2025 Award Finalists

UW Medicine (Seattle)

Collette Elizabeth Abbott is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Global Health at the University of Washington, specializing in global health education and partnerships. Her journey began as the Global Health Chief Resident in Naivasha, Kenya, where she focused on medical education, curriculum development, and strengthening partnerships. Collette has since taken on significant leadership roles, including Director of the UW Internal Medicine Residency Global Health Pathway and Director of Medical Student Programs for the Department of Global Health.

Collette’s work emphasizes reciprocity and mutual exchange in global health partnerships. She has re-established international partnerships and developed programs that engage UW students in global health work, both internationally and locally. Her initiatives include reciprocal clinical rotations for students from partner sites in Kenya and Peru. Collette is also committed to local global health engagement, establishing partnerships with immigrant and refugee communities in King County. Her dedication to global health education and reciprocal partnerships continues to foster meaningful contributions to the field.

Department of Anthropology (Seattle)

Dr. Holly M. Barker is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Anthropology and the Curator for Oceanic & Asian Culture at the Burke Museum at the University of Washington. Her work emphasizes ethical, reciprocal, and long-term relationships with communities, integrating global networks into research, teaching, and daily practices at UW. Dr. Barker has pioneered study abroad programs for student-athletes and Pacific Islanders, ensuring transformative learning opportunities for all students.

Dr. Barker’s research focuses on the legacy of nuclear weapons testing in the Marshall Islands, documenting the impacts of U.S. militarism from a Marshallese perspective. She serves as a commissioner on the National Nuclear Commission of the Marshall Islands and mentors leaders addressing radiological challenges. Her work has led to significant publications, including “Bravo for the Marshallese” and “The Consequential Damages of Nuclear War,” and has been instrumental in advocating for nuclear justice and supporting Marshallese communities. The President of the Marshall Islands awarded Dr. Baker with honorary citizenship for her work on nuclear justice.

UW Medicine (Seattle)

Jacob Bentley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and an Adjunct Professor in Global Health at the University of Washington. His academic career focuses on addressing global health challenges through student-centric teaching, impactful research, and community engagement. Over the past decade, Jacob has developed scalable, culturally adapted mental health interventions for displaced populations and communities affected by war-related trauma. His work aims to foster resilience in these communities while contributing to global knowledge on trauma interventions.

Jacob’s teaching and mentorship efforts include developing and co-teaching global health courses at UW, focusing on community-based capacity building on an international scale. He has mentored numerous doctoral and master’s students who are now contributing to global health and trauma rehabilitation research. Jacob’s sustained community partnerships reflect a shared international mission to translate research findings into actionable strategies, making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

School of Nursing & Health Studies (Bothell)

Dr. Jody Early is a Professor at the University of Washington Bothell with over 30 years of experience as a community and globally engaged scholar. An interdisciplinary social scientist, she examines ecological, cultural, and systemic factors influencing health. Her work focuses on community-based participatory research (CBPR) and co-designing culturally responsive, community-driven programs. Recently, she has studied U.S. and international peer mental health navigator models to promote mental health and prevent suicide. She is Principal Investigator and co-director of Mental Health Matters of Washington.

Since joining UW in 2014, Dr. Early has led international initiatives, including co-founding the Transnational Education and Community Health Collaboratory (TEaCH CoLab) with colleagues in Ireland. Supported by EU and Irish funding, it fosters faculty and student exchanges to address issues like loneliness, healthcare, gender justice, and reproductive rights.

In 2026, she will co-lead a study abroad program titled Resistance and Resilience in Ireland: Art, Advocacy and Health Promotion. Dr. Early also champions accessible global learning through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and virtual fieldwork, immersing students in experiences that expand their worldview and practice.

Jackson School of International Studies (Seattle)

Dr. Nadine C. Fabbi has dedicated over 25 years to advancing global engagement through her roles at the University of Washington. As the director of the Canadian Studies Center/Arctic and International Relations, she has secured over 50 grants to support innovative global teaching and research. Her efforts have led to the development of the Arctic Fellows program and the Transnational Task Force on the Arctic, which have profoundly impacted students and fostered lasting international relationships. Importantly, those international relations include Arctic Indigenous leaders, activists, and artists who frequently contribute to UW’s Arctic programming.

