Hudson College Celebrates Student Excellence at Annual Awards and Honors Ceremony

The Hudson College of Public Health recognized outstanding student achievement during its annual Awards and Honors Ceremony, celebrating students whose scholarship, leadership, service and dedication exemplify the future of public health in Oklahoma and beyond.

OU Hudson College of Public Health Outstanding Student Award

David Bolade

The OU Hudson College of Public Health Outstanding Student Award is the college’s highest student honor, recognizing a graduating student who exemplifies exceptional professionalism, leadership and performance.

Bolade, a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in Occupational and Environmental Health, was recognized for his outstanding record of scholarship, leadership, service and professional engagement during his time on the OU Health campus. His academic and research efforts have centered on occupational and environmental health topics including environmental exposure assessment, indoor air quality, respiratory protection and worker safety.

Throughout his doctoral studies, Bolade earned multiple scholarships and presented research at major professional conferences on issues including qualitative respirator fit testing, personal protective equipment shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic and workplace safety practices. Faculty also recognized his leadership across campus through roles including Community Engagement Chair for the Student Government Association and senator for the Hudson College of Public Health Student Association.

In addition to his research and service, Bolade has built a diverse professional background through strategic business and healthcare roles, including work as a Business Development Consultant with the Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth. His ability to connect scientific research with practical implementation and community impact reflects the qualities the award is designed to honor.

Robert M. Bird Society Award

Paul Grunsted

The Robert M. Bird Society Award recognizes one student from each college on the OU Health campus who demonstrates exceptional potential for creative contributions to the medical sciences.

A doctoral student in epidemiology, Grunsted was recognized for his commitment to research, teaching and service within the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology. Faculty highlighted his emerging scholarship, including multiple first-author manuscripts under review and contributions to peer-reviewed publications, as well as his collaborative approach to supporting students, medical residents and interdisciplinary audiences in understanding epidemiologic methods. In addition to his academic work, Grunsted has remained actively engaged in community-focused public health service across Oklahoma.

Paul S. Anderson Award for Outstanding Student in Biostatistics

Evan Becker

Becker, a May 2026 graduate pursuing a dual Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Master of Science in Biostatistics, was recognized for maintaining a 4.0 GPA while balancing rigorous coursework and for his leadership as a Math Center Tutor, where he has supported fellow students through advanced mathematics coursework.

Paul S. Anderson Award for Outstanding Student in Epidemiology

Andrew Long

Long, who will graduate in May 2026 with an MPH in Epidemiology before continuing into the college’s PhD in Epidemiology program this fall, was recognized for his analytical thinking, leadership and commitment to improving healthcare systems through population health approaches. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Long previously assisted in more than 3,000 ophthalmologic surgeries and received the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Outstanding Student in Community and Population Health

Laurel Rose

Rose was recognized for her contributions to multiple research and evaluation projects, including Double Up Oklahoma, NOURISH and PROVIDE, as well as her work exploring barriers and facilitators to implementing multi-cancer detection in primary care settings.

Outstanding Student in Health Administration and Policy

Jack Edcil Stanfield

Faculty recognized Stanfield for his professionalism, strong work ethic and contributions to healthcare administration research, including work focused on virtual dementia training and hospice administrative spending.

Outstanding Student in Health Promotion Sciences

Rachel Newman

Newman was recognized for her innovative and community-centered research addressing food insecurity in Oklahoma. Through her thesis work, she developed a trauma-informed nutrition and food access intervention for families while incorporating photovoice methods to elevate participant perspectives.

Outstanding Student in Occupational and Environmental Health

Allen Neisig

Neisig received the Outstanding Student in Occupational and Environmental Health Award and was unable to attend the ceremony.

Outstanding Student in the Bachelor of Public Health Program

Lauren Bowen

Bowen was recognized for her academic excellence, collaborative spirit and passion for advancing prevention and access in oral healthcare as she prepares for a future career in dentistry. Faculty noted her ability to thoughtfully connect public health and dental health while leading with both intellect and empathy.