Population Health

The governors of Iowa and North Dakota recently announced mandates that require people to wear masks in public. Both leaders previously resisted mask rules but issued them in the past week as daily COVID-19 cases spiked in their states, overrunning hospitals and intensive care units. Christopher Adolph, associate professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

The 2020 census has been subject to court fights, shifting deadlines and pandemic-related process adjustments. Sara Curran, director of the UW Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, explains the developments with this year’s count.

Honors Peer Educator Zoe Mertz felt more engaged than ever by this year’s online Global Challenges event, saying: "I really appreciated the range of knowledge and disciplinary experience the speakers brought to the conversation; and the topic felt immediate and relevant to students in all disciplines." A video recording of Drs. Bushnell, Spigner and Koutnik's Nov. 12 discussion on communicating crises across a divided public is available to view and to share.

Danyelle Thomas (BS, Biochemistry 2007) discusses her career in improving the health outcomes of underserved communities.

During the pandemic, many people have leaned into art and hobbies to ease the stress of everyday life. For Chanhee Choi, a multidisciplinary interactive artist and Ph.D. candidate in the University of Washington Digital Arts and Experimental Media department, art became a way to reflect on her experience with discrimination and racism as a Korean in America during the pandemic.

A new UW study finds that denser neighborhoods reach peak infection rate earlier while nearby neighborhoods won’t reach their peak infection until weeks or even years later. Zack Almquist, assistant professor of sociology at the UW, is quoted.

“2020: The Course” gives students an opportunity to hear from UW professors and special guests who will discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, race in the United States, the state of the environment, the economic recession, civic participation, citizenship and this election season and outcomes.

While the first known case of COVID-19 was located in Snohomish County back in January, the infection has not spread through the Emerald City’s neighborhoods evenly, according to new research from the University of Washington. Zack Almquist, assistant professor of sociology at the UW, is quoted.

A research team led by UC Irvine and the University of Washington has created a new model of coronavirus diffusion through a community. 

The University of Washington’s Center for Human Rights plans to file public records requests with local governments and law enforcement agencies to monitor immigration enforcement and activity in the state.

How the country has arrived at its current circumstances and what can be done to move forward as a nation were the main themes of an Oct 21 lecture Francis gave called “Protests for the Soul of a Nation.”

Named one of Puget Sound Business Journal's "40 under 40," as the chief strategy officer and chief of staff for Seattle Foundation, Michele Frix (BA, International Studies, 2007) lead the Seattle Foundations efforts after Covid-19 made its way to the region.

Named one of Puget Sound Business Journal's "40 under 40," as the chief strategy officer and chief of staff for Seattle Foundation, Michele Frix (BA, International Studies, 2007) lead the Seattle Foundations efforts after Covid-19 made its way to the region.

As we approach the first COVID-19 winter in Seattle, a city with deep Scandinavian roots, a Scandinavian concept known as friluftsliv may also be a helpful model for continuing to spend time outdoors during the coldest, darkest time of the year. Andy Meyer, assistant teaching professor of Scandinavian studies at the UW, is quoted.

Concerned about the lack of health coverage for undocumented individuals, UW senior Marium Raza is taking action.