SPH Awards of Excellence - Archive

2022 SPH Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

GILBERT S. OMENN AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

PhD: Tessa Matson
Health Systems and Population Health

Tessa Matson will graduate from UW’s Health Systems and Population Health Ph.D. program. She is a predoctoral fellow at VA Puget Sound and Research Interventionist at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute. Her overall career goal is to integrate addiction health services within primary care in patient-centered ways that can reduce disparities and help patients feel valued and more informed about treatment options. Her dissertation describes gaps and potential biases in diagnosis and treatment of cannabis use disorder and validates practical tools to improve cannabis use disorder recognition in primary care. After graduating, she will pursue opportunities in implementation science.
Read about Tessa

Master's: Horacio Chacon Torrico
Global Health

Horacio is a Peruvian physician that has spent the last seven years working in health metrics and public health. After his MD, he studied Biomedical Informatics to better understand health information systems and support the development of a maternal and neonatal community-led program in the Amazon. He co-developed community health worker-led interventions using information and communication technologies, where his main interests lay in underserved and remote populations. He was awarded an OAS Graduate studies scholarship to pursue his Global Health MPH, and has been working in I-TECH ́s Zimbabwe HIV Care and Treatment program where he contributed to understanding performance indicators and the information system of the intervention ́s Monitoring and Evaluation framework.
Read about Horacio

ANDERSON-O’CONNELL AWARD 
FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF SERVICE

Vickie Ramirez
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

Vickie is known for her leadership and skills as a DEOHS Research Coordinator. She joined DEOHS in 2013 supporting Dr. Peter Rabinowitz’s research, the UW Center for One Health Research and the Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness. Vickie helps set strategy, develop proposals and oversees large federal grants while managing education and training programs, internships and community engagement. Vickie’s commitment to equity, justice and anti‐racism is demonstrated by her work with the One Health Clinic, serving youth experiencing homelessness and their pets by coordinating integrated human and veterinary medical services and projects exploring the impact of emerging health concerns among diverse populations.

Outstanding Staff 

Biostatistics – Minh Vo

DEOHS – Vickie Ramirez

Epidemiology – Cassie Atkinson-Edwards

Global Health – Arika Johnson

Health Systems and Population Health – Nikki Dettmar

Office of the Dean – Amra Habibuddin

Distinguished Faculty Member for Teaching
Amy Willis, Biostatistics

Outstanding Faculty Mentor
Anjum Hajat, Epidemiology

Outstanding Community Service Student
Lori Mae Yvette Calibuso Acob, Public Health-Global Health

Outstanding Teaching Assistant
Yiqun Chen, Biostatistics

Outstanding Community Partner
Mary's Place

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Public Health-Global Health - Najma Abdi 

Food Systems, Nutrition and Health - Christina Gonzalez

Environmental Health - Amalawa Aiwekhoe 

Health Informatics & Health Information Management - David Sagiyan

Outstanding Master’s Students

Biostatistics - Niki Petrakos 

DEOHS - Shelley Stephan

Epidemiology - Courtney Hill 

Health Systems and Population Health - Coraima Sales-Arteaga

Global Health - Leah Wood

Health Management & Informatics - Molly Cha

Nutritional Sciences - Evelyn Morris

Outstanding PhD Students

Biostatistics - Serge Aleshin-Guendel 

DEOHS - Megumi Matsushita 

Epidemiology - Anna Larsen 

Global Health - Claire Gwayi-Chore 

Health Systems and Population Health - Madeline Frost

2021 SPH Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

GILBERT S. OMENN AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Master's: Kush Doshi
Master of Health Administration

In three years at the University of Washington, Kush Doshi has become a sought-after speaker and adviser on racism and health equity – all while completing two degree programs and gaining valuable real-world experience in community health.
Read more about Kush

PhD: Elizabeth Irungu
Global Health (Health Metrics and Evaluation)

Inquisitive, thoughtful, dedicated, outstanding leader, exceptional and a rising star – these are just some of the many adjectives used to describe Elizabeth Irungu. Beyond her studies at the UW, Elizabeth plays an active role in HIV prevention programming and policy with the Kenyan Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization. 
Read more about Elizabeth

ANDERSON-O’CONNELL AWARD 
FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF SERVICE

Anya Nartker, Global Health

Anya Nartker, MPH, is Online Education Manager for the Department of Global Health’s E-learning Program (eDGH) where she oversees professional development online courses aimed at increasing access to high quality education and expertise for health professionals in over 65 low and middle income countries. She also supports DGH faculty in creating graduate and undergraduate distance learning courses for University of Washington students.

