Published May 27, 2025
The University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions announced the recipients of its 2024-2025 awards during the school’s annual meeting in May. The award recipients have been chosen for their outstanding dedication and service to the school in scholarship, community engagement and professional duties.
Outstanding Staff Award
Presented to a staff member (two in 2025!) who has demonstrated distinction in their contributions towards supporting academic excellence and a strong, overall commitment to fulfilling our mission.
Outstanding Research Staff Award
Presented to a staff member whose responsibilities are primarily research-focused and who demonstrates distinction in their contributions to the success of the project(s) they support.
Leah Vermont, assistant director of partnership and outreach, Community Health Interventions Lab
Adjunct Faculty Service Award
Recognizes an adjunct faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the education mission of one or more academic programs with the School of Public Health and Health Professions.
Mike Hodgins, adjunct instructor, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
Volunteer Service Award
Recognizes a volunteer who has made significant contributions to the education, research, or service missions of the School of Public Health and Health Professions.
Christina Fee, ANM Healthcare
Teacher of the Year
Presented to a faculty member whose recent teaching performance, initiatives, publications, and/or presentations demonstrate outstanding contributions to education.
Rebecca Begalle, clinical assistant professor and undergraduate clinical coordinator, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
Outstanding Junior Researcher of the Year
Presented to an assistant professor whose recent research initiatives demonstrate outstanding importance and relevance to the overall mission of the School of Public Health and Health Professions.
Denise Lillvis, assistant professor, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health
Outstanding Senior Researcher of the Year
Presented to an associate or full professor whose recent research initiatives demonstrate outstanding importance and relevance to the overall mission of the School of Public Health and Health Professions.
David Hostler, professor and chair, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
Dean's Award for Community Service
Presented to a faculty or staff member in recognition of achievements in providing professionally relevant community service in furtherance of the School's mission to improve the health of populations, communities or individuals over the past year.
James Lenker, associate professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science
SPHHP Dean's Award
Recognizes a faculty or staff member in the School of Public Health and Health Professions for outstanding professional accomplishments and effort within the past year.
Jennifer Augustine, operations manager/facilities planning and management officer, Office of the Dean