Mara Kuzmich, a master's degree student in food safety in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, was selected as a recipient of the 2024 NEHA/AAS Graduate Scholarship Award.

"The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) represents more than 7,100 governmental, private, academic and uniformed services sector environmental health professionals in the U.S., its territories and internationally. NEHA is the profession's strongest advocate for excellence in the practice of environmental health as it delivers on its mission to build, sustain and empower an effective environmental health workforce. The scholarship program aims to encourage early commitment by students to pursue a career in environmental health."

Kuzmich is an Environmental Health Specialist with El Paso County Public Health, Colorado, where she leverages her experience in veterinary medicine and public health protection. She earned her bachelor's degree in public health, cum laude, from BYU-Idaho, her veterinary medicine degree from UFERSA-Brazil and is currently enrolled in the U of A's Master of Science in food safety degree program. Kuzmich's background includes planning public health programs, notably as a subject matter expert on a team that developed an integrated mosquito management program to combat dengue fever in Brazil. Her commitment to public health is further evidenced by her research publications and active participation in community education on disease prevention. In addition to her professional endeavors, Kuzmich enjoys archery and hosting culinary gatherings for friends and family.

"It is an honor to receive the 2024 NEHA/AAS Graduate Scholarship Award," she said. "This environmental health scholarship eases the financial burden of school, helping me pursue a career and education that combines my clinical knowledge, passion for zoonotic disease prevention and food safety with a commitment to health education and creative advocacy for a healthier, more resilient society."