Outstanding Staff 

Biostatistics – Annique Atwater 

DEOHS – Jill Falman 

Epidemiology – Marilee Teylan 

Global Health – Anya Nartker 

Health Services – Anna Frazer 

Office of the Dean – Jalen Smith

Distinguished Faculty Member for Teaching
Christine Khosropour, Epidemiology

Outstanding Faculty Mentor
Amy Willis, Biostatistics

Outstanding Community Service Student
Evalynn Romano, Global Health

Outstanding Teaching Assistant
Sarah Philo, DEOHS

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Public Health-Global Health - Jakar Delacruz 

Food Systems, Nutrition and Health - Jane Karumba 

Environmental Health - Scyler Li 

Health Informatics & Health Information Management - Lucy Lee

Outstanding Master’s Students

Biostatistics - Wenbo Zhang 

DEOHS - Renee Codsi 

Epidemiology - Sarah Yarborough 

Health Services (COPHP) - Molly Codding 

Global Health - Saida Tukri Mahamud 

Health Management & Informatics – Veronica Vidaurri 

Nutritional Sciences - Lauren Sawyer

Outstanding PhD Students

Biostatistics – Kendrick Qijin Li 

DEOHS - Magali Blanco 

Epidemiology - Claire Watt Rothschild 

Global Health (Pathobiology) - Veronica Davé 

Health Services - Andrew Bossick

2020 SPH Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

GILBERT S. OMENN AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Master's: Michelle Bulterys
Epidemiology

PhD: Vivian Lyons
Epidemiology

ANDERSON-O’CONNELL AWARD 
FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF SERVICE

Cynthia Loudon, Biostatistics

Outstanding Staff 
Biostatistics – Cynthia Loudon
DEOHS – Michael Treptor
Epidemiology – Matthew Anderson
Global Health – Noura Youssofa
Health Services – Joel Felix and Catherine Ludlow
OD / SPH Administered Programs – Michelle Arambula

Communicating Public Health to the Public
Janet Baseman, Peter Rabinowitz, Nicole Errett, Marissa Baker, Anne-Marie Gloster

Community Partner Service 
Dorothy Gibson, Sound Alliance

Outstanding Community Service Student 
Erin Lee, Health Services

Excellence for Teaching Award
Deanna Tollefson, Global Health

Distinguished Faculty Member for Teaching
Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, Epidemiology

Outstanding Faculty Mentor
Jodie Katon, Health Services

Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Alexa Yadama, Environmental Health
Taylor Ann Lichneckert, Health Informatics and Health Information Management
Maryan Abdi, Public Health Major
Emily Kwong, Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Major

Outstanding Master’s Students
Biostatistics - Xinyun Dai
DEOHS - Kaitlyn Kelly
Epidemiology - Lorraine Twohey-Jacobs
Global Health - Paige Stringer
Health Services - Eva Torres
Nutritional Sciences - Anna Mowell
Executive MHA - Kenneth Gow, MD

Outstanding PhD Students
Biostatistics - Lucy Gao
DEOHS - Rebekah Petroff
Epidemiology - Thomas Austin
Global Health - Blair Armistead
Health Services - Canada Parrish

2019 SPH Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

GILBERT S. OMENN AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Outstanding Staff 
Biostatistics – Akiyo Kodera
DEOHS – Kit Galvin
Epidemiology – John Lin
Global Health – Kate Pfizenmaier
Health Services – Kayla Johnson
Interdisciplinary Programs – Kristin Elko

Communicating Public Health to the Public
Erin Morgan, Epidemiology

Community Partner Service 
Abigail Echo-Hawk, Urban Indian Health Institute

Health Policy Writing Contest Winners 
Khanh Le, Health Services
Kim Sperry, Health Services

Student Community Service 
Ariana Anjaz, Public Health-Global Health Major

Outstanding TA
Emahlea Jackson, Nutritional Sciences Program

Outstanding Faculty Teaching
India Ornelas, Health Services

Outstanding Faculty Mentor
Clarence Spigner, Health Services, Global Health

Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Joseph Lee, Health Informatics and Health Information Management
Amanda Durkin, Environmental Health
Christelle Silué, Public Health-Global Health Major

Outstanding Master’s Students
Biostatistics - Alexander Paynter
DEOHS - Kori VanDerGeest
Epidemiology - Emmanuel Rodriguez
Global Health - Rabi Yunusa
Health Services - Bomy Yun
Nutritional Sciences - Lindsay Beck
Health Administration - Jenessa McElrath

Outstanding PhD Students
Biostatistics - Phuong Vu
DEOHS - Kholood Altassan
Epidemiology - Jennifer Velloza
Global Health - Kathryn McGuckin Wuertz
Health Services - Lauren Lipira

2017 SPH Award Recipients

GILBERT S. OMENN AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

PhD – Heather Fowler
Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences 
Heather’s performance as a scientist, clinician and member of the public health community has been truly outstanding. Her research focuses on the risk of infectious disease transmission between humans and animals, as well as the occupational risks of injury and illness faced by veterinary and animal care workers. The scope of her work is truly impressive, and demonstrates a sweeping command of several topics ranging from field epidemiology and data analysis to risk assessment. Heather also has received a number of awards, including a Bullitt Foundation fellowship and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for community service for her volunteer care of pets for the homeless.

