SPHHP Students Win Accolades, Funding

Several students from the School of Public Health and Health Professions have received honors for their academic achievements and research efforts.

Jacob Bleasdale, a public health doctoral candidate in the school’s Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, received a grant from the embrace Western New York board of directors for his qualitative study exploring various social factors that influence medication adherence among people living with HIV. The study has a particular focus on food access and food insecurity, and Bleasdale hopes to use the data he gains to inform the development of future interventions. embrace Western New York is a nonprofit organization that seeks to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community among all citizens.

Summer Davis, a student in the Occupational Therapy program, received a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. Davis is one of only 14 UB students to receive this award, which honors SUNY students who have best demonstrated and been recognized for their integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives, like leadership, career achievement or community service. Among other accomplishments, Davis is a member of the UB Honors College, has a long history of human-service activity in Western New York and maintains an academically superior standing in her major.

Keiona Nance and Tyler Farnell, both graduate students in the Athletic Training program, won scholarships from the National Athletic Training Association (NATA) Foundation. Farnell won the NATA Foundation Scholarship, given to a student in a graduate athletic training program who maintains a superior academic standing. Nance won the John A. Mayes–Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee Scholarship, given annually to a qualified entry-level athletic training student from a diverse ethnic background.