At the Department of Public Health’s annual graduation celebration on May 17, the recipients of the Department Graduate Student awards for the 2023 – 2024 academic year were announced. Congratulations to all of our award winners!
Dr. June Gorski Award – for excellence in Community Health Education
This award recognizes an MPH student in the Community Health Education concentration. The award winner has demonstrated excellence in any or all aspects of health education including, community assessment, program development, and evaluation.
This year’s Dr. June Gorski award is presented to Will Martinez.
Dr. Charles Hamilton Award – for excellence in Health Policy and Management
This award recognizes an MPH student in the Health Policy and Management concentration. The awardee is recognized for consistently high levels of engagement through research and service throughout their tenure as a graduate student.
This year, the Dr. Charles Hamilton award is presented to Sophie Maynard.
Gary and Becky Blauser Award – for excellence in Epidemiology
The Gary and Becky Blauser Award is given to an MPH graduate student in the Epidemiology concentration who has demonstrated great competency and application of epidemiological techniques as demonstrated through employment, volunteer efforts, coursework, or other relevant paths.
This year’s winner is Bethany Rand.
Dr. John New Award – for excellence in Veterinary Public Health
The John New Award is presented to a VPH student who has the highest GPA in MPH courses.
This year’s Dr. John New Award is presented to Celia Gelpey.
Dr. Betsy Haughton Award – for excellence in Public Health Nutrition
The Dr. Betsy Haughton Graduate Student Award in the Department of Public Health recognizes an exceptional student in the dual MS-MPH student who has a strong interest in improving the health of mothers, infants, children, and their families. The Haughton award also recognizes a student who excels in professionalism, academic achievement, communication skills, and leadership. Priority is given to students who are interested in workforce development and/or policy, systems, and environmental changes to improve population health. This year’s Dr. Betsy Haughton Award is presented to Sri Uprety
Kathy Darnell Ebener Public Health Intern Award
The Kathy Darnell Ebener Public Health Intern Award is presented to an MPH intern who demonstrates leadership in working with communities and contributes to projects, programs, or policies that promote health equity and improve health among underserved, vulnerable, or high-risk populations in a culturally appropriate, evidence-based way. This year’s recipient worked with A Step Ahead Foundation of East Tennessee and demonstrated leadership, initiative, and a passion for reproductive health.
This year’s Kathy Darnell Ebener Public Health Intern Award is presented to Imelda Gutierrez.