Inaugural “PH-CARES Changemakers”, a University of Memphis School of Public Health initiative

October 31, 2025 - In Fall 2025, the University of Memphis School of Public Health (UofM SPH) announced an initiative to create opportunities for public health students to come up with innovative, out-of-the-box, creative ideas that can lay the foundation to solve some of the pressing public health challenges here in the City of Memphis and beyond.

Over twenty students’ proposals were awarded mini-grants. Participants will receive support through a Faculty Advisory Implementation Group and SPH staff along with three workshops focused on idea implementation and presentation skills. Final presentations will take place on March 27, 2026.

On October 31, 2025, PH CARES Changemakers Operationalization meeting took place.  The workshop provided the opportunity to meet other awardees and learn about all the proposals as well as discuss the operationalization of the projects.  Students met the PH CARES Changemakers Faculty Advisory Implementation Group and SPH staff who will guide them through the next six months.

For more information about the initiative, click on the link  PH-CARES Changemakers - School of Public Health - The University of Memphis

(L to R) Dr. Fanta Gutema, Assistant Research Professor of Epidemiology, Bhavya Pundir, Social and Behavioral Sciences PhD candidate, and Laura Granack, SPH Coordinator, listen intently as PH CARES Changemakers proposals are shared

Dr. Ashish Joshi, SPH Dean and a Distinguished University Professor engages students

PH CARES Changemakers, Faculty Advisory Implementation Group and SPH staff at Operationalization meeting