“An opportunity to educate on the many facets that comprise public health”
National Public Health Week: MPH/MCP student Laurel Denyer
Laurel Denyer (she/her) is from California’s Central Valley. She received her BS in global disease biology with minors in public health sciences and geography from UC Davis. Prior to graduate school, Laurel worked as a food access coordinator and outreach specialist in Yolo County’s Health and Human Services Agency. Her research interests include governance and urban planning policy mechanisms that can create healthier, more just communities for people and the planet and thinking critically about data’s role in distributive and procedural justice.
We recently asked Denyer about her work and thoughts on the field of public health as we mark National Public Health Week.
Berkeley Public Health: Tell us about the scope of your research.
Laurel Denyer: I currently research the connection between California’s climate policies, data tools, and investments to urban planning-related activities in environmental justice communities around the state. Understanding the context and process of policy-to-implementation and the impacts of data-driven tools so commonly used to focus funding and resources is vital to ensure frontline communities are receiving support.
What do you think the biggest challenge is in public health at the moment?
Here at the school of public health, we have a variety of concentrations which reflects the endless diversity of the field. As a student focused on the environmental impacts on public health, I’d say climate change is the largest looming challenge. But every concentration has their own biggest challenge, and we need everyone working to address those challenges.
How do you think we can restore public faith in public health?
When public health infrastructure is working and effectively protecting people and the planet’s health, it’s unseen. Public health has become much more “seen” in the last few years. It’s an opportunity to educate on the many facets that comprise public health, since public health really is present in everything—from workplace safety, to adapting to climate change, to basic needs such as food access and housing. By situating public health as something people interact with in their everyday lives, some of that trust can be built back up.
How do you think UC Berkeley School of Public Health is preparing you for your future career?
While at Berkeley Public Health and UC Berkeley more broadly, I’ve met and interact daily with some of the top minds in their respective fields. These people are innovative and thoughtful, and inspire me to be intentional and creative in my current and future work.