The University of Washington School of Public Health (SPH) recognized dozens of students, staff, and faculty at its annual Excellence Awards celebration on May 14, 2024 in the Hans Rosling Center for Population Health. The Excellence Awards celebrates members of the SPH community for their dedication, service, and many contributions to public health. Congratulations to all our awardees!
2024 SPH Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards
GILBERT S. OMENN AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Doctoral student - Taylor Riley
Epidemiology
Taylor is a reproductive health equity researcher and recent graduate of the PhD in epidemiology program with a certificate in demography. She conducts community-engaged and mixed methods research to examine structural and policy determinants of reproductive health inequities. Taylor has an outstanding and exceptional record in scholarship and research, leadership and a commitment to public health.
Master's Student - Amanda Li
Global Health
Amanda is an MPH student in the Department of Global Health with a passion for health equity. Her work focuses on engaging with community perspectives to shed light on health disparities and improve access to equitable healthcare. Amanda is committed to advocating for systemic health system changes that address root causes and believes that effective and accessible health communication is essential. She has pursued health equity positions with local grant-making organizations and both U.S.-based and international research projects. In these positions, Amanda has gained experience in a wide breadth of topic areas, allowing her to be an effective public health professional in a multitude of fields.
ANDERSON-O’CONNELL AWARD
FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF SERVICE
Ria Francisco
HSPop
Ria Francisco is an exceptional grants administrator who goes above and beyond. With a mastery of federal budgeting critical to research faculty success, she is independent, deadline-oriented, and gets the job done. Ria’s resourcefulness shines through her research-driven approach when working with faculty. Our head of staff recognized her potential and purposefully mentored and promoted her. Now, Ria supports all faculty, and her exceptional support has garnered praise from those who’ve experienced it. In our respectful, diverse work environment, Ria exemplifies excellence and integrity, repairing relationships when needed.
Outstanding Staff
Biostatistics – Sandra Coke
DEOHS – Taylor Hendricksen
Epidemiology – Julie Nevins
Global Health – Rachel Johnson
HSPop – Ria Francisco
Office of the Dean/School-wide Programs – Elizar Mercado
DACS / Faculty Awards
Student Community Service Award
Alison Wiyeh (Epidemiology)
Service Award for Community Partners
Peer Seattle (and Christopher Archiopoli)
Faculty Teaching Award
Simon Sandh (Epidemiology)
Faculty Mentorship Award
Brandon Guthrie (Epidemiology & Global Health)
Teaching Assistant Award
Mohamed Albirair (Global Health)
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Environmental Public Health – Hannah McKinley
HIHIM – Aditi Ekbote
PH-GH – Yarangel John
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
Food Systems Nutrition and Health – Carlos Morales
Outstanding Master’s Students
Biostatistics – Erika Fox
DEOHS – Joey Teresi
Epidemiology – Sandra McAteer
Global Health – Dismas Congo Ouma
HIHIM – Amelia Allee
HSPop – Mayra Muratalla Muñoz
Food Systems Nutrition and Health – Khang Ho
Outstanding PhD Students
Biostatistics – Maria Valdez
Epidemiology – Julia Schleimer
Global Health – Melody Wang
HSPop – Anna Localio
IPHG – Diane Xue
LIST OF RECIPIENTS