Public Health hands out student, faculty awards

A cancer researcher and one of the founders of a successful master of public health program were the recipients of excellence in teaching awards at a recent College of Public Health banquet.

Photo gallery View photos from the banquet on the College of Public Health’s Facebook page.

Eleanor Rogan, Ph.D., professor and chairwoman of the department of environmental, agricultural and occupational health, was recognized for her contributions to clinical education, curriculum development and continuing education.

Alice Schumaker, Ph.D., associate dean for academic affairs, was recognized for her critical role in establishing the Master of Public Health (MPH) program and its successful re-accreditation.

While in medical school in Shanghai, China, Tao Li, M.D., first visited UNMC as part of the Asia Pacific Rim Development Program. During his visit, he learned about the College of Public Health and returned to pursue a Ph.D. in health services research, administration and policy.

Dr. Li and four other students received the Carruth J. Wagner, M.D. Scholarship in Public Health. The other recipients were:

• Chris Brown — whose research examines the rates of STD infections in men;
  
• Maureen Gatere — who plans to evaluate the effectiveness of community health education in the prevention of chronic diseases;
  
• Derry Stover — who works on a project to investigate radon levels in different types of homes; and
  
• Lava Timsina — who has research interest in the social determinants of health and tobacco control.

The Chancellor Robert D. Sparks, M.D. awards were given to:

• Caryn Vincent, who received the Pre-professional/Undergraduate Student Scholarship in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. The a junior at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and plans to pursue a M.D./M.P.H. degree at UNMC;
  
• Ellen Duysen, who received the Public Health Student Research award. She examines the effect of residential lead abatement on the blood levels of children in north Omaha; and
  
• Mary Lee Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., who received the Award in Public Health and Preventative Medicine. She was honored for her long-standing efforts to expand programs and services to Omaha’s low income and minority community. Dr. Fitzsimmons also has dedicated much of her work towards improving the lives of Omaha’s homeless population.

In addition to specific awards, Ph.D. candidates and graduates of the Master of Public Health and Master of Science programs were recognized as was Jo Giles of UNMC public relations who was honored for her efforts to promote the growth of the college.