Excellence in Epidemiology: Celebrating 2025 SPH Awards of Excellence Recipients
The University of Washington School of Public Health (SPH) recently announced the recipients of the 2025 SPH Awards of Excellence, honoring outstanding students and staff members across the School. We’re proud to celebrate the exceptional members of the Department of Epidemiology whose work exemplifies dedication, leadership, and impact in public health.
Outstanding Staff: Veronica Jones
We are thrilled to share that Veronica Jones, Grants and Contracts Director in the Department of Epidemiology, has been recognized with the Outstanding Staff Award. Veronica leads the Department’s comprehensive research administration activities and is an essential partner in helping faculty and staff navigate the often complex world of sponsored research.
Veronica not only expertly troubleshoots issues in real time, she thinks proactively about how to strengthen communication and collaboration across research teams. Over the past two years in particular, Veronica has been a steady and compassionate force, ensuring that the Department of Epidemiology continues to thrive in its research mission.
Outstanding Master’s Student: Molly Sneller
Molly Sneller, a master’s student in epidemiology, was honored for her remarkable interdisciplinary work, and interest in host-microbial interactions and occupational safety. Her thesis research explores how sexual activity shapes the vaginal microbiome in adolescent girls and young women in Kenya.
She also works with Public Health – Seattle & King County on a project focused on auto repair shops, where she evaluates worker exposure to volatile organic compounds and investigates safer alternatives to toxic degreasers. Molly is interested in translating exposure data into practical workplace protections.
Outstanding Doctoral Student: Hiwot Zewdie
Hiwot Zewdie, PhD candidate in epidemiology, received the Outstanding Doctoral Student Award for her scholarship, leadership, and deep commitment to equity. Her research spans the intersections of the built environment, injury and violence prevention, and socioeconomic determinants of health.
Hiwot has authored multiple publications, presented nationally, and independently launched a collaborative research project on pedestrian safety in Bogotá, Colombia. She also gives back through mentorship and student engagement, having co-led the Epi Peer Mentoring program and a study abroad program to Ethiopia. Hiwot’s contributions to the Department and the field are truly exemplary.
Congratulations to Veronica, Molly, and Hiwot on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for the excellence, compassion, and innovation you bring to your work every day—your efforts strengthen the future of public health.