Dr. Fabbi’s recent initiatives include the “Social Services, Supports, and Wellbeing in Arctic Canada and Beyond” project and the “Co-Designing Civic Education for the Circumpolar North” research grant. These projects have built cross-border communities of scholars and practitioners, addressing critical issues in Arctic regions. Her leadership in the Arctic initiative at UW, including the development of the Arctic minor, UW’s Fulbright Canada Chair in Arctic Studies, and the north2north exchange program, underscores her commitment to enhancing global education and fostering international collaboration.

Foster School of Business (Seattle)

Christina Fong is the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and the Michael G. Foster Endowed Professor of Management at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. Since 2016, she has been a passionate advocate for international travel, leading students to Italy, Brazil, China, and Taiwan. Christina serves as the academic director of the Hovind Global Leaders Program, a year-long initiative designed to expand global and inclusive leadership for high-potential, high-need students. The program includes an academic course, a fully funded study abroad trip, a mentorship program, and a cohort model focused on community building.

Under Christina’s leadership, the Hovind Global Leaders Program has significantly increased access to study abroad for marginalized students, helping them build intercultural competence and leadership skills. The program’s impact extends beyond its participants, inspiring other students to pursue international opportunities. Christina’s dedication to global engagement and inclusive education continues to empower students to realize their potential and pursue global careers.

Jackson School of International Studies, Department of History (Seattle)

Dr. Christoph Giebel is a Professor in the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies and the Department of History at the University of Washington. His work focuses on the explosive legacies of war in Quang Tri Province, Viet Nam, through the CHID – PeaceTrees Study Abroad/Engaged Community Learning programs. Since 2007, Dr. Giebel has directed twelve programs, engaging more than 200 students in activities such as observing demining operations, participating in mine risk education, and supporting and learning from UXO-affected communities.

Dr. Giebel’s programs emphasize ethical engagement, inclusivity, and sustainability. He fosters a learning environment that critically reflects on privilege and power, encouraging students to extend their understanding to their home communities. His efforts have created lasting connections between Seattle-area schools, clubs, and war veterans with counterparts in Quang Tri Province. Dr. Giebel’s work has been instrumental in defining CHID Study Abroad as a leader in immersive, ethical, and self-reflective education.

Department of Global Health, School of Nursing (Seattle)

Dr. Sarah Gimbel is a Professor at the University of Washington, specializing in global health nursing and systems engineering. She has significantly impacted global health through her work with Health Alliance International (HAI) in Mozambique, where she supported the development and implementation of the national HIV/AIDS treatment plan. Dr. Gimbel’s pioneering Systems Analysis and Improvement Approach (SAIA) has been adapted to 14 clinical contexts across six countries, improving healthcare delivery and outcomes.

As the Director of the UW Center for Global Health Nursing, Dr. Gimbel has developed innovative academic programs and global health initiatives. She has led efforts to integrate SAIA into various health systems, including opioid use disorder care in King County. Her work emphasizes the importance of systems thinking, ethical engagement, and collaboration, fostering global partnerships and advancing nursing’s role in global health policy.

Department of Mechanical Engineering (Seattle)

Dr. Mehmet Kurt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington. His interdisciplinary research integrates nonlinear dynamics, neuroimaging, and artificial intelligence to address healthcare challenges. Dr. Kurt has developed pioneering mechanical neuroimaging techniques such as ultra-high-resolution MR Elastography for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, making advanced neuroimaging diagnostics more accessible in resource-limited settings.

Dr. Kurt is committed to fairness and equity in AI, collaborating globally to enhance diagnostic accuracy across diverse populations. He founded the Peer Review for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (PRIDE) mentorship program, supporting LGBTQ+ students in STEM. He also co-leads the COMPASS seminar series, fostering cross-border collaboration in AI and medicine. Dr. Kurt’s work bridges scientific advancements and global health needs, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in healthcare and academia.

Health Systems and Population Health (Seattle)

Dr. Karima Lalani is the Program Director of the Health Informatics and Health Information Management (HIHIM) programs and an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Washington School of Public Health. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare workforce education, strategic planning, and digital health, she has significantly contributed to global health informatics and health information management workforce development research.

