featuring a microphone
At the Community Level
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
In a misinformation and disinformation era, the need for engaging, science-backed public health communication has never been more urgent. Kelechi Ibe-Lamberts and a group of students are tackling this challenge one podcast episode at a time.
Student collects water sample from Lake Michigan during sunrise
Tides of Change
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
From Lake Michigan to the rivers that wind through its neighborhoods, water has always shaped Chicago. UIC SPH researchers are leading the charge to ensure safe, equitable access to this essential resource while shaping the future of water safety.
Alumni panel sitting at a table with microphones and water bottles
The Science of Showing Up
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Supporting students through life’s unexpected challenges is more than an act of compassion—it’s an investment in the future of public health.
Namibian License Plate
Justice, Medicine, and Global Public Health
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Environmental health crises are becoming more common and more complicated. UIC students are learning that solving these problems requires more than just medical knowledge; it takes legal insight, community engagement, and environmental awareness.
Heat map of Chicago neighborhood regions
Data, democratized.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Chicago, like many US communities, is facing a health challenge: chronic diseases are on the rise, and the gaps in life expectancy are stark. But solutions start with knowledge. The Chicago and Cook County Health Atlases make that possible.

Advancing Public Health

Two SPH Faculty Win UIC Research and Scholarship Awards
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Each year, the UIC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and the Office of Technology Management announce UIC Research and Scholarship Annual Award winners. These awards recognize the efforts of faculty researchers,…
Medical staff members discuss a file in a hospital hallway
Redefining Healthcare Leadership
Thursday, January 15, 2026
UIC SPH is raising the bar for healthcare leadership education with the launch of its newly redesigned Professional Master of Healthcare Administration. This isn’t just a name change—it’s a bold reimagining built to meet today's demands.
Reflections on 55 Years
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Former SPH Dean Scrimshaw shares her reflections on the school, her tenure, and the field of public health as the school celebrates its 55th anniversary.

Pulse of Public Health

“What emerging public health issue do you believe deserves more attention, and why?”

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