Abdulwasiu Ibrahim, M.S.
Abdulwasiu Ibrahim, M.S., , M.S., doctoral student in epidemiology, was recently named one of the recipients of the 2025 African Community Association Book Scholarship, an annual award recognizing high-achieving African students in Northeast Ohio for their academic excellence and community engagement. He holds dual Master of Science degrees in biometry and epidemiology and conducts research on the longitudinal effects of social and economic conditions on mental health outcomes in the United States. Using nationally representative data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID, 2015–2023), his dissertation-in-progress examines how structural and intermediary social determinants- such as income, employment, housing, and social support - shape psychological distress across diverse populations, with attention to race, gender, and income mobility. Ibrahim presented his findings at the 2025 PSID Annual User Conference at the University of Michigan and will present at the 2025 Midwest Optimization Meeting at the University of North Dakota. Many congratulations, way to represent the College of Public Health!
Alan Talarczyk, M.S.
Congratulations to Alan Talarczyk, M.S., for his new role as research coordinator II at Cleveland Clinic. Beginning in 2019, Talarczyk, first generation student, attended Â鶹ÊÓƵ×îÐÂ×îÈ« University for two years, earning an Associate of Science degree. He then completed a Bachelor of Arts in psychology at The Ohio State University, and returned to Â鶹ÊÓƵ×îÐÂ×îÈ« for his graduate studies. In May 2025, Talarczyk received a Master of Science in clinical epidemiology and in August 2025 he started his new role at Cleveland Clinic. Best wishes! in your future career
Elizabeth Vergara, M.S.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Vergara, M.S., who has been recently accepted to the California Epidemiologic Investigation Service fellowship program. Vergara is currently placed at the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. She earned her Master of Science in clinical epidemiology from Â鶹ÊÓƵ×îÐÂ×îÈ« University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley. Vergara’s primary research interests include HIV prevention and care, cancer epidemiology, and reproductive health. She is particularly passionate about improving health outcomes for historically underserved communities through evidence-based interventions and policy-relevant research. Her interest in these areas stems from both academic inquiry and hands-on experience working directly with vulnerable populations. Best of luck!
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