Dr. Lalani’s research with her global colleagues includes analyzing workforce trends in health informatics and health information management across 64 countries, published by MedInfo in 2019. Her work on emerging global trends in digital health was published by MedInfo in 2023. She led efforts to share her workgroup’s findings at the Pan-Canadian Conference on Health Information in 2024 and published research on the international classification of occupations for the health informatics workforce in the Health Information and Libraries Journal. Her ongoing research project, “Generational Health Professional Perceptions about Artificial Intelligence Impact on Clinical Work,” continues to advance the field.

Civil & Environmental Engineering (Seattle)

Julian Marshall is a dedicated professor at the University of Washington, specializing in global engagement in teaching and in air pollution research. His journey began in the 1990s when he left his job as an environmental consultant to teach in Singapore and volunteer in India. Seeking to make a meaningful impact, Julian pursued graduate studies and has since focused on global engagement through strong local collaborations.

Julian co-founded the Acara program at the University of Minnesota, which included international project-based classes, social entrepreneurship competitions, and summer institutes in India. He continued his work at the University of Washington, including founding the Grand Challenges Impact Lab (GCIL) – a 10-week study-abroad hands-on learning laboratory in Bengaluru. GCIL students work with local organizations to develop thoughtful solutions for low-income communities such as affordable homes, health insurance, or improving drinking water. Julian’s research in air pollution spans multiple countries, including India, China, Indonesia, and Mongolia, and improves health and environmental conditions.

School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (Bothell)

Afra Mashhadi is an Assistant Professor of Computing and Software Systems at UW Bothell and a steering committee member of RAISE (Responsibility in AI System and Experiences) Centre. Her research focuses on creating fair and equitable Machine Learning and AI models for city and policy planning. Her latest research published in Nature, presented how COVID-19 pandemic changed visitation patterns to park and recreational sites across the state of Washington and how traditional planning models failed to account for the needs of most vulnerable users.

Afra has developed innovative global initiatives to address complex societal challenges, collaborating with researchers from various disciplines and countries. Supported by a prestigious NSF grant, her work includes studying biases in location data, and how such biases are exacerbated by Machine Learning models that are often used for policy planning. Her research group has been working on a variety of methods and software systems to debias these models. Afra’s research has informed policies to improve mobility systems for underrepresented groups and has been recognized internationally, including publications in prestigious journals and conferences and collaborations with organizations such as the United Nations.

Department of Global Health, Department of Epidemiology (Seattle)

Dr. Julianne Meisner is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Global Health and Epidemiology at the University of Washington. Her research, teaching, and service are grounded in the One Health approach, which views human, animal, and environmental health as interconnected. Julianne’s work focuses on the health of pastoralist communities in arid and semi-arid regions, examining the impact of land dispossession, state neglect, and antagonistic policies on disease persistence among animals and humans.

Dr. Meisner’s current research includes collaborations with communities in Mongolia, Israel, Palestine, and northern Kenya, using network epidemic modeling to understand disease transmission between humans and livestock. She also leads a project in Brazil examining how denial of territorial rights affects arbovirus transmission. Additionally, Dr. Meisner is a co-investigator on an NIH-funded training grant on vectorborne diseases, providing training on mathematical modeling and grant writing to trainees in Pakistan.

Law, Societies & Justice, Jackson School of International Studies (Seattle)

Dr. Stephen J. Meyers is an Associate Professor in the Department of Law, Societies & Justice and the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington. His work focuses on disability human rights and inclusive development, engaging students in understanding and promoting inclusion globally. Dr. Meyers has developed courses such as “Disability in Global Perspective” and “Social Justice through Philanthropy,” which have empowered students to support grassroots human rights organizations worldwide.

Dr. Meyers founded the Disability Inclusive Development Initiative (DIDI), an applied research program that connects UW students with international disability rights projects. He has also created study abroad programs in Jamaica and Geneva, providing students with hands-on experiences in disability advocacy and policy. Dr. Meyers’ commitment to mentoring young scholars and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities is reflected in his extensive research, publications, and global collaborations.

