Academic Excellence Award Winner

July 8, 2026 - 10:31

Erin, an Academic Excellence Award winner and a Public and Community Health major with double minors in Legal Studies and Health Policy and Management, recently shared her experiences at Ithaca College. Originally from the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, Erin said she came to the school seeking an education that would let her make a positive difference in the world. She admitted she did not fully understand the scope of impact possible through the public health major when she first chose it, but her time in the rigorous program has confirmed it is her true calling.

Being a public health student during the COVID-19 pandemic offered a unique perspective. Erin noted that her coursework allowed her to work with various populations both on and off campus to provide support during the health crisis. She specifically credited Professor Srijana Bajracharya, her instructor for Research Methods in Health. Professor Bajracharya encouraged students to design research projects that would directly benefit their communities. Erin described her as a mentor who helped her discover a passion for research, a skill she now uses in her job as a research assistant for Rescue - The Behavior Change Agency. Erin expressed deep gratitude for Professor Bajracharya's guidance and support throughout her studies.