Master’s – Irene Njuguna, Epidemiology 
Irene is a research scientist at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. She is principal investigator of a randomized trial on financial incentives, co-principal investigator on a study to validate saliva-based HIV testing and video-based HIV pre-test counseling, and co-investigator in several other pediatric HIV studies. She will graduate with an MPH this spring and begin her PhD studies, mentored by Dr. Grace John-Stewart, in the fall. 

ANDERSON-O’CONNELL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF SERVICE

Mary Saucier, Program Coordinator
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences 
For more than 13 years, Mary has expertly coordinated research and training grants, supported academic instruction and managed the day-to-day operations of the department. Her contributions are grounded in her positive willingness to help, and she often teaches herself new skills in order to reach departmental goals. Mary was integral in securing two large competitive renewals for the Superfund Basic Research Center in 2014.

Outstanding Staff 
Biostatistics – Lisa Sharamitaro
DEOHS – Mary Saucier
Epidemiology – DJ Miller
Global Health – Meghan Herman
Health Services – Scott Stangenes
Office of the Dean – Susan Inman

Communicating Public Health to the Public
Rachel Shaffer, Environmental Toxicology

Community Partner Service 
Ricardo Jiménez, Sea Mar Community Health Centers

Staff Community Service 
Pirie Hart, Global Health

Student Community Service 
Sepideh Dibay Moghadam, Nutritional Sciences Program

Outstanding TA
Bridget Whitney, Epidemiology

Outstanding Faculty Teaching
Sara Mackenzie, Health Services

Outstanding Faculty Mentor
Stephen Bezruchka, Health Services, Global Health

Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Jesus (Jessie) Magana, Health Informatics and Health Information Management
Sara Mar, Environmental Health
Courtney Large, Public Health

Outstanding Master’s Students
Biostatistics – Yichen Jia
DEOHS – Magali Blanco
Epidemiology – Chris Phillips
Global Health – Alejandra Cabral
Health Services – Jamie Pacello Paraz
Nutrition – Christine Benson

Outstanding PhD Students
Biostatistics – Sen Zhao
DEOHS – Marissa Baker
Epidemiology – Sylvia Badon
Global Health – Arianna Means
Health Services – Kara Bensley

2016 SPH Award Recipients

GILBERT S. OMENN AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

PhD – Jean Morrison, Biostatistics
Jean Morrison’s work spans a wide range of topics in public health genetics with special attention to health outcomes in multi-ethnic and non-white populations. Outside of academic work, Jean makes meaningful and lasting contributions on the front lines of crisis services, supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals and communities – children living in homeless shelters, individuals experiencing emotional or mental health crisis, and LGBTQ students. 

Master’s – Farah Mohamed, Global Health
Farah Mohamed received his UW Bachelor of Social Work in the spring of 2014 and immediately entered the Masters in Public Health and Masters in Social Work programs. Farah will graduate with both degrees in June, having been an active leader and exceptional student in both programs. Farah frames every public health problem through the lens of social justice. In his practicum at Health Alliance International (HAI), he used his natural networking talents to forge relationships between HAI and the Somali Health Board to ensure local immigrants and refugees have access to vital health and mental health services.

ANDERSON-O’CONNELL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF SERVICE

Tory Brundage, Office of the Dean 
Tory’s gregarious nature, calm and supportive demeanor, and “out-of-the-box” thinking have endeared him to colleagues and students alike. Tory oversees the SPH Student Center in Raitt Hall, acts as a liaison between the School and Upper Campus, and takes on additional projects – such as supporting the Dark Empire Exploration Seminar in London.

