The effort began during Family Weekend, when current students and their family members joined faculty to decorate 540 postcards. Additional public health students contributed throughout the semester, as did family members of faculty.

“It became a beautiful community-building activity that strengthened relationships across multiple groups,ā€ said Cindy Fair, professor of public health. ā€œWe even had graduates return for Alumni Weekend to join in the fun. It felt like a chance to give back to those who dedicated their lives to improving the health of all communities and were now struggling to find their professional footing.ā€

Public health student Mallory Otten ’26 reflected on the experience.

ā€œMaking postcards for our alumni showed me how powerful small acts of recognition can be,” said Otten. “Especially in a moment when public health is not always visible or valued, it felt important to honor alumni whose continued work represents the heart of our ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ community.ā€

Each postcard included a QR code linking recipients to the Office of Alumni Engagement, ensuring graduates can easily access the universityā€™s resources as they continue their professional journeys.

ā€œIt felt great to share words of encouragement with students who have served as mentors, even after graduating,ā€ added Niara Legette ’26. ā€œKnowing that public health is going through a period of uncertainty, itā€™s important to remain encouraged and to know that the ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ community is standing by them. My mom got super involved, and I think as a parent it meant a lot to support students who are in the position Iā€™ll likely be in a year from now.ā€

The project reflects the strong sense of community within ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ Public Health, one that extends beyond campus walls and supports graduates through both celebration and challenge.

The article, published in “Cancers,” is titled ā€œThere are two healing processes in cancer careā€”There is a physical healing and a mental adaptation process: A pilot study for preparing children and adolescents with osteosarcoma for limb amputation.”

Drawing on in-depth interviews with nine cancer survivors who experienced amputation during childhood or adolescence, the study highlights both the informational and emotional supports that helped patients prepare for and adjust to surgery. Survivors emphasized the value of clear communication, peer mentorship and supportive relationships with providers, while also identifying gaps in pain management resources, mental health care, and family support. This research is among the first to elicit in-depth perspectives from pediatric and adolescent survivors of osteosarcoma who experienced limb amputation.

ā€œOur findings underscore that amputation is not only a physical procedure but also a profound psychological transition,ā€ Fair said. ā€œBy listening directly to survivors, we can better guide healthcare teams in preparing patients and their families for both the challenges and the possibilities ahead.ā€

The findings provide guidance for developing holistic, patient-centered care strategies that integrate psychosocial preparation, peer connection and mental health services throughout the cancer journey.

Wiener is also the parent of Brett Brawerman ā€™12 and Marisa Brawerman ā€™10.Ā Before joining the ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ faculty, Fair worked with Wiener at the NIH. The full article is available .

Titled ā€œA Qualitative Study of Parent-Reported Biopsychosocial Challenges Among North American Families with Adopted Children Living with Perinatally-Acquired HIV,ā€ the article applies a biopsychosocial framework to better understand the complex realities these families face. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 22 adoptive caregivers, the research highlights that, while HIV is now a manageable medical condition thanks to effective antiretroviral treatment, families often grapple with significant psychological and social challenges.

Among the most pressing issues were early childhood trauma, racial discrimination and HIV-related stigma. Parents reported difficulties navigating disclosure in schools and communities, particularly when trying to advocate for their children without compromising their privacy. Many participants also emphasized the need for trauma-informed care and increased cultural sensitivity among healthcare and educational professionals.

ā€œParents described a reality in which HIV wasnā€™t the biggest challengeā€”it was the surrounding stigma, racism, and the long-term effects of trauma,ā€ said Fair. ā€œThis research calls for holistic support systems that reflect the lived experiences of adoptive families.ā€

The study was supported by ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ College Fellows and Undergraduate Research Programs. Wolgin, who plans to attend law school in the fall, served as a co-author on the project.

Sydney Barlow, Leadership Prize Recipient, presented her research titled ā€œAfter all those years in the orphanage, now heā€™s doing great:ā€ A qualitative longitudinal study of resilience in internationally adopted children and adolescents with PHIV. Her research analyzed interviews with the parents of the internationally adopted children to identify experiences of resilience throughout their childhood.

ā€œI have been fortunate to have received the Leadership Prize to work towards putting action in the next steps of the research,” Barlow said. “This work has opened my eyes in the world of HIV stigma and research and has truly been a transformative experience since starting in October 2021. ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ has provided me ample opportunities to receive funding and training to become a stronger researcher during my time at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ.ā€

Barlow and Fairā€™s research is under review in the Journal for Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies.

