The clinical trial led by , professor in the University of Louisville School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics and neonatologist with Norton Children’s, found a customized approach to treating babies with opioid withdrawal helps them recover faster than current standardized practices.

The findings were recently published in the (JAMA), one of the nation’s leading medical journals. More than 100 researchers across the country contributed to the study.

Every year, over 1,000 Kentucky babies are born with ). The syndrome can develop when mothers ingest opioids during pregnancy, causing the infant to experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. Those symptoms can include irritability, difficulty with feeding and sleeping concerns.

The study compared two treatments: a fixed medication schedule and a symptom-based approach that adjusts care based on the severity of each infant’s symptoms. Results showed babies treated with the symptom-based approach recovered faster.

When this individualized treatment was combined with the Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) model of care – which includes family involvement, holding and swaddling before prescribing medication – infants with NOWS left the hospital an average of 2.3 days sooner. Notably, 65% of babies treated with this approach did not need scheduled opioid medications and gradual weaning.

“These findings confirm that ESC, combined with symptom-based dosing, helps babies recover faster and reduces unnecessary medication exposure,” Devlin said. “This work represents a true team effort involving researchers, nurses, administrators and families across the nation, including our team at Norton Children’s Research Institute and the UofL Department of Pediatrics.”

Nearly two dozen hospitals nationwide participated in the study, including neonatal intensive care units (NICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital and UofL Hospital.

The study builds on more than a decade of research aimed at improving care for infants with NOWS. Devlin previously led the ESC-NOW trial that showed using the family-centered ESC approach reduced hospital stays by about a week and decreased the need for medication from 52% to 19%.

“This research is actively changing how babies with NOWS are treated around the world,” Devlin said. “Our team is currently conducting another multicenter study to determine the best type of medication for NOWS.”

UofL faculty members Sucheta Telang, M.D., Scott Duncan, M.D. and Ryan Smith, M.D. were co-authors on the study.

The study was funded by the (NIH), with support from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the NIH HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative.

IBD, which includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affects millions of people worldwide. The disease is characterized by chronic inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining. A healthy gut barrier helps keep harmful bacteria from leaking out of the intestines, while allowing nutrients to enter the body. In people with IBD, that barrier becomes weakened, leading to inflammation, pain and long-term complications.

A research team led by , associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and UofL’s Brown Cancer Center, discovered how a naturally occurring microbial metabolite called urolithin A, or UroA, which is generated by gut bacteria after digestion of foods such as pomegranates, walnuts and berries, activates a protective pathway in the intestine that may help preserve gut health.

The study, , focuses on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, or AHR, a protein that acts as a sensor for environmental, dietary and microbial signals. Researchers have long known that AHR can contribute to harmful effects when activated by certain environmental toxins, but previous studies also suggested that activation by beneficial dietary compounds may support gut health. Scientists have not fully understood why this is the case until now.

These new findings suggest that the outcome depends on where and how strongly AHR is activated.

Researchers at UofL found that UroA selectively activates AHR in intestinal epithelial cells, the specialized cells that line and protect the gut. That targeted activation of AHR in intestinal epithelial cells triggers a cellular defense system known as the NLRP6 inflammasome. Although inflammasomes are commonly associated with harmful inflammatory responses, this study found they can also serve as a protective role.

When activated by UroA in intestinal epithelial cells, the NLRP6 inflammasome led to the release of the right amount of molecules that are associated with maintaining normal intestinal function and that help repair the gut lining, strengthen the intestinal barrier, increase protective mucus production and enhance antimicrobial defenses, rather than promoting inflammation.

This study shows, for the first time, how a natural microbial product works together with the body’s response to control complex molecular and cellular processes during intestinal injury, helping preserve gut health and reduce tissue damage.

“The findings show that not all inflammatory pathways are harmful,” said , previously a postdoctoral researcher in Jala’s laboratory and lead investigator on the study. “Under the right conditions and in the right cells, these pathways can play an essential role in maintaining gut health and supporting tissue repair.”

The team confirmed the mechanism using multiple experimental systems, including cell and organoid studies, as well as intestinal tissue samples from patients with IBD, demonstrating that UroA activated the same protective pathway in human tissue. Their findings indicate that rather than broadly suppressing the immune system, it may be possible to develop new therapies for IBD and other gastrointestinal diseases that target specific protective pathways in certain cell types.