Outstanding Staff 
Biostatistics – Marisa Honig
DEOHS – Elizabeth Guzy
Epidemiology – Erica MacArthur
Global Health – Aleta Elliott
Health Services – Lauren Brackenbury
Office of the Dean - Tory Brundage

Communicating Public Health to the Public
Megan Cartwright, DEOHS

Staff Community Service 
Alexandra Kossik, DEOHS

Student Community Service 
Daniele Meñez, Public Health Major

Outstanding TA
Jennifer Hubber, Epidemiology and Public Health Genetics

Outstanding Faculty Teaching
Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, Epidemiology

Outstanding Faculty Mentor
Megan Moreno, Health Services

Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Tracy Tran, Health Informatics and Health Information Management
Kristen Slodysko, Environmental Health
Marlena Norwood, Public Health

Outstanding Master’s Students
Biostatistics – Adam Brand
DEOHS – Shilpa Gowda
Epidemiology – Kerry Hancuch
Global Health – Alexandra “Allie” Wollum
Health Services – Maureen Lara
Interdisciplinary Programs – Shelly Johnston

Outstanding PhD Students
Biostatistics – Ashley Petersen
DEOHS – Jane Pouzou
Epidemiology – Lu Chen
Global Health – Laura Martinez
Health Services – David Kim

2015 SPH Award Recipients

GILBERT S. OMENN AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Master’s – Trevor Peckham, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
Trevor will graduate this spring with two Master’s degrees: Environmental Health and Public Administration. His research looks at dermal exposures to a carcinogenic combustion product found in soil, with implications for workers cleaning up contaminated sites. He has been active in his department’s Student Advisory Council, was vice president of the School’s Student Public Health Association, and played a leadership role in establishing the Dean’s Advisory Council for Students. His academic and civic achievements reflect his potential to significantly contribute to public health and public policy.

PhD – Peter Cherutich, Global Health
Peter was nominated for his outstanding achievement within the public health community. He is a first-generation PhD student and the first graduate of the Doctoral Program in Global Health: Metrics and Implementation Science. He has dedicated his research to measuring the impact of HIV prevention interventions on HIV incidence and survival. His work as Kenya’s Deputy Head, National AIDS/STD Control Programme, will continue to develop future global health leaders and scientists in Africa. 

ANDERSON-O’CONNELL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF SERVICE

Kevin Schuda, Epidemiology 
Kevin has been at the UW for 21 years, and came to the Department of Epidemiology in 2014 from the Institute for Public Health Genetics. He serves as Curriculum Coordinator and helps with student services and counseling. He was recognized for his superior service to the department with his background knowledge of curriculum and student academic needs, as well as his welcoming attitude towards students. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS SERVICE AWARD

Farhiya Mohamed
Farhiya Mohamed is a native of Somalia and a local leader in community organizing. For more that 10 years, she has been working with the Schools of Public Health and Social Work in issues such as domestic violence, leadership and mental health among the refugee and immigrant communities in south King County. As director of the Somali Family Safety Task Force, she is committed to collaborations with faculty and students. Over the years various teams have developed and run focus groups, workshops and informational outreach.

Outstanding Staff 
Biostatistics – Judy Powell
DEOHS – Alison Laing
Epidemiology – Kevin Schuda
Global Health – Pat Gentino
Health Services – Carmen Velasquez
Office of the Dean – Stephanie Shadbolt

Communicating Public Health to the Public
Mary Anne Mercer, Global Health and Health Services

Making a Difference Award
COPHP (Community Oriented Public Health Practice Team)

Staff Community Service 
Eric Vigoren, DEOHS

Student Community Service 
Lorelei Walker

Outstanding TA
Mohamed Albirair

Outstanding Faculty Teaching
Jaisri Lingappa, Global Health

Outstanding Faculty Mentor
Joel Kaufman, DEOHS and Epidemiology

Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Kelson Okimoto, Health Informatics and Health Information Management
Elisabeth Lara, Environmental Health
Margaret Babayan, Public Health

Outstanding Master’s Students
Biostatistics – Michael Garcia
DEOHS – Jonathan Nagata
Epidemiology – Paige Wartko
Global Health – D. Allen Roberts
Health Services – Sigolène Ortega
Interdisciplinary Programs – Katherine Getts (Nutrition)

Outstanding PhD Students
Biostatistics – Clara Dominquez-Islas
DEOHS – Sheldwin Yazzie
Epidemiology – Biraj Karmacharya
Global Health – Caitlin Milligan
Health Services – Laura Chavez
Interdisciplinary Programs – Elizabeth Dorfman (Public Health Genetics)

2014 SPH Award Recipients

GILBERT S. OMENN AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Master’s – Jonathan Childers, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
Jonathan excels at building bridges between urban planning and public health. For years he worked as a senior urban and environmental planner. For his MPH thesis, he worked on a Health Impacts Assessment of the Lower Duwamish Waterway, drawn to the concerns faced by South Seattle and Tribal communities during and after the river’s cleanup. His findings and recommendations were submitted to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the City of Seattle, local businesses and other public agencies. The city has since created a program to kick-start community revitalization efforts. Additionally, Jonathan earned accolades for his work as a teaching assistant. “This award and recognition at the School level makes me feel honored and optimistic about the future of work in the built environment and public health,” he says. “Seattle has the reputation of being a very healthy city but there are still enormous health disparities, the results of decades of incremental decisions.”

