Dr. Yi Wang, assistant professor of environmental health science at the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health was recognized today by the de Beaumont Foundation as one of the inaugural 40 Under 40 in Public Health. The 40 rising stars of public health were chosen by a panel of judges for their fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving, and innovative health solutions in communities across the country.

“We launched 40 Under 40 to humanize the public health field and show the diversity of the individuals who commit to strengthening the health of our nation’s communities,” said Brian C. Castrucci, DrPH, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation. “Public health is different from healthcare, and by elevating the work and voices of these inspiring leaders, we hope to attract and motivate other professionals to bring creativity and innovation to the future of public health.” 

Nomination for 40 Under 40 in Public Health were submitted between November 2018 and February 2019. The nomination pool included job titles ranges from health commissioner and director of health equity to doula and epidemiologist. Each chosen honoree has made significant contributions to their community and the field of public health in their respective areas.

“The health of a nation relies on population health prevention as much as improving the health of individuals,” said Dr. Wang. “We are better off if we improve both simultaneously and don’t only advance one at the expense of the other.”

Marion County in Indiana has a long history of high-polluting industries, yet no information is available for health burden of hazards across communities. Dr. Wang created the Multilayer Data Community Action Tool (MDCAT), a data platform showing a clear picture of health burden and vulnerability related to environmental and social determinants of health in Indianapolis, and led a team in collaboration with the City of Indianapolis and community organizations to advance the inclusion of health equity in the Indy2020 Urban Plan. The tool accounts for social and health disadvantages, providing critical information to assess vulnerability for communities. It utilizes data extracted from publicly available local governmental websites and can be easily replicated to other U.S. counties.

Nominees were evaluated by a distinguished panel of professionals from the nonprofit, business, and higher education sectors on their demonstrated leadership, their contributions to their community’s health, and their collaboration with other organizations in public health and other sectors.

For more information about 40 Under 40 in Public Health, including detailed eligibility and selection criteria, visit https://www.debeaumont.org/40-under-40/.

About the de Beaumont Foundation

The de Beaumont Foundation creates and invests in bold solutions to build healthier communities. The Foundation advances policy, builds partnerships, and strengthens public health to create communities where people can achieve their best possible health.
www.debeaumont.org