Brown School students Kate Gershwin and Will Hutson have been named This is Public Health (TIPH) ambassadors for 2023-2024 by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH).
Gershwin and Hutson, both second-year Master of Public Health students, join a select group of 82 graduate students chosen to represent 47 ASPPH member schools worldwide. This year’s cohort sets a record in size and diversity.
ASPPH established the ambassador program in 2017. TIPH student ambassadors are nominated by their respective institutions. During their tenure, student ambassadors help raise awareness about public health education and career opportunities through virtual events, TIPH social media takeovers, and contributions to various projects and presentations.
“I feel honored to represent the Brown School and excited to spread information about public health to a broader audience,” Gershwin said. “As an ambassador, I hope to utilize the TIPH social media channels to educate people about antimicrobial resistance and stewardship, particularly how antimicrobial stewardship can advance global health equity.”
Additionally, Gershwin hopes to collaborate with WashU’s Habif Health and Wellness Center to promote health and well-being on campus.
In nominating Gershwin, Ragini Maddipati, Assistant Dean for Academic Programs, described her as engaging, creative, and kind and said, “Kate has incredible public health leadership potential.”
Hutson, who has a keen interest in substance use epidemiology and harm reduction, is looking forward to networking with like-minded students. “I’m eager to get to know students from across the country, share our interests in different public health topics, and motivate more people to pursue public health,” he said.
Angela Hobson, Associate Dean for Public Health, who put forward Hutson’s nomination, lauded him as a highly engaged student who is “an active advocate for public health at Wash U and beyond.” She noted his involvement in multiple national health organizations.
Gershwin and Hutson will serve as TIPH ambassadors until June 2024.