Carney Carney, Honors Fellow and Lumen Scholar, presented his research titled, ā€œHealth Care Utilization in the College Setting: Perspectives of Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes.” He investigated how ancillary health services are utilized by students with T1D. To study this question, Carney interviewed college students with T1D, their parents, and their providers. This research allowed him to learn about health care transition and the management of T1D during adolescence and emerging adulthood.

ā€œPresenting at SAHM was meaningful because I was able to speak with health care professionals and students who have a stake in adolescent health and even an endocrinologist who showed interest in my work,” Carney said. “Hearing from leaders in the field through the breakout sessions further inspired me to continue caring about adolescent health as I pursue medical school.ā€

Fair said she was impressed by the development she saw in these students. ā€œIt was a real honor to watch Sydney and Cole present their years-long research to leading practitioners and researchers in the field of adolescent medicine,ā€ Fair said.

Watts/Thompson Professor and Chair of the Department of Public Health Studies Cindy Fair and Public Health Studies alumna Johanna Crump ā€™21 have published a qualitative study examining parent perspectives of internationally adopted children with HIV (IACH).

Published in AIDS Care, the qualitative analysis investigates how parents of IACH help their child navigate sexuality and dating in adolescence and young adulthood. Study co-authors include Fair, Sarah Alger ā€™17, Rosemary Olivero of Helen DeVos Childrenā€™s Hospital, M.D., Claudia Crowell of Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich in Germany, M.D., and Yaphet Bryant, Ph.D.

Crump and Fair utilized standard qualitative methods to code and analyze interviews with 44 parents for the published project titled “Parent perspectives on sexual and reproductive health with internationally adopted youth living with HIV.” Parents were asked about potential challenges that may occur as their child matures and their experiences revealed four primary themes: concerns about sex and dating were universal; some parents had not discussed sex with their child due to age/level of maturity; others had discussed sex with their child and approached ā€œthe talkā€ through one or multiple lenses (faith/Christian principles and/or the importance of comprehensive sex education/openness); and although nervous about sex/dating, all parents emphasized HIV is a manageable illness and expressed optimism for the future.

This was Crumpā€™s first hands-on experience with qualitative research, which ultimately inspired and led her to pursue full-time research opportunities following graduation, specifically within sexual and reproductive health and HIV. Today, she works at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in the Division of Global Womenā€™s Health supporting a variety of projects related to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in Lusaka, Zambia.

This article was based on part of Bingamanā€™s Lumen Prize and Honors Fellow research. Co-authors included Fair, Alison Hamilton of UCLA, Dr. Rosemary Olivero of Helen DeVos Childrenā€™s Hospital, and Claudia Crowell of Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich in Germany.

The longitudinal project titled, “Literally the hardest part about having a positive child is disclosure: Child and family stigma management strategies among U.S. parents of internationally adopted children with perinatally-acquired HIV,” analyzed two 60-minute interviews with 24 adoptive parents.

Qualitative analyses identified six child-focused strategies to reduce stigma, including incremental disclosure. Parents considered their childā€™s maturity and level of curiosity as well as ability to maintain privacy. After full disclosure, strategies were developed to help prepare their child for HIV stigma through education and empowerment. Family-focused strategies included normalizing conversations about HIV as well as race and adoption and limiting disclosure beyond the home through shared family guidelines.

This project was Bingamanā€™s first hands-on research experience, which inspired and served as the foundation for her early career as a research analyst at RTI, where she specializes in qualitative data analysis. Bingaman continues to build on her qualitative experience at RTI by conducting and supporting interviews and focus groups. Bingaman then uses inductive, deductive and rapid data analysis approaches to analyze the data and formulate meaningful reports for clients. Bingaman works on a variety of projects related to HIV, substance use disorder, GM1 gangliosidosis, among others.

The seeds of this line of inquiry were planted by Eliza Gibson ā€™13 in Fairā€™s Human Service Studies Senior Seminar where she was interested in the intersection between adoption and HIV. Gibson and Fair published ā€œI would to HIV adoption 100 times over againā€ An exploratory Study of Families with Internationally adopted children with PHIV in Adoption Quarterly (2016). Since then, multiple projects have evolved from this early work and it is our hope findings can be applied support this growing population with complex needs

Utilizing data collected from phone interviews with a variety of caregivers (biological parents, adoptive parents, step-parents, and extended family) the data was coded and organized by theme. Titled ā€œI Have Hope, but Iā€™m Worriedā€: Perspectives on Parenting Adolescents and Young Adults Living with Perinatally-Acquired HIV,” many families were met with the juxtaposition of hope for the future and worry stemming from past experiences of discrimination and stigma. Other common themes that arose from the data include day-to-day concerns related to treatment adherence and safer sex practices, especially as these adolescents step into the independence of adulthood.

Jutras, a 2020 graduate who double-majored in public health and human service studies at ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ, spoke of the important intersection of this research between the medical field and social work.