“This study helps us better understand how natural compounds produced through interactions between diet, gut microbes and the body can influence disease processes,” Jala said. “By identifying this specific protective pathway, we may be able to develop more targeted therapeutic approaches that restore intestinal balance instead of broadly suppressing immune responses.”

Jala previously led research that discovered the in the gut. This study furthers that work by revealing how UroA interacts with the immune system to improve intestinal health.

“This extraordinary new space is no longer a promise, it is a reality,” said UofL President Gerry Bradley. “It enables our exceptional pediatric neurorecovery team to further expand what is possible for children recovering from spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions.”

Located within UofL Health – Frazier Rehab Institute, the new 13,631-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility brings clinical care, therapy and research together in one space, creating a first-of-its-kind environment designed to accelerate recovery and expand access for children with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions.

“This ribbon cutting represents far more than a new space. It represents new possibilities for children and families,” said Andrea Behrman, director of the center and professor in UofL’s Department of Neurological Surgery. “We now have a purpose-built facility that matches the innovation of our work, allowing us to deliver more intensive therapies, expand research and ultimately improve outcomes for the children we serve.”

For more than a decade, the program has been a national leader in pediatric neurorecovery, growing from serving one child per day to more than 20 daily therapy visits. The new facility replaces previously fragmented spaces, creating a cohesive environment that enhances collaboration among clinicians, researchers and families.

Supported by a $1 million grant from Kosair for Kids, along with $2 million in federal funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration and additional philanthropic support, the expansion increases the center’s treatment capacity by 33%, allowing up to 24 children per day to receive life-changing therapies.

“Kosair for Kids has proudly supported this program since its beginning, and today we celebrate what that commitment has made possible,” said Barry Dunn, president and CEO of Kosair for Kids. “This new space allows us to reach more children, provide greater hope and continue delivering on our promise to help every child live life to the fullest.”

The expansion also reflects strong leadership and advocacy at the federal level. Congressman Morgan McGarvey and former Congressman John Yarmuth helped secure critical funding to support the project. In addition, a meaningful bequest from the estate of Jane Burian, in memory of Dr. Frank J. Burian and Henrietta S. Burian, will leave a lasting legacy for the children and families served by the center.

“While research is a critical part of the broader program, our role at that makes a difference for families,” said Miranda Garvin, president of Frazier Rehab Institute.��“It is this unique model that has elevated Frazier to one of the top rehabilitation centers in the country. This new space will offer children access to advanced rehabilitation in a way that simply isn’t available in most settings.”

The center plays a critical role in advancing research through the , helping translate scientific discovery into real-world recovery. By conducting research alongside clinical care, the center accelerates the impact of scientific inquiry on patient care, strengthening UofL’s position as a global leader in pediatric neurorecovery.

Facility highlights include:

• Fully integrated therapy and research spaces to accelerate collaboration and innovation
• Specialized treatment areas for children and teens of all ages
• Private consultation rooms to support families and care teams
• A welcoming, family-centered common space for caregivers
• Advanced rehabilitation technologies tailored to pediatric needs

In addition to clinical care and research, the center will serve as a hub for training future therapists, physicians and researchers, ensuring continued advancement in the field for years to come.

Support from the Shelley Trimble Fund for Pediatric NeuroRecovery continues to help families access critical therapies, regardless of insurance limitations, expanding the reach and impact of the center’s work.

View the .��

Central to this success is Get Healthy Now’s strategic outreach to medical plan enrollees, encouraging preventive care through primary care provider visits while elevating awareness of chronic condition management and mental health resources. These coordinated efforts have contributed to measurable increases in participation across wellness programs, demonstrating the power of intentional, inclusive engagement.

The awards also recognize UofL’s continued commitment to wellness during times of adversity, highlighting how colleagues across the university come together to support one another on their wellness journeys, even through difficult times. Further underscoring this commitment, the university embedded well-being into its future direction through Strategy 1.2, “Champion well-being, belonging and a flexible, adaptive work environment,” within UofL’s 2026-30��. Together, these honors celebrate not only program excellence, but shared dedication to cultivating a healthier, more resilient university community built on collaboration, compassion and care.

