This issue of Continuum focuses on technology-enabled advances in the field of public health. This is the future of public health – but we still have a long way to go. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, it is estimated that life expectancy at birth was about 26 years. In classical Greece, about 28 years. By 1900, the world life expectancy at birth had increased to only 31 years. Since then, there has been an unprecedented increase in life expectancy. By 2016, life expectancy in the United States had reached 79 years. These strides are due, in large part, to the ongoing modernization of public health interventions. I invite you to discover in this issue the innovative methods being used by Brown Public Health students and faculty to improve population health today, and for future generations.
As many of you are aware, this will be my last Dean’s letter for Continuum. It has been both my honor and privilege to serve as the Dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health. I believe that the most important achievement of my leadership has been building a strong sense of community among our students, faculty, staff, and external partners. At our School, collaboration is at the core of our research and educational programs, building strong partnerships across campus and across the globe. These collaborations are integral to our work, inform our research, and provide crucial learning opportunities for our students. Our School is flourishing because of the remarkable people who work and study here. I will enjoy participating in the continued success of the School as a teacher, mentor and researcher. I am sincerely grateful to each of the faculty, staff, and students who have helped to create our vibrant School of Public Health and who will lead it into an even healthier future.
