Academic Programs

Ana Abraido-Lanza, PhD, associate professor of Sociomedical Sciences, was named recipient of the 2009 Teaching Excellence Award. Selected by graduating students of the Mailman School of Public Health, the honor is bestowed annually on a leader in the field who helps shape health policy, create ground-breaking service initiatives, and undertake cutting-edge research and education programs.

In addition to her stellar teaching ability, Dr. Abraido-Lanza is known as a masterful mentor to her students. She serves as program director of the School’s Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (IMSD), an education project funded by the National Institutes of Health, aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented students who enter research careers in public health. The program supports eight doctoral students each year, providing them with one to two years of research mentoring, tuition benefits, and funding to attend one scientific conference per year.

"I am deeply honored to have received this award and greatly value the support and encouragement I have received from both students and colleagues," said Dr. Abraido-Lanza. "The Mailman School strongly supports programs like the IMSD, and while there's always more work to do to foster inclusiveness, you can't make a program like IMSD work unless the school and departments are dedicated to it. That sends a strong message that diversity in education is valued."

Dr. Abraido-Lanza, who received her bachelor's degree from New York University and her master's and doctoral degree from the City University of New York, has been a member of the Mailman School faculty since 1998. In addition to teaching an introductory class in health psychology and a seminar on research and professional development, Dr. Abraido-Lanza teaches a course that addresses current issues in Latino health, an overview of current research issues and theories concerning the mental and physical health of Latino populations in the United States.

"It's self-evident that my experiences shape my interests," said Dr. Abraido-Lanza. "I have a deep interest in immigrant health issues." One of her current research projects—which includes students on a variety of levels, from reviewing literature, to data analysis, and writing—involves the Latino concept of fatalismo, and how this world view may or may not contribute to women getting screened for breast cancer.

Dr. Abraido-Lanza, who is known for involving students in many aspects of her research, said, "The insights and knowledge of the students enhance my work and, in turn, the experience they gain from collaborating on projects cultivates their skills and enriches their development as researchers."

"The spirit of innovative learning at the School is renewed each semester by our faculty who, in response to the dynamic changes taking place in public health, continually refine course material and develop new classes," remarked Ian Lapp, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs and education and assistant professor of clinical Sociomedical Sciences. "Ana is a perfect example of someone who is committed to the synergy between faculty knowledge and student experience. She not only values the diversity of culture and experiences, but works to perpetuate it."

"We are delighted to honor Ana for her passion for teaching and her ability to inspire students," said Linda P. Fried, MD, dean of the Mailman School. "The praise she receives from students for her ability to connect with them and motivate was extraordinary, and we are very fortunate to have her on our faculty."

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