David Hosmer Outstanding First-Year Student Awards
Hyunwoo Do (4+1 MPH, Epidemiology)
Hyunwoo Do is a graduate student in the Accelerated 4+1 Master's in Public Health in Epidemiology program. Originally from Milford, Massachusetts, Hyunwoo began his journey at UMass Amherst as a transfer student in the undergraduate public health program, where he discovered his passion for the field after the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded. Since then, he has been deeply committed to public health. He is particularly interested in epidemiology due to its potential to drive societal change. Hyunwoo believes that evidence-based approaches, often pioneered by epidemiology, are crucial for supporting programs and policies grounded in public health. He is eager to contribute to the field alongside other passionate public health professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. One of Hyunwoo's lifelong goals is to work at the World Health Organization, and he plans to gain professional experience after completing his graduate program. Outside of academics, Hyunwoo enjoys various hobbies, including taekwondo, archery, and dancing.
What initially sparked my interest in infectious disease has since blossomed into a lifelong passion for disease prevention and health promotion. As I immersed myself in public health coursework during my undergraduate studies, my vision and goals became clearer. Today, I am captivated by various aspects of public health, including public mental health and global health epidemiology. Amidst these diverse interests, my purpose remains steadfast: to contribute to a safer, healthier world through dedicated, evidence-based epidemiological practice.
I firmly believe that the program at UMass Amherst serves as a critical steppingstone toward achieving my aspirations as a public health professional. Despite the rigor of the coursework, I am confident that the program, along with the real-world experience gained through the practicum, will thoroughly prepare me for the field. My goal is to work at the World Health Organization, and I intend to pursue a career as an epidemiologist. Moreover, I hope to attain a doctoral degree to enhance my knowledge and skills, positioning myself as a leader in public health.
Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude for receiving this scholarship. Since embarking on the path of public health, I have found immense joy in my academic and professional experiences. Each class serves as a constant reminder of why I chose this field, reaffirming my commitment every single day. This perpetual enthusiasm fuels my thirst for knowledge and fuels my determination to learn and grow as an aspiring public health professional.
Throughout my academic journey, I have always strived for growth and excellence. However, I have often neglected to step back and truly acknowledge and appreciate my accomplishments. The honor of receiving this award has allowed me to celebrate my achievements not only for myself but also with my loved ones and those who care about me. It is a significant and meaningful milestone in my academic journey, reminding me that hard work and determination will always prevail.
This scholarship holds significant meaning to me as it not only recognizes my achievements but also alleviates the financial burden associated with pursuing my graduate studies. Starting my professional career without the weight of student debt is a pivotal milestone that I strive to achieve, and this scholarship award plays a crucial role in making that aspiration a reality. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude once again for your generosity in selecting me as a recipient of this prestigious award. I accept this recognition with deep pride and a renewed determination to continue pursuing excellence and success, fueled by my unwavering passion for public health.
Margaret Gillis (MS, Biostatistics)
Margaret Gillis has just finished her first year in the Master of Science in Biostatistics program at UMass Amherst. She decided to get her Master’s in Biostatistics after graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in Fall 2021. The choice to pursue this path came after being a caretaker for her grandparents and watching them struggle to navigate through treatment options. In her free time, Margaret enjoys reading books, watching sports documentaries, and traveling. This past summer, Margaret worked for T1D exchange as a quality improvement intern on their analyst team. After graduation, Margaret hopes to work in clinical trials to provide better care and treatment to patients.
Thank you so much for awarding me the David Hosmer Scholarship. This scholarship helps alleviate some of the stress of affording graduate school. I am so grateful to be able to receive this scholarship and continue to work towards my future as a biostatistician. I hope to help change the healthcare system for the better and really use my passion for statistics to do that. Thank you again for being so generous.
Ryan Grossman (MS, Biostatistics)
Ryan Grossman is a Master's student studying Biostatistics at UMass. With a passion for mathematics and health sciences, he is committed to utilizing his quantitative skills to make a positive impact on people's lives. Beyond academia, Ryan enjoys weightlifting, golfing, and hiking as ways to find balance. His interest in biostatistics stems from a desire to employ data science in improving public health and helping individuals lead healthier lives. After graduating, Ryan aims to find a career where he can make a tangible impact and contribute to the betterment of society through his expertise.
I am writing to express my gratitude for being awarded the David Hosmer Outstanding First Year Masters Student Award. I am truly honored to receive this prestigious recognition from such a distinguished department.
This award is a significant milestone in my academic journey, and I am sincerely thankful for the acknowledgment of my dedication and achievements. I extend my deepest appreciation to the faculty and staff of the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology for their invaluable support and guidance throughout my first year.
Receiving this award has reinforced my passion for biostatistics. I am honored to be a part of the department and look forward to contributing to its mission. Thank you once again for this esteemed recognition.
Godness Biney (MS, Epidemiology)
Godness Biney is a medical practitioner (clinical physician associate) from Ghana who is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Epidemiology. Growing up in a small, underserved community, he witnessed the profound impact of health inequalities, particularly on women and children, which ignited his deep-seated passion to address these disparities. With a research focus on chronic disease prevention and cardiometabolic health, Godness aims to make significant contributions to the fight against type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic disorders. Committed to fostering diversity and representation, he actively serves as the Graduate Student Senator for the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, advocating for his fellow graduate students. As the Public Relations Officer/Social Media Coordinator for the African Graduates and Scholars Association (AGASA), he aims to promote inclusivity on campus. Moreover, his involvement as a mentor for STEM for Development, a US-based NGO supporting students in STEM fields worldwide, showcases his dedication to empowering aspiring scholars and fostering academic development. Additionally, as a Health Coordinator for the Global Connect Foundation, Godness actively engages in promoting healthcare delivery to underserved communities in Ghana. Post-graduation, he envisions pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology to advance his research endeavors and further contribute to addressing health inequities in Ghana. In his leisure time, Godness finds solace in reading and listening to podcasts, enriching his knowledge and broadening his perspective.