PhD – Corrie Ortega, Global Health
Corrie, a PhD student in pathobiology, is a focused young scientist who has spent the last five years defining signaling pathways for the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. “Tuberculosis affects one-third of the global population,” she says, “and is still one of the biggest disease burdens.” Signaling pathways are like "telephone lines" the bacteria use to adapt and persist to cause disease, she explains. Corrie is also a powerful role model for girls considering a career in science. She makes time in her busy research schedule to engage in outreach to high school and undergraduate college students. Moreover, she demonstrates a passion for encouraging students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in science.

ANDERSON-O’CONNELL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF SERVICE

Shannon Delaney, Nutritional Sciences
As manager of the Nutritional Sciences program, Shannon executes a huge amount of work for faculty, staff, and students and has navigated the program through a high degree of change. As one example, she’s helped launch the new undergraduate minor, which has grown to more than 70 students in its first year. With the exception of a few years at the University of Florida, Shannon has been a staff member or student of the School of Public Health since 2000. “As a graduate of the Nutritional Sciences program, I have a great deal of pride in the program,” she says. “I try to draw from my experiences as a student and the varied roles to focus our efforts on how we can positively impact our students and enhance the program as a whole.”

COMMUNITY PARTNERS SERVICE AWARD

Joe Chrastil, Sound Alliance
Sound Alliance represents a diverse group of community organizations across the greater Puget Sound area focused on practical solutions to challenges facing the lives of community members. Through group trainings and individual mentorship, Joe has provided exceptional guidance on how best to listen to community needs, research strategies for change, collaborate with stakeholders, and evaluate processes. Joe has worked closely with the Health Equity Circle to educate the SPH community on outreach and advocacy, and he has assisted students as they take action to address public health issues such as access to healthcare and immigration detention reform.

Outstanding Staff 
Biostatistics – Jonas Carson
DEOHS – Nicola “Nicky” Beck
Epidemiology – Edna Ramos
Global Health – Julie Beschta
Health Services – Kristen Hammerback
Office of the Dean – Shannon Delaney

Staff Community Service 
Rosie Schaffer, DEOHS

Faculty Community Service 
Deepa Rao, Global Health

Student Community Service 
Susana Tat, Health Services

Outstanding TA
Trevor Peckham, DEOHS

Outstanding Faculty Teaching
Donna Johnson, Nutritional Sciences

Outstanding Faculty Mentor
Lisa Manhart, Epidemiology

Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Tamera Sallady, Health Informatics and Health Information Management
Tess Wilson, DEOHS
Adrienne Ton, Public Health

Outstanding Master’s Students
Biostatistics – Robin Nance
DEOHS – Kristina Blank
Epidemiology – Arianna Miles-Jay
Global Health – Gena Barnabee
Health Services – Tess Abrahamson-Richards
Interdisciplinary Programs – Maia Kurnik (Nutritional Sciences)

Outstanding PhD Students
Biostatistics – Arend Voorman
DEOHS – Tania Busch-Isaksen
Epidemiology – Colin Rehm
Global Health – Peter Cherutich
Health Services – Nancy Puttkammer
Interdisciplinary Programs – Mercy Laurino (Institute for Public Health Genetics)

2013 SPH Award Recipients

GILBERT S. OMENN AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Master’s – Claire Allen, Health Services
Claire’s research projects, aided by her fluency in Spanish, encompasses work with focus groups, clinics, translation, and work sites.  While many second-year MPH students are worried about completing their theses, she has already written a manuscript based on her thesis for journal submission. Claire’s commitment to public health extends beyond her research – she began a student organization to improve the experiences of grad students in her department, spearheaded the publication of a student guide,  volunteers with homeless adolescents, and is associate director of Salud Juntos, an NGO focused on improving health in Nicaragua and Honduras. 

PhD – Vanessa Galaviz, DEOHS
Besides her doctoral research into human exposures to chemical and physical agents in the environment, especially diesel exhaust, Vanessa has a strong interest in protecting the environmental health of minority and underserved communities and a passion for mentoring undergraduate and high school students.  In fact, her study combines her passions, because diesel exhaust exposure disproportionately affects poor and minority communities.  Vanessa is also the first member of her immediate family to enter graduate school, and is a role model for Chicano men and women considering environmental health studies.  She embodies academic achievement, service, and commitment to bringing others to her field. 

