Four SPH students win Research Appreciation Day awards
April 16, 2024 • News
Four HSC School of Public Health students – Brittany Krenek, Allison Cross, Idara Akpan and Nadiya Jiwa – have been recognized with outstanding honors at the university’s 2024 Research Appreciation Day.
Research Appreciation Day (RAD) at The University of North Texas Health Science Center is an institutional tradition encompassing medicine, public health and basic science.
The program provides an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to share their research efforts with the campus community and the public.
The program encourages the development of joint research projects and increases the community’s awareness of the outstanding quality and range of research conducted at HSC.
“In acknowledging the impressive array of RAD submissions from students across all our programs, it’s clear that each contribution reflects a noteworthy commitment to research excellence,” said Dr. Dana Litt, SPH RAD coordinator. “Congratulations to all participants for their valuable engagement and dedication.”
Research Appreciation Day at HSC is a time honored tradition that recognizes the work being done to help build healthier communities.
This year’s 31st Annual Research Appreciation Day was held in March, with more than 250 abstracts submitted and 204 competing for awards.
“This year’s RAD theme celebrates ‘A Scholar’s Journey’. An important part of that journey is publishing and presenting your work to others. The ability to effectively articulate and disseminate your work helps to build upon an advanced knowledge,” said Dr. Shafik Dharamsi, SPH Dean.
“It also positions emerging scholars as active and productive contributors to their fields of study, showcases their expertise, enhances their professional reputation and increases opportunities for collaboration and career development,” he added.
Each school at HSC chooses their own categories and RAD award winners. The School of Public Health selected three research winners, as well as one awardee for community engaged research, based on their poster presentations.
This year’s School of Public Health winners were:
First Place Research Award Winner: PhD student Brittany Krenek, for her presentation on “Is there a relationship between religious affiliation and adherence to recommended cervical cancer screening guidelines?”
Second Place Research Award Winner: PhD student Allison Cross, for her presentation on “Examination of Pregaming: associations with drinking cognitions, alcohol use and negative consequences at the daily-level among adolescents and young adults”
Third Place Research Award Winner: PhD student Idara Akpan, for her presentation on “Exploring the association between patient-centered communication and awareness of human papillomavirus vaccine: a cross-sectional study”
Community Engaged Research Award Winner: Master of Public Health student Nadiya Jiwa, for her presentation on “Factors associated with the acceptability of Lopinavir/Ritonavir formulations among children living with HIV/AIDS attending care and treatment clinics in Mbeya and Mwanza, Tanzania”
“By sharing your research findings,” Dr. Dharamsi noted, “you contribute to the collective growth of knowledge in your field. Disseminating research findings ensures that the outcomes of scholarly work are not only confined to academic circles but are accessible to a broader audience, particularly practitioners, policy makers and the general public … because ultimately the most important goal of your scholarly work is to improve the quality and conditions of life in society.”
To view the virtual awards ceremony, click here.
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