I am writing this letter filled with gratitude to express my deepest appreciation for your generous contribution towards the David Hosmer Outstanding First Year Student Award Scholarship. I am honored to have been selected as the recipient of this prestigious award, recognizing my outstanding performance in my first year at UMass Amherst.
Receiving this award has been a tremendous encouragement to me. It means a lot to me to be acknowledged for my academic achievements and commitment to excellence in my studies. Your support has not only alleviated the financial burden associated with educational expenses but has also reaffirmed my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field of public health. Growing up in a small, underserved community in Ghana, I have personally witnessed the challenges communities face regarding healthcare accessibility and quality. It inspired me to pursue a career in medicine and health and has sustained my desire to pursue public health (epidemiology). This award will not only enable me to continue my studies but will also empower me to develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to contribute to addressing these disparities. I am determined to utilize this opportunity to the fullest and work towards creating sustainable solutions that will improve the health and well-being of individuals in my country and beyond.
I was attracted to the Epidemiology program at UMass Amherst, given its structure, facilities and resources, and outstanding expertise and breadth of the faculty. As an international student who arrived two weeks later than expected due to difficulties obtaining a visa, my first few weeks were challenging. However, I was amazed by the tremendous support I received from the faculty to help me settle down and have a smooth transition. After this experience, I am confident that I made the right decision to come to UMass and convinced that the faculty would help me succeed in all my endeavors by providing amazing resources and the right connections for me to succeed. This past semester, I met Dr. Cassandra N. Spracklen whose works I have long been interested in. I am honored to work with her for my master's thesis. Overall, my first year at UMass has been amazing, and I look forward to my final year as an MS student.
I feel privileged and deeply grateful to have been selected for the esteemed David Hosmer Outstanding First-Year Student Award. As an international student, securing financial assistance is a challenging endeavor. Your incredible generosity, along with that of other individuals and organizations, has not only made it possible for me to pursue my goals but has also relieved the financial burden I would have otherwise encountered. This recognition serves as a source of motivation for me to strive for excellence persistently. I wholeheartedly appreciate your kindness and the invaluable support you have extended.
Umu-Kultumie Tejan-Jalloh (MS, Epidemiology)
Umu-Kultumie Tejan-Jalloh is pursuing her Master of Sciences in Epidemiology. A native of Sierra Leone, she aspires to contribute to improving the Sierra Leonean public health sector. Umu-Kultumie has worked at Baystate Medical Center as a clinical laboratory scientist, and has been actively promoting diversity on campus as a member of the African Graduates and Scholars Association (AGASA). Further, she is involved in a reoccurring public health outreach program that promotes public dental health in Sierra Leone. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue her Ph.D. in Epidemiology.
I write to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and your organization for selecting me for this privilege. My first year of the master's program has been a remarkable journey, and I am honored to have received your support. Your generosity will significantly contribute to my educational pursuits, and I am deeply grateful.
I am from the West African country of Sierra Leone, a country burdened with a high prevalence of infectious and chronic diseases and where opportunities for public health research are limited in scope and impact. For women, fewer opportunities exist because there are several barriers to women's representation in health and science. I am dedicated to pursuing a career that focuses on spreading awareness of preventing and managing infectious and chronic diseases while inspiring young women in Sierra Leone.
I chose the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, because I believed its extraordinary Master of Science in Epidemiology program will equip me with excellent analytical and quantitative skills for my future pursuits. The program has outstanding faculty who are experts in pedagogy and research in chronic and infectious diseases across contexts. The faculty, together with the high quality of students in the program, have made the school year exciting for me. I have enjoyed all my classes, especially data management, which allowed me to gain invaluable coding experience in SAS.Once again, I am honored and humbled to have been selected as the recipient of the David Hosmer Outstanding First-Year Student Award. For us international students, obtaining financial support can be challenging. With the generosity of individuals and organizations such as yours, we can achieve our goals and alleviate the financial burden that makes studying in the United States near impossible.
This award strongly motivates me to continue working hard to pursue my goals. I appreciate your generosity and the invaluable help you have provided.
Benjamin Goldberg (4+1 MS, Biostatistics)
Ben Goldberg has been interested in biostatistics ever since he was in high school. When he was younger, he took a course on edX about biostatistics and fell in love with the subject. Since then, he has been on a mission to get his master's in biostatistics. As an undergraduate, he majored in biochemistry, but took many math courses as well. He enjoyed these math courses quite a lot, and so applied for the 4 + 1 master in biostatistics program here at UMass Amherst. Currently, he is taking four biostatistics-related courses and is conducting research in The Ouyang Lab about breast cancer genetics. He hopes to publish a paper about it by the beginning of next year. Last summer, he had an internship at Boston Children's Hospital where he helped out with multiple studies about Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome. In the future, he hopes to become a biostatistician. In his free time, he likes to watch sports, play video games, paint by the numbers, and go for walks.
I want to express my gratitude for your generous David Hosmer Scholarship. I won The David Hosmer Scholarship last spring as a first-year student in biostatistics. The opportunity meant a lot to me as I had been working very hard as a first-year student in biostatistics. I was very proud to hear my name called at the award ceremony. Furthermore, the generous amount of money provided to me has allowed me to continue to pursue my goal of doing my master's of biostatistics here at The University of Massachusetts at Amherst. My dream was always to be here for both undergraduate and graduate school, and you have helped me fulfill that dream. This school is so wonderful, and I am happy that I can be here to learn and grow as a student and a person. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your generosity.