“I am deeply honored to accept these awards on behalf of the University of Louisville,” said Tamara Iacono, wellness coordinator for Get Healthy Now. “Seeing our campus community come together with such intention and compassion, especially during challenging times, has been truly inspiring. This recognition affirms the collective commitment of our colleagues to prioritizing wellness and supporting one another. I am grateful that well-being remains a university-wide priority, and I look forward to continuing to build on this strong foundation as we advance our focus on wellness through the new Strategic Plan.”

That collective commitment is reflected across the campus community��and��in close collaboration among wellness leaders. Iacono works closely with Whitney Sweeney-Martin, director of faculty success and well-being, to align and advance university-wide wellness initiatives. A passionate advocate for well-being herself, Sweeney-Martin served as a speaker at this year’s event, delivering��The Journey of Alignment: From Personal Well-being to Collective Impact. Her remarks emphasized the powerful connection between individual well-being and team culture, inviting participants to explore how self-awareness, intention and compassion can drive positive, collective outcomes; values that closely mirror the collaborative approach she and Iacono bring to UofL’s wellness work every day.

These awards celebrate the work underway and��signal what’s possible when wellness is prioritized at every level of the university. With strong collaboration, bold vision and continued commitment, UofL remains focused on advancing a culture of well-being that empowers its people and strengthens the university for the future.

UofL encourages employees to explore available resources at the����and continue building a healthier workplace together.��

With an estimated cost of $280 million, the building represents the largest single-project funding package in UofL’s history. The State of Kentucky has allocated $260 million toward the project, with the university providing the remaining $20 million.

“Today marks more than the start of a new building. It reflects a bold commitment to the future of health in our community and across Kentucky,” said President Gerry Bradley. “This new health sciences facility will accelerate discovery, strengthen our workforce and expand access to high-quality care. It’s an investment in people, in partnership and a powerful step toward building healthier lives, stronger families and a more resilient region.”

The , located along Preston Street from Chestnut to Gray, will be a connecting point for the UofL Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing and Public Health and Information Sciences. The building features extensive medical simulation facilities, along with dedicated spaces for learning, research and work. The six-story, 257,000-square-foot structure will enable UofL to increase enrollment in health professions programs to meet existing and future health care workforce demands.

“Investing in the UofL Health Sciences Center is a direct investment in the future of Kentucky’s economy. By modernizing how we train our next generation of nurses, doctors and dentists through simulation training, we are ensuring that our commonwealth remains a leader in health care innovation,” said Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers. “A healthy workforce is the backbone of a strong economy, and this facility will provide the critical infrastructure needed to train the next generation of health care professionals to serve the people of the commonwealth.”��

The space is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary learning, instilling a collaborative, interprofessional approach to health sciences. The goal is to advance health professions education, empowering the next generation of health care providers to improve health and health care for people in Louisville, across Kentucky and beyond.

“Building a strong and resilient economy for Kentucky families starts with investing in people – those including our health care workforce. This state-of-the-art simulation facility will give students the hands-on training they need to master complex clinical skills before ever entering a hospital room,” said David Osborne, speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives. “By modernizing health care education, we are strengthening the pipeline of highly trained professionals ready to meet the demands of a 21st-century economy. Ultimately, this investment will lead to better care, improved outcomes and healthier communities across the commonwealth.”

The building’s modular classroom and conference spaces, research labs and workspaces are designed with the needs of learners and instructors in mind. UofL’s School of Public Health and Information Sciences will be completely housed within the building, while other spaces are customized for the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine and Nursing.

Extensive simulation facilities will incorporate the latest technology where health professions students, residents and clinical professionals can gain practical skills training. Jarrod Young, , is leading the development, integration and strategic direction of the simulation spaces.

“This groundbreaking is an investment in Louisville’s future,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “By uniting education, research and hands-on training, UofL’s new Health Sciences Building will grow the next generation of health care professionals, strengthen our workforce, improve health outcomes for people across Kentucky and reinforce Louisville’s role as a leading medical and education hub for Kentucky and beyond.”

The structure is infused with an emphasis on collaboration, engagement and wellbeing for those who use each space, with formal and informal working and gathering spaces, natural light and easy access to landscaped outdoor spaces. Casual dining and seating options encourage personal interaction. Abundant windows are enhanced with a unique scrim to prevent glare and heat gain, while still taking advantage of sunlight. The space provides multiple opportunities to access nature with plantings along the perimeter, terraced outdoor space and a microforest of dense natural landscaping on the building’s south side.