ā€œFor many of the families who participated, a common theme was a lack of support and respect they received from the medical community at large,” Jutras said. “By providing medical professionals with the knowledge and comfortability in discussing sexual health, addressing both implicit and explicit biases, and improving referral pathways to mental health support, patients will feel better supported and likely have improved health outcomes. For many folks, and particularly individuals living with HIV, going to the doctor is not only about medical needs, but socioemotional needs as wellā€.

After two and a half years of coding, writing, and revising, Fair and Jutras published their research in the peer-reviewed journal Families, Systems, and Health. Today, Jutras is an MSW/MPH candidate at Boston University continuing her studies in medical social work.

ā€œIt is heartwarming to know that even after graduating from ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ I still have such strong connections with the community,” Jutras said,Ā reflecting on her collaborative work with Fair. “It speaks a lot to Dr. Fairā€™s passion for her work that she continued collaborating virtually after I left ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ. It has been an honor to work alongside her and learn from such a leader in the field of public healthā€.

Faith Glover ā€™22 partnered with Professor Cynthia Fair to present research at the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine, the International AIDS Conference while Arianna Wolgin ā€™22 will join Glover and Fair to present at the Ryan White Conference this summer.

Glover, a senior public health studies major, presented research focused on internationally adopted children with HIV, and their transition from pediatric to adult care at the Society of Adolescent Health in spring 2022. Her presentation was entitled, ā€œI feel like weā€™re approaching a cliff”: Perspectives on health care transition among parents of internationally adopted children with HIV.ā€ Their was also published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

ā€œIt was a wonderful experience to be able to present research alongside leading adolescent health professionals,” Glover said. “I am really looking forward to the future opportunities of sharing our project and being able to learn from researchers across the globe.ā€

Glover and Fair have also been accepted to present at the 24th International AIDS Conference in July/August 2022 in Montreal, Canada. The conference is the worldā€™s largest HIV conference and includes presenters from numerous countries and is focused on the global response to AIDS. The title of their presentation is ā€œOur children are coming to us with trauma and loss. Healthcare providers need to know that.ā€: Perspectives on Accessing Healthcare among Parents of Internationally Adopted Children Living with HIVā€.

Wolgin will present with Glover and Fair at the Ryan White Conference in August 2022. This project is entitled ā€œWhat we want you to know: Advice to clinicians from adoptive families living with HIV,ā€ and included a discussion with parents of adopted children with HIV regarding complexities that arise from disclosure, care coordination/engagement, sexuality and dating, and transition to adult care while sharing their individual parenting strategies and struggles. Co-authors of this project include MorĆ©nike Giwa Onaiwu, Michelle Turner, and Jess Wiederholt.

“It speaks highly of the caliber of research conducted by both Faith and Arianna that their work has been accepted to top conferences in adolescent health and HIV,” Fair said.

Sophie Rupp ā€˜16, ĀŅĀ׏Óʵ College Fellow and Lumen Scholar, published research on how young adults with end-stage renal disease navigate in education or employment settings. The research, “,” is published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

In addition to Fair, co-authors include Hannah Korycinski ā€˜21 and Dr. Maria Ferris, Professor, director of The UNC Self-management and Transition (STARx) Program at UNC-Chapel Hill.

The research of Honors Fellow and Lumen Scholar Michelle Reissig ā€˜17 was published in the Journal of Midwifery and Womenā€™s Health, along with co-authors Bethany Houpt ā€™15, a certified nurse-midwife, Vicki Latham and Fair. Findings underscore the important role that birth stories can play in shaping birth expectations. Their research is titled “.”

Junie Burke ā€˜19, Honors Fellow and Odyssey Scholar, sought to identify the psychosocial interventions and services provided to children with cancer and their family members, to ascertain whether there are differences in interventions provided by age of the patient and stage of treatment, and to learn about barriers to psychosocial service provision. The article, “,” was co-authored by Dr. Lori Wiener (National Institutes of Health), Dr. Marie Barnett (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center), Dr. Stacy Flowers (Wright State University), Dr. Amanda Thompson (Inova Schar Cancer Institute) and Fair.

The chapter was co-authored by Lori Wiener (National Institutes of Health), Marie Barnett (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center), Stacy Flowers (Wright State University), and Amanda Thompson (Inova Schar Cancer Institute).Ā  It examines the wide array of evidence-based interventions that can help pediatric cancer patients and their families cope with the emotional stresses of a cancer diagnosis.Ā  The authors shared interventions by phase of treatment from initial diagnosis to bereavement care, emphasizing the importance of utilizing those interventions with sufficient evidence to support the therapeutic effect of a particular modality.