UNT Health faculty and doctoral students take on national leadership roles in public health
Dr. Malinee Neelamegam, Assistant Professor in the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNT Health)’s College of Public Health, is serving as the Caucus Director for the Asian & Pacific Islander Caucus for Public Health (APIC) within the American Public Health Association (APHA). The Caucus represents the unique health priorities of multilingual and multiethnic Asian and Pacific Islander populations across the United States.
This year, Dr. Neelamegam is joined in national leadership by two doctoral students from the College of Public Health: Shilpa Patil, who was elected Caucus Director-Elect, and Suruthi Sundaramurugan, who was elected Student and Young Professional Representative-Elect. Together, they represent UNT Health’s growing national presence in public health leadership and engagement.
“It’s an honor to see our students step into visible leadership roles on the national stage. Through mentorship and collaboration, we are shaping leaders who will continue advancing the public health mission beyond the classroom,” Dr. Neelamegam shares. “Their involvement reflects UNT Health’s commitment to preparing students who take initiative, lead, and influence the field at the highest levels.”
APIC which is the arm of APHA is dedicated to:
- Representing the needs and perspectives of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in public health research, practice, and policy.
- Organizing scientific sessions and policy discussions at the APHA Annual Meeting.
- Providing leadership and mentorship opportunities for public health professionals, students, and early-career practitioners.
- Fostering collaboration among researchers, educators, and community leaders to improve population health outcomes.
Through this work, APIC provides a national platform for professionals committed to addressing the distinct health challenges and strengths of Asian and Pacific Islander populations.
Dr. Neelamegam’s leadership and mentorship of doctoral students exemplifies UNT Health’s commitment to preparing the next generation of public health professionals for influential roles in national organizations. Under her guidance, students gain first-hand experience in leadership, governance, and policy discussions that shape the future of public health.
The participation of UNT Health faculty and students in APIC’s national leadership reflects the university’s strong engagement in advancing academic excellence, professional development, and representation across major public health platforms.