Congratulations Class of 2024
We are celebrating the Class of 2024 at Mailman’s Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health! With eighty-seven graduating master students and 4 DrPHs in Leadership in Global Health and Humanitarian Systems, our department is bursting with pride! Here’s to the bright futures ahead, impacting public health one step at a time!
Awardees
Department Award Receipients
Lynne Loomis-Price Humanitarian Award: Saham Ali and Cecile van Maanen
Congratulations to the outstanding graduates of the PopFam Class of 2024 who were honored with awards.
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, Saham and Cecile, on this well-deserved recognition!
Academic Excellence Award: Michelle McKee and Ryan Toney
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 extend 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 showcase his commitment to pushing boundaries in the field. Congratulations, Michelle and Ryan, on this remarkable achievement!
Terry McGovern Health Justice Award: Hailey Broughton-Jones
Congratulations to 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!