The building sits along the main corridor of the and borders the , which is improving walkability, health and safety by enhancing walkways and adding trees and green spaces to the streetscape.

The building design is a product of architects Champlin | EOP with Perkins&Will, and Messer construction is the general contractor. Construction is expected to be completed in 2029.

To learn more, visit the .��View a of the construction site.

See the complete gallery of photos from the .

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In a study in the journal Environmental Research, researchers compared blood samples of people participating in the . The researchers found that people living in greener neighborhoods showed immune patterns consistent with lower chronic inflammation, including lower levels of several circulating immune cells linked to inflammatory activity, such as monocytes, natural killer cells, B cells and some white blood cell types.

“The study also found evidence of a shift toward a more regulated immune profile, suggesting that nearby trees and vegetation may do more than improve quality of life – they may also influence the body’s immune system in ways that support cardiovascular health,” said Daniel Riggs, assistant professor in UofL’s and first author of the study. “While the study cannot prove cause and effect, the findings add to growing evidence that greener residential environments may be an important public health resource for reducing inflammation and promoting long-term health.”

The findings provide additional support for preliminary findings from the Green Heart Louisville Project showing that people living in neighborhoods where the number of trees and shrubs was more than doubled had lower levels of a blood biomarker of inflammation than those living outside the planted areas. Those living in the greened area had 13-20% lower levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) than those living in the areas that did not receive additional trees and shrubs. Higher levels of hsCRP are strongly associated with a risk of cardiovascular disease. Higher CRP levels also indicate a higher risk of diabetes and certain cancers.

The recent study evaluated the immune function of Green Heart Louisville Project participants based on the greenness of their residential environment prior to the addition of trees for the project.

“These studies show that greener neighborhoods don’t just look better; they appear to educate our immune system in ways that may reduce chronic inflammation and disease risk,” said Aruni Bhatnagar, director of the Envirome Institute. “They align with the Envirome Institute’s mission of identifying environmental conditions that shape human health and translating those insights into strategies for improving the health of our communities.”

UofL in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, Washington University in St. Louis, Hyphae Design Laboratory and others to study whether and how living among more densely greened surroundings contributes to better heart health.

Using the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s culinary medicine curriculum as its foundation, the classes blend nutrition science, nutrition counseling, hands-on culinary skills and exposure to world flavors into a practical, case-based course for future physicians. Fourth-year medical students learn to translate dietary guidelines into realistic meal ideas, practice counseling language they can use in a clinical setting and prepare dishes that support common medical nutrition needs, such as cardiometabolic health and diabetes.

The course is led by Kristen Neises, director of lifestyle medicine at the UofL Trager Institute, along with Chef Nikkia Rhodes and is held at the institute’s Culinary Medicine Kitchen, which .

UofL News checked in with Charmi Shah, a fourth-year medical student who participated in the fall semester course, about her experience.

UofL News: What interested you about the culinary medicine course at the Trager Institute’s Culinary Medicine Kitchen?

Charmi Shah: I have always loved cooking and consider myself a true foodie. I grew up helping my mom in the kitchen whenever I could and have always enjoyed trying restaurants and cuisines from all over the world. So, when this culinary medicine course was offered, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. The idea of earning school credit while cooking delicious meals (and getting to eat them afterward) sounded like the perfect combination of passion and learning.

As a vegetarian, I also was especially excited knowing the meals would be plant-based. I am constantly looking for ways to increase protein intake and make healthier substitutions in my own meals, so I knew this class would offer lessons I could apply both personally and professionally. It felt like the perfect opportunity to blend something I genuinely enjoy with my medical education.

UofL News: Could you describe your experience working hands-on in the kitchen and what you learned?

Shah: Each week focused on a different cuisine or meal type, from Asian-inspired dishes to breakfast foods, bowls and even desserts. Before class, we watched instructional videos on cooking techniques and read articles or publications on relevant nutrition topics so we could come prepared for meaningful discussion at the start of the class.

