Dean Linda Fried Introduces Dean’s Scholarship

This week, the Mailman School of Public Health began welcoming its most diverse and qualified class of admitted students to the Fall 2016 master’s and doctoral programs. For Julie Kornfeld, the School’s new Vice Dean for Education, the pool of talented applicants—five percent larger than in years past—exemplifies the strengths of the School’s focus on interdisciplinary education.

“With the profile of public health gaining greater visibility, prospective students are better informed about their academic options,” Kornfeld said. “The quality of our core curriculum, our location in New York City, and the opportunities we provide for global experiences all over the world are leading more and more people to this scholarly community of extraordinary students and public health scientists. We’re excited to welcome this new class of students looking for ways to tackle critical challenges we face in improving the health of our communities.”

Applicants for a Master’s in Public Health, the School’s largest degree program, also increased over 2015. Seeking a diverse and talented pool, Mailman recruitment efforts attracted greater representation from international students and students from outside of the New York metropolitan area. Applications this year came from 48 states and 68 countries, with China representing well over ten percent of the total number of applications.

Mailman’s First Dean’s Scholarships

Immediately following this year’s admissions decisions, Dean Linda P. Fried announced the School’s first Dean’s Scholarships, merit-based awards for the Mailman School’s most exceptional applicants. 

“Students are the heart of our research and learning community,” said Dean Fried. “That’s why I’m proud to have identified sources of support for these most promising new students.”

The inaugural Dean’s Scholars will be granted full tuition, housing expenses, student fees, and a stipend. In addition, Dean’s Scholars will have opportunities to contribute to research and service projects directed by Dean Fried and senior faculty. Individuals being considered for these awards will be selected based on their overall academic strength and the applicability of their professional interests to the School’s mission to improve population health and reduce health disparities. 

“With these Dean’s Scholarships, we can guarantee that cost is not a barrier for the most gifted students pursuing careers in public health,” Kornfeld said. “These awards enable us to create opportunities for students of extraordinary aptitude and commitment to engage with the very best that the Mailman School has to offer.”

The inaugural Dean’s Scholars will be invited to join Dean Fried for quarterly mentoring opportunities. Upon graduation, Dean’s Scholars will be asked to maintain close connections with the Mailman School and will be invited to serve as mentors to future scholars.

“Columbia’s Moment” in Public Health

Max Zeiger, who has already accepted his place in the entering class, comes to New York from Los Angeles, where he has been working as a research coordinator at UCLA’s Tisch Brain Sports program. He brings to the Mailman School an interest in the biological and psychosocial effects of sports related head injuries, and is already eager to conduct a cost/benefit analysis of New York City’s new legislation to fund certified athletic trainers at New York’s public high schools.  

“As someone who is interested in a wide range of career opportunities I know that I will have the ability to apply my analytical skills to research the effectiveness and sustainability of healthcare programs and operations in order to improve patient care.” Zeiger said. “Everyone I've talked to commented on the collegial atmosphere among the students and staff at Mailman. It just feels like Columbia’s moment.”

Applications continue to come to the School for several programs, including new Master of Science degrees in Radiological Sciences and Toxicology and Executive Master’s degrees in Epidemiology, Healthcare Administration, and Public Health. In order to illustrate the advantages of a Mailman education, the Office of Admissions will sponsor multiple events for admitted students in New York and, for the first time, in Boston and Washington, DC. Details about these programs can be found here.