ANDERSON-O’CONNELL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF SERVICE

Merry Thach, Epidemiology
Exceptional resourcefulness, integrity, collegiality and competence are just some of the qualities cited by the many faculty, staff, and students who benefit from Merry’s work as Administrative Coordinator in Epidemiology, where she skillfully juggles hundreds of demands from folks within and beyond the department.  Her professionalism and grace under pressure also make her an excellent role model for the students with whom she works. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS SERVICE AWARD

Alicia Emsley, Teacher at Highline Health Sciences and Human Services (HS3) High School
The School of Public Health, Public Health -  Seattle & King County, and Highline’s HS3 School collaborated on a pilot project to engage high school freshmen in an examination of the social determinants of health. Six undergraduate Public Health majors have been leading the discussions in Alicia’s classroom. Alicia has taken risks in testing the undergraduates’ health education skills, accommodated their schedules, and worked with the School to ensure the curriculum works for her students.   She has been an outstanding partner for the School of Public Health, and an inspiration to its and her students. 

Outstanding Staff 
Biostatistics – Gitana Garofalo
DEOHS – Terumi Capeling
Epidemiology – Merry Thach
Global Health – Josh Apfel
Health Services – Alex Tu
Office of the Dean – Ashlee Harty

Staff Community Service 
Adrienne Hidy, DEOHS

Faculty Community Service 
Peter House, Health Services

Student Community Service 
Libby Brockman

Outstanding TA
Anjuli Wagner, Epidemiology

Outstanding Faculty Teaching
Helene Starks, Health Services

Outstanding Faculty Mentor
Jared Baeten

Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Ryan Markert 
Momoka Nakamura 
Nicole Rover 

Outstanding Master’s Students
Biostatistics – Amanda Gassett
DEOHS – Lyndsey Banks
Epidemiology – Alfred Osoti
Global Health – Sam Masters
Health Services – Libby Brockman
Interdisciplinary Programs – Carrie Dennett (Public Health Nutrition)

Outstanding PhD Students
Biostatistics – Zheyu Wang
DEOHS – Pamela Roque
Epidemiology – Kristen Upson
Global Health – Leslie Goo
Health Services – Joseph Unger
Interdisciplinary Programs – Elizabeth Dorfman (IPHG)

GILBERT S. OMENN AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Master’s – Claire Allen, Health Services
Claire’s research projects, aided by her fluency in Spanish, encompasses work with focus groups, clinics, translation, and work sites.  While many second-year MPH students are worried about completing their theses, she has already written a manuscript based on her thesis for journal submission. Claire’s commitment to public health extends beyond her research – she began a student organization to improve the experiences of grad students in her department, spearheaded the publication of a student guide,  volunteers with homeless adolescents, and is associate director of Salud Juntos, an NGO focused on improving health in Nicaragua and Honduras. 

PhD – Vanessa Galaviz, DEOHS
Besides her doctoral research into human exposures to chemical and physical agents in the environment, especially diesel exhaust, Vanessa has a strong interest in protecting the environmental health of minority and underserved communities and a passion for mentoring undergraduate and high school students.  In fact, her study combines her passions, because diesel exhaust exposure disproportionately affects poor and minority communities.  Vanessa is also the first member of her immediate family to enter graduate school, and is a role model for Chicano men and women considering environmental health studies.  She embodies academic achievement, service, and commitment to bringing others to her field. 

ANDERSON-O’CONNELL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF SERVICE

Merry Thach, Epidemiology
Exceptional resourcefulness, integrity, collegiality and competence are just some of the qualities cited by the many faculty, staff, and students who benefit from Merry’s work as Administrative Coordinator in Epidemiology, where she skillfully juggles hundreds of demands from folks within and beyond the department.  Her professionalism and grace under pressure also make her an excellent role model for the students with whom she works. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS SERVICE AWARD

Alicia Emsley, Teacher at Highline Health Sciences and Human Services (HS3) High School
The School of Public Health, Public Health -  Seattle & King County, and Highline’s HS3 School collaborated on a pilot project to engage high school freshmen in an examination of the social determinants of health. Six undergraduate Public Health majors have been leading the discussions in Alicia’s classroom. Alicia has taken risks in testing the undergraduates’ health education skills, accommodated their schedules, and worked with the School to ensure the curriculum works for her students.   She has been an outstanding partner for the School of Public Health, and an inspiration to its and her students. 

