色色研究所

Students, faculty, staff and programs from the (COPH) were among those recognized for their leadership, service and impact during the 2026 USF Health Student Awards Ceremony, held April 22 at the Marshall Student Center.

The annual event celebrates excellence across , highlighting achievements in academics, interprofessional collaboration, community engagement and student leadership. This year, COPH staff, students, faculty and initiatives were prominently recognized across multiple award categories.

Student leadership and service

Among the top student honors, Reva Gandhi, a student, and Emily Walsh, an student, were named Student Leaders of the Year for their commitment to leadership and service within USF Health and the college.

Gandhi鈥檚 work with the improved operations and patient capacity through a status board innovation, earning her the 2025 Patient Impact Award. She also contributed to the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College by leading communications and engagement efforts, making an impact across campus and beyond.

Walsh serves as president of the (MCHSO), which connects students interested in maternal and child health. Through MCHSO, she helps raise awareness, expand service and learning opportunities, and foster mentorship and community among students, faculty and alumni.

The Spirit Award, which recognizes students who foster a positive and inclusive community, was awarded to Abeja Castro, a BSPH student, and Sohil Purohit, an student.

Members of the USF Health Student InterCouncil Executive Board from the COPH were also recognized for their leadership and service. Honorees included Aarya Preetam Satardekar, vice president; Dona Anil, treasurer; Laura Luu, community engagement and outreach chair; Sophia Colexcua and Kyler O鈥橪eske, events and social engagement chairs; and Patrick Panton, professional development chair.

Interprofessional collaboration

COPH students and faculty were further recognized through the Excellence in Interprofessionalism Award, presented to the USF Health CLARION Case Competition Team. The team included MPH students Madison Burnstein and Mary Elisabeth Slifer and was supported by faculty mentor , associate professor in the , alongside interdisciplinary partners.

The award highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in addressing complex public health challenges. Read more about the CASE competition here.

Programs and organizations making an impact

The Outstanding Student Organization Award was presented to the , a student-led initiative directed by Dr. Karen Liller, interim chair of the s and Distinguished University Health Professor, that prepares future public health leaders through advocacy, interprofessional collaboration and applied learning.

One of only two Activist Labs in the country, the program serves as a model for public health advocacy. Guided by a student advisory board, the lab leads initiatives ranging from trainings and seminars to research, filmmaking and a nationally attended advocacy bootcamp.

This year, students produced an award-winning , secured national grant funding, published peer-reviewed research and contributed to a statewide task force addressing loneliness and social isolation. Since its founding, the lab has engaged hundreds of students, with alumni continuing advocacy efforts across the workforce.

The Program of the Year Award was presented to , a COPH program recognized for excellence in expanding access to health coverage.

Under the leadership of COPH alumna , the program has strengthened its role statewide by advancing enrollment strategies, expanding outreach and building partnerships. Despite a more than $10 million reduction in Navigator Grant funding, the program maintained Florida鈥檚 position among the leading states for Marketplace enrollment.

Colleagues noted Jacobs鈥� ability to align data with policy and practice while fostering a collaborative, mission-driven approach. Through her leadership, Florida Covering Kids & Families has become a model for connecting families to coverage.

Supporting student success

Romina Dzikowski, graduate advisor and recruiter for the COPH, was named Advisor of the Year in recognition of her dedication to supporting and guiding students throughout their academic journeys.

Students said Dzikowski goes beyond traditional advising, helping them navigate medical leaves, balance work and personal responsibilities and persist through challenges. One student noted, 鈥淩omina never once made me feel like 鈥榡ust a student ID number.鈥� She took the time to listen, cared deeply about my journey and helped me find solutions that set me up for success.鈥�

Students also highlighted her consistent support at conferences and public speaking competitions, as well as her responsiveness and compassion. Colleagues and students described her approach as student-centered, with a lasting impact on those she supports.

Campus leadership and partnership

, assistant vice president for academic affairs at USF Health and senior associate dean for academic and student affairs in the COPH, received the USF Health Campus/Community Partner Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional collaboration and contributions that strengthen campus and community engagement.

In her nomination, , instructor and director of the , described Zgibor as 鈥渙ne of the most effective collaborators鈥� she has worked with, citing her ability to advance cross-college programs, events and strategic initiatives that support USF Health鈥檚 academic mission. Joyce noted that Zgibor consistently brings people together to 鈥渢ransform ideas into impactful outcomes鈥� while fostering a more connected and engaged campus community.

Among her many contributions, Zgibor envisioned and launched the Lifelong Learning Academy, a USF Health service unit focused on continuing education and workforce development. The program expands access to affordable learning opportunities for alumni and the broader community while strengthening ties across the Tampa Bay region.

Now serving as assistant vice president for academic affairs, Zgibor oversees academic and administrative operations across four colleges. Joyce wrote that in this role, she continues to advance institutional effectiveness while fostering 鈥渁 culture of inclusion, trust and shared purpose.鈥�

Zgibor was also recognized for her people-centered leadership. Joyce described her approach as grounded in 鈥渃ompassion, empathy and approachability,鈥� supporting faculty, staff and administrators while guiding initiatives that create lasting impact across USF Health.