During class, we split into pairs and divided up the recipes, preparing the dishes ourselves. The hands-on experience made the learning incredibly engaging. After cooking, we cleaned the kitchen together as a group and then sat down to enjoy the meal we had created. One of my favorite parts was role-playing patient scenarios, where we practiced applying what we had learned in realistic clinical conversations. It reinforced how to translate nutrition science into practical, culturally sensitive advice. And of course, taking home leftovers was an added bonus.

Beyond learning new cooking skills, I gained a deeper understanding of macronutrient balance, plant-based protein sources, portion control, and how small ingredient substitutions can significantly improve nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.

UofL News: Why do you think it is important for future health care providers to learn nutrition science?

Shah: Nutrition science is foundational to preventive medicine. Many of the leading causes of death in the U.S., including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are strongly associated with lifestyle factors. While medications are essential in many cases, addressing diet and daily habits is often just as critical.

Exercise is important, but as many physicians emphasize, meaningful weight loss and long-term health begin with the exercise of eating first. Future health care providers must be equipped not only to diagnose and prescribe but also to provide more holistic care by guiding patients toward sustainable lifestyle improvements. Without adequate training in nutrition, physicians may feel unprepared to provide specific, actionable advice.

UofL News: How do you hope to apply these lessons in your approach to health care?

Shah: As someone planning to go into family medicine, I have a strong interest in lifestyle medicine. This course reinforced my belief that physicians should look beyond simply prescribing medications and instead consider how to empower patients to modify their daily habits.

It is one thing to tell a Hispanic patient with diabetes to “avoid sugar,” but it is much more impactful to provide culturally tailored, realistic alternatives. For example, suggesting corn tortillas instead of white flour tortillas, encouraging more beans and less processed meat, discussing portion sizes of rice or chips that may be dietary staples or offering fruit-based dessert swaps instead of traditional fried sweets like churros. These kinds of practical, culturally sensitive recommendations are far more meaningful than generic advice.

Being part of the pilot culinary medicine course felt incredibly special, and I truly believe every medical student would benefit from this experience. I hope to continue expanding my knowledge in culinary and lifestyle medicine and incorporate these lessons into my future primary care practice, helping patients see that healthy living can be both achievable and enjoyable.

Q&A by Samantha Adams

The project design, a multi-phase transformation supported by $6.75 million in combined city and state funding, features expanded sidewalks, increased tree canopy and extensive landscaping. New curb extensions will introduce seating areas and further soften the urban environment. By enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, the project aims to create a street that is safer and more welcoming to the thousands of employees, students and patients who traverse the district daily.

In collaboration with city officials and project partners Gresham Smith and Pace Contracting, LOUMED has begun project construction for the project in the 300 block of East Chestnut Street. This location allows the new work to physically and visually connect the streetscape to LOUMED Commons, a public park opened in November 2025 that converted a vacant lot into vital green space, and to enhance UofL’s Health Sciences Center.

The project is located within the study area of Greenprint, a 10-year initiative coordinated by UofL’s and its affiliated Urban Design Studio. Greenprint integrates science-based greening strategies into downtown Louisville’s growth and redevelopment, optimizing new green spaces so they can have the greatest impact on human health. The initiative links separate projects like LOUMED Commons and the Chestnut Street improvements, ensuring a shared commitment to creating a cooler, cleaner and healthier Louisville.

The Chestnut Street Improvement Project is informed by walkability studies and temperature monitoring conducted by UofL’s Center for Geographic Information Sciences (ULCGIS), which recently became part of the Envirome Institute. Using drone-mounted thermal imaging sensors to map surface temperatures across project areas, ULCGIS staff identify hot spots and provide data to help guide planting strategies that can cool the city and support healthier, more comfortable microenvironments. Researchers will continue to monitor the impact of this greening on the local microclimate and human health and comfort to develop a replicable national model for greening urban pedestrian areas in other cities.

Construction for the Chestnut Street project is proceeding in a phased approach to minimize disruption. Work on the current block is scheduled for completion later this year. Crews will then immediately begin improvements on the three subsequent blocks extending east from South Preston to South Clay streets, with the full eastern section projected to be complete in 2027.

It is the first Power 50 recognition for all three men.

Two members of the , Christopher Dischinger and John Hollenbach, also are among those recognized.