Outstanding Staff 
Biostatistics – Gitana Garofalo
DEOHS – Terumi Capeling
Epidemiology – Merry Thach
Global Health – Josh Apfel
Health Services – Alex Tu
Office of the Dean – Ashlee Harty

Staff Community Service 
Adrienne Hidy, DEOHS

Faculty Community Service 
Peter House, Health Services

Student Community Service 
Libby Brockman

Outstanding TA
Anjuli Wagner, Epidemiology

Outstanding Faculty Teaching
Helene Starks, Health Services

Outstanding Faculty Mentor
Jared Baeten

Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Ryan Markert 
Momoka Nakamura 
Nicole Rover 

Outstanding Master’s Students
Biostatistics – Amanda Gassett
DEOHS – Lyndsey Banks
Epidemiology – Alfred Osoti
Global Health – Sam Masters
Health Services – Libby Brockman
Interdisciplinary Programs – Carrie Dennett (Public Health Nutrition)

Outstanding PhD Students
Biostatistics – Zheyu Wang
DEOHS – Pamela Roque
Epidemiology – Kristen Upson
Global Health – Leslie Goo
Health Services – Joseph Unger
Interdisciplinary Programs – Elizabeth Dorfman (IPHG)

2012 SPH Award Recipients

GILBERT S. OMENN AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The Omenn award recognizes outstanding achievement by a graduate student in the School who excels in scholarship and has demonstrated a commitment to the field of public health.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS AWARD

Presented by the School and the Student Public Health Association to a community partner who has demonstrated exemplary support of the School’s mission and its educational, research, or service goals. 

KENNETH J. ANDERSON AWARD

Created to honor Ken Anderson and his extraordinary service to the School and to recognize a current staff member who shows the kind of dedication that made Ken such a wonderful role model.

Outstanding Student Award

Winners are selected by each department, at both the master’s level and the doctoral level, for exemplary scholarship and dedication to public health. The Departments of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Health Services also select an undergraduate student for this award. 

Undergraduate

• Xiaoqiong “Christy” Huang, BS Environmental Health
• Lei He, HIHIM
• Caitlin Ormsby, Public Health Major

Masters

• Danielle Guffey, Biostatistics
• Scott Pease, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
• Thomas A. Odeny, Epidemiology
• Nathan Furukawa, Global Health
• Valerie Pacino, Health Services
• Bridget Igoe, Interdisciplinary Programs, Nutritional Sciences

Doctoral

• Brett Hanscom, Interdisciplinary Programs, Nutritional Sciences
• Jenna Armstrong, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
• Jennifer E. Balkus, Epidemiology
• Melanie Gasper, Global Health
• Gwen Lapham, Health Services
• Anna Rubinsky, Health Services
• Kristin Beima-Sofie, Interdisciplinary Programs, Public Health Genetics

OUTSTANDING STAFF AWARD

Presented to a staff member in each department and in the Dean’s Office who excels in job knowledge and performance. 

• Bryan Comstock, Operations Director of the Center for Biomedical Statistics, Biostatistics
• Susan Inman, Undergraduate Program Manager, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
• Beverly Winter-Eben, Manager of Program Operations for Nutritional Sciences, Epidemiology
• Sally Weatherford, Director of Finance and Administration, Global Health
• Sarah Paliulis, Learning Technologies Specialist, Health Services
• JeShawna Schmidt, Executive Assistant to the Dean, Office of the Dean

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Presented to a faculty or staff member who has made special efforts to put public health principles into practice in the community, especially if such efforts were above and beyond usual job responsibilities.

   Amy Hagopian, Global Health

OUTSTANDING STUDENT COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Given to a student who has shown dedication and commitment to community service and volunteerism by building bridges between the School and the community.

   Jessica Wallach, Undergraduate Public Health and Geography 

SPHA OUTSTANDING TEACHING ASSISTANT

Presented to a teaching assistant who excels in facilitating student learning, demonstrates excellent teaching abilities, and provides important administrative assistance.

   Valerie Pacino, Health Services, Community-Oriented Public Health Practice

SPHA OUTSTANDING TEACHER

Recognizes a teacher who is accessible to students, is interested in students as individuals, and uses innovative teaching methods, and relevant assignments while inspiring independent and original thinking.

   Beth Mueller, Epidemiology

SPHA OUTSTANDING MENTOR

Honors a mentor who respects students’ goals and helps students work toward them while providing a good model of professionalism, demonstrating awareness and respect for differences.

   Scott McClelland, Epidemiology and Global Health

SPH Award Recipients 2011 and 2010

Community Partners Award
Presented by the School and the Student Public Health Association to a community partner who has demonstrated exemplary support of the School’s mission and its educational, research, or service goals. 

