Congratulations Class of 2025

May 17, 2025

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Congratulations to the Department of Sociomedical Sciences’ graduates of the Class of 2025. Here's to the bright future ahead, impacting public health one step at a time! 

Awardees

The Jack Elinson Award

Given to students in Sociomedical Sciences for published articles of outstanding merit. A faculty selection committee enthusiastically chose two article's for this year's award. The panel noted the rigor, significance, and overall excellence of the research. This year's winners are:

  • Ruth Shefner (PhD candidate)

The Eugene Litwak Award 

Given to a doctoral student in Sociomedical Sciences for excellence in the preparation of a dissertation research proposal. This year's award winner is:

  • Aarushi Shah (PhD candidate) 

Marisa de Castro Benton Dissertation Award

Given for a dissertation that makes an outstanding contribution to the sociomedical sciences and is worthy of special recognition. This year's award winner is:

  • Sara Samual, PhD

Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award 

Given annually by the Department for distinguished scholarship and research in the student’s master’s thesis. This year's SMS thesis award winner is:

  • Tyson Kirsch-Hotlz (MPH student).
  • ElenaP.Montgomery (MPH student).

The Dr.Robert Fullilove Community Impact Award

Given annually by the Department this award recognizes a graduating SMS student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in community public health work, mirroring Fullilove’s legacy of service and advocacy. This year's award winnder is

  • Hana Suliman (MPH student).