(All photos by Angelic Rose Hubert, Notre Dame Research)
In conjunction with the recent Global Health Day 2025 hosted by the Eck Institute for Global Health at the University of Notre Dame, a number of awards were announced, including top research posters, photo contest winners, and the appreciation of a graduating senior.
The ceremony began with the recognition of Ethan Harned ('25, Pre-Health Studies and Psychology) as Outstanding Undergraduate Student for his significant achievements in global health leadership. Tim Weber, associate director of the Eck Institute for Global Health, noted, “Ethan took every opportunity at the University to immerse himself in global health experiential opportunities in the field.” He interned for several years at Global Partners in Care, where he made significant impacts. Additionally, he has been instrumental in establishing and managing the Global Health Club of Notre Dame, which promotes global and public health initiatives among undergraduate students.
During the day’s events, global health research conducted by University of Notre Dame students was showcased in poster form. A total of 22 research posters were presented in the galleria of the Jordan Hall of Science, and these students received top honors:
-
Best Undergraduate Student Poster: “Creating a Spanish-Speaking Volunteer Program to Increase Client Access to a Maternal and Infant Health Initiative, the B.A.B.E. Store,” by Ella Hall (‘26, Biological Sciences), Believe Chakenya (‘27, Neuroscience & Behavior), and Isabella Bass (‘27, Global Affairs).
-
Best Graduate Student Poster: “Identifying and Addressing the Occupational Risk of Schistosomiasis to Rice Farmers in the Senegal River Basin, Senegal,” by Emily Selland (Ph.D. candidate, Biological Studies)
The afternoon also showcased imagery of global health issues and challenges in the Global Health Photo Contest. Notre Dame students and faculty submitted a total of 28 photos, which were enlarged and displayed for attendees and judges. Contest awardees included:
-
Top Student Photo: “Resilience in the Face of Scarcity: Saving Lives in a Resource-Limited Operating Room,” by Nahom Mulatu (‘26, MS Global Health)
-
Top Faculty Photo: “A Deadly Lifecycle,” by Lee Haines, Ph.D., (Associate Research Professor, Department of Biological Sciences)
As host of this ceremony, Weber concluded, “The Eck Institute for Global Health would like to congratulate all who were honored and recognized, as well as thank those who submitted and presented research posters and photos, and all attendees who committed their time to learning more about the current global health landscape.” Details for next year’s event will be announced on the Global Health Day webpage in December.
Contact:
Damienne Jugovic, Communications Specialist
Notre Dame Research / University of Notre Dame
djugovic@nd.edu / 574.631.7029
research.nd.edu / @UNDResearch
About the Eck Institute for Global Health
The Eck Institute for Global Health (EIGH), an integral part of Notre Dame Research, builds on the University’s historical strength in infectious disease research, including vector-borne diseases, while broadening the interdisciplinary expertise into other key global health areas including non-communicable diseases; maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH); and global health security. EIGH recognizes health as a fundamental human right and promotes research, training, and service to advance health standards and reduce health disparities, especially for those who are disproportionately impacted by preventable diseases. The EIGH is training the next generation of global health researchers and leaders through undergraduate, Master of Science in Global Health, doctoral, and postdoctoral programs.
Originally published by at globalhealth.nd.edu on April 29, 2025.