2011 Recipients:

• Father Mena Attwa, Program Director, UW-Coptic Hope Center for Infectious Diseases, Nairobi, Kenya
• Dr. Pat Starzyk, former Research Analyst at the Washington State Department of Health, trained SPH students on the use of state birth certificate data.

2010 Recipient:  Gerry Pollet, executive director of Heart of America Northwest

Faculty Community Service Award
Presented to a faculty member who has made special efforts to put public health principles into practice in the community, especially if such efforts were above and beyond usual job responsibilities.

2011 Recipient: Ann Downer, Senior Lecturer, Global Health, for her work on the International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH)

2010 Recipient:  Andy Stergachis, Professor, Epidemiology and Global Health

Student Community Service Award
Given to a student who has shown dedication and commitment to community service and volunteerism by building bridges between the School and the community.

2011 Recipient: Kala Mayer, Health Services, for work on community kitchen projects

Outstanding Student Awards
Winners are selected by each department, at both the master’s level and the doctoral level, for exemplary scholarship and dedication to public health. The Departments of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Health Services also select an undergraduate student for this award. 

2011 Recipients:

• Rachel Debes, Master’s Student, Biostatistics
• Sean Devlin, Doctoral Student, Biostatistics
• Kendra Broadwater, Undergraduate Student, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
• Stephanie Chan, Master’s Student, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
• Zachariah Guerrette, Doctoral Student, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
• Bizu Gelaye, Master’s Student, Epidemiology
• Jodie Katon, Doctoral Student, Epidemiology
• David Citrin, Master’s Student, Global Health
• Jennifer Maroa, Doctoral Student, Global Health
• Marie Spiker, Undergraduate Student, Health Services
• Jennifer E. Schechter, Master’s Student, Health Services
• Melissa Romaire, Doctoral Student, Health Services

2010 Recipients

• Sheela Bowler, Health Services
• Alex Domesle, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
• Amanda Fretts, Epidemiology
• Brook Martin, Health Services
• Amanda Phipps, Epidemiology
• Maxx Rivas, Health Informatics and Health Information Management Program
• Abigail Shoben, Biostatistics
• Alyssa Vivas, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
• Lucia Vojtech, Global Health

Gilbert S. Omenn Award for Academic Excellence
A prestigious School-wide honor, is awarded to one doctoral student and one master’s student for outstanding achievement and scholarship.

2011 Recipients:

• Anna Schmidt, Master’s Student, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
• Zoe Edelstein, Doctoral Student, Epidemiology

2010 Recipients

• Youyi Fong, Biostatistics (PhD) 
• Anna Talman, Global Health (MPH)

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award 
Presented to a teaching assistant who excels in facilitating student learning, demonstrates excellent teaching abilities, and provides important administrative assistance.

2011 Recipient: Jeff Stanaway, Epidemiology

2010 Recipient:  Rachel Hanisch, Epidemiology

Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award
Recognizes a teacher who is accessible to students, is interested in students as individuals, and uses innovative teaching methods, and relevant assignments while inspiring independent and original thinking.

2011 Recipient: William Daniell, Associate Professor, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

2010 Recipient:  Edward Walker, Professor, Health Services 

Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award 
Honors a mentor who respects students’ goals and helps students work toward them while providing a good model of professionalism, demonstrating awareness and respect for differences.

2011 Recipient: Gayle Reiber, Professor, Health Services/Epidemiology

2010 Recipient:  Polly Newcomb, Professor, Epidemiology

Kenneth J. Anderson Staff Anderson Award 
Created to honor Ken Anderson and his extraordinary service to the School and to recognize a current staff member who shows the kind of dedication that made Ken such a wonderful role model. 

2011 Recipient: Pamela Kohler, Center for AIDS Research International Core Manager, Global Health

2010 Recipient:  Norma Dermond, Collaborative Health Studies Coordinating Center, Biostatistics

Outstanding Staff Award
Presented to a staff member in each department and in the Dean’s Office who excels in job knowledge and performance.

2011 Recipients:

• Cathy Greenbaum, Assistant to the Chair, Biostatistics
• Eric Vigoren, Administrative Director, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
• Julie Steckler, Student Services Coordinator, Epidemiology
• Pamela Kohler, Program Manager, Global Health
• Donna Porter, Program Administrator, Health Services
• Denis Brasfield, Database Manager, Office of the Dean

2010 Recipients

• Angie Marie Buck, Epidemiology
• Norma Dermond, Collaborative Health Studies Coordinating Center, Biostatistics
• Rekha Patel, Center for AIDS Research, Global Health
• Chelé Shepard, Office of the Dean
• Jeff Shirai, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
• Trudy San Jose White, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, Health Services

Past Recipients