For the sixth consecutive year, Business First has published the list of 50 most influential business and civic leaders in the region. Louisville Business First selected honorees from individuals nominated by the public and those covered in the publication’s own reporting and sourcing. It does not include elected officials. The 5 on the Rise class recognizes emerging influential leaders.

Bradley assumed leadership of UofL in March after serving as executive vice president and university provost and dean of the UofL School of Dentistry. Since taking the helm at UofL, Bradley has overseen the completion of the , the opening of the Engineering Student Success and Research Building and surpassing 25,000 enrolled students for the first time in the university’s history.

In his State of the University address on Feb. 12, Bradley highlighted goals for UofL, including a focus on further improvements in enrollment, six-year retention rates, degrees offered and experiential learning opportunities. He intends to prioritize new residence halls and academic research facilities.

“I am grateful to lead this great university and amplify its positive impact on the city of Louisville,” Bradley said. “It is an honor to be recognized by Business First in the Power 50 2026, particularly after less than a year in my role as president of UofL.”

Since being named director of athletics in 2022, Heird also has had some significant wins. He hired Jeff Brohm to lead the football program and Pat Kelsey to take the reins of men’s basketball. In the 2024-25 season, ten UofL teams earned a top-25 ranking and 11 programs earned trips to the postseason.��

Under Heird’s leadership, student-athlete academic success has been a priority. Last semester closed with an overall department GPA of 3.431��— with 18 of 19 sports above 3.2. UofL athletes are also winning with a 96% graduation success rate.��

Jason Smith, chief executive officer of UofL Health, was named CEO of the health system in October after serving most recently as its interim CEO and chief medical officer. In December, he oversaw the opening of the $186 million, seven-story .

The honorees will be profiled in the March 27, 2026, print edition of Louisville Business First, and online around that time.

“We talked about policies, hardships and political instability within a country, but I was struck by how we didn’t discuss the well-being of the people who were living there,” said Limbong. “How were communities doing during these times of war, natural disasters and other atrocities?,” she wondered.

It was this desire to understand the people and root causes of issues that led the Louisville native and to study public health.��

Limbong, who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in public health in May 2026, explored the global interconnectivity of cultures when she embarked on a month-long project in the African country of Malawi this past summer. This opportunity was led by Rochelle Holm of the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute.

According to the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO), Malawi’s economy is largely agricultural with more than 80 percent of the population dependent on farming. While this supports livelihoods for millions, Malawi is vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters. Unsafe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene are concerns for much of the population.

In Malawi, Limbong assisted with nutrition research by surveying hundreds of Malawian university students and staff. The aim was to see if dietary indicators can be detected in wastewater and environmental surveillance, and how that compared to what people reported. She explored her interest in food insecurity by visiting a coffee planters’ co-op and participating in a grassroots feeding program for vulnerable community members.

The ‘warm heart of Africa’: Beyond the stereotypes

Malawi is often described through a narrow lens defined primarily by economic hardship. While poverty is a reality for many, Limbong said that is not the full story. Approaching Malawi with the intention of learning from local communities, Limbong focused on listening to resident voices. Through conversations with Malawians, she began to see how limiting the dominant narrative can be.

“Malawians are resilient, brilliant, and capable,” she reflected. “They are doing their best to provide for their families and are innovative in the ways that they can be.” For Limbong, it was essential not to reduce people to their struggles alone. “I want to make sure we don’t forget people’s humanity,” she said.

In the country known as “the warm heart of Africa,” Limbong was particularly struck by the communal nature of Malawian culture. Almost every evening, she heard large groups of people gathered together singing. These moments reflected more than music. “It speaks to the community-centric nature of the people,” she explained. “I think it’s important to be fully immersed, take time to hear people’s life experiences, and to share those stories from their perspective.”

Global citizenry

Upon graduation in May, Limbong plans to continue public health at UofL and pursue a master’s degree to better understand where her gifts align with the needs of the community.

Limbong said her Malawi experience deepened her understanding of global humanitarian work as both meaningful and demanding, “This is important work and hard work,” she said. “The experience helped me examine how my own contributions can fit into the broader picture of global health.”

For Limbong, what resonated from her experience was a sense of collective humanity. “While our realities might be different, they impact one another,” she said. “We are all connected on this shared earth, and that is something I will take with me wherever I go next and whatever I end up doing.”