This is part of a series of Q&As introducing faculty who have joined the College of Health Sciences for the 2024–25 academic year. Meet all of our new faculty members.

Latiffah Hassan

Teaching professor, Department of Public Health

What classes are you teaching this semester?

This semester I am teaching two courses: P_HTLH 8120 Applied Epidemiology in Community Assessment and P_HLTH 8350 Veterinary Public Health Policy.

Tell us about yourself. What is your background?

I hold a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) from Universiti Putra Malaysia and a PhD from Cornell University. Upon returning from my PhD studies, I’ve spent more than two decades collaborating extensively with various Malaysian authorities. I’ve often served in technical advisory or consultative roles, assisting in the transformation of raw surveillance data into actionable insights. In addition, for 10 years I’ve served as head of department and chairman of a veterinary laboratory offering accredited services to both public and private clients.

My research, spanning field and laboratory work, has focused on a wide range of transboundary animal diseases, emerging public health threats, antibiotic resistance, and One Health initiatives addressing complex problems. These experiences have significantly shaped my thinking and approach.

As a veterinary public health epidemiologist, I try to connect the dots between global events and my work, understanding their relevance to the interconnected world of animal and human health. Over the past decade, I was instrumental in establishing a One Health network in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. This collaborative effort was a rewarding experience in building One Health capacity within the region.

What brought you to Mizzou? To your field?

My decision to come to Mizzou was influenced by both personal and professional factors. My husband was offered a tenure-track position at the College of Education, and we were eager to experience a new environment and embrace new challenges. We were also drawn to the opportunity to be closer to my husband’s family and my daughter, who is studying in the United States. I was particularly attracted to the MPH program’s dual concentration in human and veterinary public health. I believe this unique focus is timely given the increasing emphasis on One Health.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I enjoy working with my new students. It’s fascinating and challenging to teach professionals from diverse fields across the United States. They bring a unique perspective to the classroom, being more mature and experienced than my previous students.

What has you excited for this semester?

I’m particularly excited about teaching veterinary public health policy. While I’m familiar with the veterinary public health aspect, the policy component is new to me. Given that I haven’t lived in the United States for an extended period, there’s a lot to learn about the country’s policy landscape.

What is a fun hobby or activity that you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy taking long walks in the morning! It’s my little escape from the hustle and bustle of work. Columbia is such a beautiful place to explore on foot. When I’m not wandering the streets, I’m usually knee-deep in various professional projects, from co-chairing the Lancet Commission to helping colleagues in Cambodia to some other advisory role in One Health and global health initiatives.

What is a particularly memorable moment from your time teaching?

One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is watching your students grow and succeed. I frequently conduct training and presentations for the ministry, and it’s always a pleasant surprise to see familiar faces in the audience. Sometimes, as many as three-quarters of the attendees have been my students. These moments are incredibly gratifying.

What is your hidden talent?

I don’t think I have one! However, if you consider cooking a talent, then I guess that’s mine! To feed my family, I can whip up a full meal (or two) in under 30 minutes.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?

My late mother, despite only having a formal education until the age of 9 due to life’s challenges, was incredibly wise. I was quite a smart aleck as a kid, and she’d often say, “You think you know it all, huh? Well, guess what? There’s always someone out there who’s smarter than you.” It’s a great reminder to stay humble and keep learning.