Improving School Health Leads to National Recognition for OEH Doctoral Candidate

Advancing Healthier Schools, Earning National Distinction

Mingze Zhu, a PhD candidate in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at the Hudson College of Public Health, has been recognized on the national stage with a prestigious new honor from the American Industrial Hygiene Foundation (AIHF).

Zhu received the inaugural Lawrence D. Sloan AIHF Endowed Sponsorship—an award that supports emerging leaders in industrial hygiene and occupational health. Named after Lawrence D. Sloan, CEO of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the scholarship highlights exceptional students who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to advancing the field.

Zhu has distinguished himself through his impactful research and dedication to improving public health outcomes, earning himself one of the coveted Hudson Fellowships. Since 2023, he has served as a graduate research assistant under Dr. Changjie Cai, contributing to the Oklahoma-based OK-AIR Project. This innovative initiative focuses on improving school environments to reduce absenteeism among both teachers and students caused by infectious diseases—work that also forms the foundation of Zhu’s doctoral dissertation.

Zhu brings a strong academic background in occupational and environmental health and biostatistics, paired with a deep commitment to ethical research and community impact. His work reflects not only technical excellence but also a genuine compassion for the populations he serves.

Faculty mentors describe Zhu as an outstanding scholar whose achievements and dedication make him exceptionally deserving of this national recognition. As the first recipient of the Lawrence D. Sloan AIHF Endowed Sponsorship, Zhu’s accomplishment underscores both his potential and the growing influence of Hudson College students in shaping the future of public health.

This recognition marks an important milestone in Zhu’s academic journey and highlights the strength of student research and mentorship within the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health.