Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine is adding another full-time epidemiologist to its Traverse City campus. “We see real benefits in our medical education partnerships with Munson Healthcare and Munson Medical Center,” says Aron Sousa, M.D., interim dean at the College of Human Medicine. “Our researchers here in Traverse City are available to help local physicians, physician residents and our medical students at the local campus connect with the research opportunities and resources available at the university. It also gives our researchers here access to opportunities in northwest Michigan.”

Epidemiologist and assistant professor at the College of Human Medicine Jean Kerver, Ph.D., M.Sc., R.D., has been in Traverse City for more than a year as part of the College of Human Medicine’s efforts to promote public health in rural communities. She has now been joined by assistant professor and epidemiologist Kelly Hirko, Ph.D., M.P.H. Hirko’s research focuses on how lifestyle and racial and socioeconomic disparities affect the etiology of cancer.

Kerver said since arriving in Traverse City she has worked on several research projects, including an effort with the help of OB/GYN physicians at Grand Traverse Women’s Clinic to enroll 70 women in perinatal research. The study is part of a statewide project looking at how environmental exposures during pregnancy affect the health of children as they grow.

Another study set to kick off involves the impact of increasing fiber in a pregnant woman’s diet and how that affects the biome in their digestive system and their baby’s digestive system. There is also a study on breast-feeding and weight management in conjunction with the Healthy Future’s program, a partnership among Munson Healthcare, regional health care providers, and health departments.