Congratulations Class of 2024

Students Saham Ali and Cecile van Maanen received the Lynne Loomis-Price Humanitarian Award. This award, named in honor of Lynne Loomis-Price, is given to students who best exemplify her positive spirit, commitment to human rights, dedication to the reduction of health disparities, and her actions in pursuit of social justice both domestically and internationally.

Saham Ali exemplifies dedication to human rights, social justice, and health equity. Through her roles as a teaching assistant, in the faith-community based participatory research program TRIUMPH, and as president of Muslims Students for Health Equity, Saham’s vibrant leadership fosters a joyful community, energizing our collective pursuit of social justice.

Cecile van Maanen’s dedication to public health and service is evident through her volunteerism and impactful work. From her role as a teaching assistant to her contributions to the Program on Forced Migration and Health team, Cecile’s professionalism and commitment to displaced populations demonstrates Lynne’s activism and kindness. 

Congratulations to Michelle McKee and Ryan Toney for receiving the Department of Population and Family Health Academic Excellence Award. This award honors graduates who demonstrate consistent excellence in their coursework, completed outstanding Capstone papers, and have developed initiatives that have contributed to the department.

Michelle McKee’s contributions extended beyond the classroom, enriching the PopFam learning environment and impacting the community. For her Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) paper, she developed a tool to support the evaluation of the NYPeers Program on Peer Health Educators at NewYork Presbyterian’s Center for Community Health and Education. Michelle’s outstanding academic achievements and sophisticated approach to public health issues have earned her high praise from faculty and peers.

Ryan Toney’s academic prowess and dedication to public health have left a lasting impression on faculty and peers. His exemplary ILE paper was based on his evaluation of Medical Teams International’s 2022 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak response in Sudan. His exceptional work as a teaching assistant and his critical evaluation of humanitarian responses showcased his commitment to pushing boundaries in the field. Congratulations, Michelle and Ryan, on this remarkable achievement! 

Congratulations to the Class of 2024’s Hailey Broughton-Jones for receiving the Terry McGovern Health Justice Award! 

The Terry McGovern Health Justice Award is given to students who best exemplify the centering of human rights to advance health and social justice and direct advocacy through scholarship, action, and coalition and community building.

Hailey Broughton-Jones embodies former PopFam Department Chair and Professor Terry McGovern’s legacy as a fierce activist, scholar, leader, and advocate. She leverages her commitment to reproductive justice and her ability to communicate clearly to advance social justice within and beyond the academy.

In her ILE paper, she focused on the landscape of anti-racism curricula in undergraduate medical education in the US. She conducted this work in close collaboration with leaders at CUIMC, increasing the potential impact for meaningful change. Congratulations, Hailey, on this well-deserved recognition!

Recent graduate Annika Hogan MPH ‘24 is the recipient of Mailman’s school-wide Outstanding Teaching Assistant Prize. This honor is presented by students who recognize exceptional contributions by a teaching assistant who displays peerless dedication to learning, remarkable commitment to supporting course operations, and excellence in communicating with students.

Annika’s contribution as the teaching assistant for the departmental Quantitative Data Analysis course was evident and appreciated by students and faculty alike. TAs a supportive and detail-oriented teaching assistant, a thoughtful colleague, and mature leader, Annika made significant contributions to the department.

Congratulations, Annika, on this incredible honor!

This year’s Campbell Award for the Mailman School of Public Health goes to none other than Tyler Nichols!

The Campbell Award recognizes exceptional leadership and Columbia spirit. This award is presented by the Columbia Alumni Association to a graduating student who has demonstrated a commitment to building our University community and pride, as exemplified by the late Bill Campbell ’62CC, ’64TC, University Trustee Chair Emeritus, and CAA co-founder.

Tyler’s dedication to elevating the voices of those with intersectional identities and diversifying spheres is evident through his deep involvement at Mailman. From his role as president of the Black and Latinx Student Caucus (BLSC) to his participation as a research assistant for the CHURCH Trial at Columbia’s Wellness Center and his support as a mentor for PopFam’s R.I.S.E. Peer Mentor Program, Tyler’s journey at Columbia demonstrates his commitment to building a welcoming and diverse community and Columbia pride. Congratulations, Tyler, we are so proud of you!

Natalie was honored with the John and Kathleen Gorman Public Health Humanitarian Award and The Award for Excellence in Global Health.

The John and Kathleen Gorman Public Health Humanitarian Award is presented to a student who demonstrates excellence in commitment to the humane care of individuals and communities, advancing consideration of human rights, and valuing health care and prevention. As the research assistant to Dr. Sara Casey in her Reproductive Health Access, Information and Services in Emergencies (RAISE) Initiative, as well as Dr. Juliana Bol whose research prioritizes sexual and reproductive health programming in Northern Uganda, Natalie’s commitment to humanitarian work is evident inside and outside the classroom.

Natalie’s humanitarian ideal and unmistakable commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights among the most marginalized populations make Natalie an ideal candidate for this honor. Additionally, Natalie’s exceptional dedication to humanitarian work has led her to be this year’s recipient of The Award for Excellence in Global Health, awarded each year to students whom have demonstrated excellence in global health research, service or practice.