Alumni Digest / U of T / People /
Zachary Miller completes Canada's first DrPH
The Six Nations public health leader studied pandemic leadership in the inaugural cohort of Dalla Lana's professional doctoral program.
From left: Ted Witek, Zachary Miller and Anne Wojtak at convocation.Photo: Katia Taylor
The context
Where the work begins
Zachary Miller became the first graduate of a Canadian Doctor of Public Health program at his October 2025 convocation. He entered Dalla Lana's inaugural cohort in 2021 while working in the Six Nations pandemic response. Miller is Kanienʼkehá:ka from Six Nations of the Grand River, where his career has included health care, research and data analytics.
The takeaway
What follows
His dissertation examined leadership lessons from the 1918 influenza pandemic and their possible use in future emergency responses. The program is designed for mid-career professionals applying research to policy and practice. Miller credits his family, community and ancestors for helping him reach graduation; his dissertation was accepted without revisions.
Source reporting
Zachary Miller completes Canada's first DrPH
Original summary by Alumni Digest, based on public source reporting. This independent publication is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Toronto. Source image retained for editorial review; rights clearance is still required before any broader reuse.
