School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Reno

08/31/2026

Congratulations to Stephanie S. Kruse on being named the 2026 Be the CHAnge Award honoree by Community Health Alliance

Stephanie has been a great friend to the School of Public Health and a valued member of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health Community Advisory Board. As a longtime supporter of our School, she generously shares her time, leadership and perspective to help strengthen our work and our relationships across Northern Nevada.
Her commitment extends well beyond our School, with a long history of philanthropy, mentorship and service dedicated to improving health and quality of life throughout the region.

We are fortunate to have Stephanie as part of our School of Public Health community and proud to see her recognized for the lasting difference she continues to make.

As Dean Muge Akpinar-Elci shared, “Women who lead with both strength and heart inspire others to believe in what is possible.”

Congratulations, Stephanie, on this well-deserved honor!

08/22/2026

Five days, so many classes, thousands of steps, countless selfies and lots of new friends. That’s a wrap on HealthFIT 2026! 🐺

This week, our newest School of Public Health students got to know the University of Nevada, Reno campus, met faculty and staff, heard from professionals working across health and public health, and most importantly connected with one another!

We hope you leave NevadaFIT with new connections, a little more confidence and plenty of excitement for what’s ahead.

Welcome to the Pack! We’re so glad you’re here.

Now get some rest! We’ll see you Monday! 💙💙

08/19/2026

Make connections. Ask for feedback. Get experience. Stay flexible. Don’t be afraid to fail. And have some fun along the way.

That was some of the advice our HealthFIT students heard from professionals working across health and public health in Nevada.

A big thank you to our HealthFIT Professionals Panel for sharing their career journeys and giving students an honest look at the experiences, relationships and lessons that helped get them where they are today:

- Andrea Esp, MPH, Northern Nevada Public Health
- Lily Helzer, MPH, Nevada Cancer Coalition
- Karissa Loper Machado, MPH, Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health
- Louis Mendiola, MHA, South Lyon Medical Center
- Nate Heitzenrader, BS, MPS, Swift Institute
- Jessica Yurtinus, PT, DPT, University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health

Their careers span public health preparedness, cancer prevention, workforce development, rural health care, neurosurgery and physical therapy, giving students a glimpse at just how many directions a career in health can take.

Thank you to our panelists for encouraging students to put themselves out there, learn from the people around them and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

08/19/2026

We’re excited to welcome Annick Borquez, MSc, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at the University of California San Diego, for a special guest presentation on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Dr. Borquez will present, “Intersectional issues in HIV/AIDS and solutions among migrant populations,” and share insights on the public health challenges and opportunities facing migrant communities.

🕛 Noon to 1 p.m.
🗓️ Thursday, Aug. 20
📍 LRC 205

Hosted by the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health and the Center for Drug Use, Equity, and Policy Research.

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend.

08/16/2026

Welcome to University of Nevada, Reno, NevadaFIT and School of Public Health!!

08/07/2026

Triple-digit heat this weekend can take a toll quickly, so knowing what to watch for matters.

Check in with yourself and those around you, recognize the signs of heat illness and know when it’s time to get help. A little awareness can go a long way toward keeping yourself and others safe in the heat.

Swipe through for a few ways to be heat smart as temperatures climb.

08/07/2026

Triple-digit temperatures are on the way this weekend!

Whether you’re heading to an outdoor event or spending time in the sun, dress cool, sip water often and plan ahead to help yourself and others beat the heat!

08/06/2026

Marena Works, ’95 BSN, ’07 MSN, MPH, devoted her career to strengthening public health across Nevada.

A member of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health’s first Master of Public Health cohort and a graduate of the Orvis School of Nursing - University of Nevada, Reno, Marena carried her education into a lifetime of service. She later gave back as a member of our Community Advisory Board and the first chair of School of Public Health's Alumni Chapter.

Marena also shared her experience with CASATunr, helping public health professionals better understand the challenges facing rural communities and the importance of policies and services that reflect their needs. Her voice and expertise remain available as a resource for professionals in Nevada and across the country.

Her legacy reflects the strength of connections across the School of Public Health, the Orvis School of Nursing and the Nevada Alumni & Friends community.

Swipe to read more about Marena’s legacy, then read the full Nevada Today story - https://zurl.co/er9Lw

08/05/2026

The experiences we have in childhood don't just shape our memories. They can shape our health for a lifetime.

In the newest episode of Brewing Better Health, Kristen Clements-Nolle, Ph.D., joins Dean Muge Akpinar-Elci, M.D., MPH, to discuss how positive childhood experiences and supportive relationships can help children thrive, even in the face of adversity.

As families prepare for a new school year, it's a timely reminder that connection, belonging and support matter.

Watch the full episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/3tPnSxkoACE?si=rWL-uPRSqFs13MOx

Kristen Clements-Nolle explains how positive childhood experiences, early prevention and supportive relationships can help children thrive in this podcast episode

08/04/2026

We often hear about adverse childhood experiences. But what about the positive experiences that help children thrive?

In the next episode of Brewing Better Health, Kristen Clements-Nolle, Ph.D., joins Dean Muge Akpinar-Elci, M.D., MPH, for a conversation about how supportive relationships, belonging and positive childhood experiences can strengthen resilience and support health throughout life.

Episode 7 premieres tomorrow on YouTube.