Biraj Karmacharya has been creating ecosystems for motivated people to transform public health, especially in Nepal where he has led innovative work alongside his community. He helped expand hospital programs to serve rural populations. He created the country’s first-ever doctoral programs in public health to train future professionals. He researches diseases amongst low-income communities and works with governments to inform health policy.

As a global health master’s student in the UW School of Public Health, Amanda Li has been thoughtfully engaging with Asian American communities in King County, rural communities across the U.S., and global communities in Kenya to support public health communications that align with those populations’ needs and goals. For her academic excellence and commitment to public health, Li received the 2024 Gilbert S. Omenn Award for Academic Excellence, one of the most prestigious School-wide recognitions for master’s and doctoral students.

The University of Washington School of Public Health (SPH) recognized dozens of students, staff, and faculty at its annual Excellence Awards celebration on May 14, 2024 in the Hans Rosling Center for Population Health. The Excellence Awards celebrates members of the SPH community for their dedication, service, and many contributions to public health. Congratulations to all our awardees!

Every year, we take the time to recognize outstanding staff for their dedication and many contributions to our department. Criteria for selecting outstanding staff included superior service, resourcefulness, innovation, creativity, excellence, integrity, and a commitment to creating and sustaining a climate of equity, justice, and anti-racism. Congratulations to all nominees!