Foster School of Business (Seattle)

Dr. Shaosong Ou is a Teaching Professor at the Michael G. Foster School of Business, celebrating 18 years at the University of Washington as an educator, global program leader, and technology enthusiast. For nearly two decades, he has driven international initiatives connecting students, faculty, and professionals across continents. His leadership in study-abroad programs, case competitions, and immersive business experiences has taken hundreds of students to more than a dozen countries, offering deep insights into global markets and cultures.

In the classroom, Dr. Ou integrates international perspectives into case studies, lectures, and projects. As Faculty Advisor for the Certificate of International Studies in Business (CISB), he has taught over 10,000 students, advised more than 500, and collaborated with 200+ global organizations.

Beyond academia, Dr. Ou served on the board of the Washington State China Relations Council, contributing to diplomacy and economic development. His dedication to global learning and cross-cultural understanding continues to inspire the next generation of globally minded business leaders at UW.

Harborview Medical Center (Seattle)

Joyce Shaffer is a cofounder of an international project focused on preventing, delaying the onset, and reversing dementia. She has collaborated with MusicMendsMinds.org to promote healthy brain aging activities across four continents. Her work includes teaching from peer-reviewed publications and tailoring activities to reflect her research.

Joyce has been contributing to UW at Harborview for forty-one years, benefiting from access to evolving neuroscience research. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and authored the book “Hacking Neuroplasticity: How AI Can Help Your Healthy Aging Brain.” Joyce’s contributions have been recognized globally, including an invitation to join the Global Supercentenarian Cohort Network Study (GSCNS), a group of forty-one researchers from sixteen countries. She has also been invited by GSCNS “to present at one of our keynote sessions, with a suggested topic such as Psychological and Psychiatric Dimensions of Supercentenarian Longevity.”

Department of English, Comparative History of Ideas (Seattle)

Dr. Anu Taranath is a Teaching Professor at the University of Washington, specializing in world literature, cultural theory, and theories of social difference. Her career spans over two decades, during which she has designed numerous courses and received the UW Distinguished Teaching Award. Dr. Taranath’s work focuses on creating, deepening, and strengthening connections between people across identity, experience, and geography. She has founded and directed multiple study abroad programs in India, Mexico, Ghana, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Beyond academia, Dr. Taranath engages with diverse audiences as a public scholar, consultant, and author. Her book, “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World,” has garnered significant recognition and expanded her reach across the travel industry and higher education. She leads the Global Reciprocity Network, a research collective that foregrounds Global South expertise and promotes humane, human-centered models of collaboration. Dr. Taranath’s contributions to global engagement are reflected in her commissioned writings, keynote speeches, and extensive media presence.

School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences (Bothell)

Dr. Ursula Valdez has significantly advanced global engagement through her interdisciplinary teaching and international collaborations. Her work spans multiple countries, including Peru, Spain, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama, where she has conducted ecological research and conservation efforts. Notably, she played a key role in persuading the Panamanian government to declare the Harpy Eagle the national bird, enhancing conservation efforts for this endangered species.

At the University of Washington, Dr. Valdez has developed and led study abroad programs, such as the “From Andes to Amazon” seminar, and participated in the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiative. Her courses integrate global perspectives, empowering students, especially women, to pursue careers in science and conservation. Her contributions have been showcased in various conferences and publications, reflecting her commitment to expanding the boundaries of global education and conservation.

Department of Biology (Seattle)

Samuel K. Wasser is a Research Professor and Scientific Director at the Center for Environmental Forensic Science at the University of Washington. His work in conservation biology spans over three decades, beginning with studying reproductive strategies in wild baboons in Tanzania. He developed noninvasive methods to measure DNA, stress, nutrition and reproductive hormones in wildlife scat, widely adopted in ecology and conservation.

Following the international ivory ban in 1989, Samuel shifted his focus to wildlife conservation and combating wildlife crime. He pioneered detection dog programs to locate wildlife scat samples for hormone and DNA analysis of wildlife health and abundance, as well as genetic methods to determine origin of poached ivory. His research has informed global policies, led to the arrest of major wildlife traffickers, and earned multiple awards, including the National Geographic “Elephant Hero”, the Albert Schweitzer Award in Conservation Genetics from the Explorer’s Club, and the US Homeland Security Investigations Trade Fraud Enforcement Award.