2022 Student Awards

The Office of Undergraduate Affairs has selected two students to receive the inaugural Outstanding Public Health Awards. Stephen ("Andrew") Zahran (B.A. in Public Health) and Zola Jane Alpin (B.S. in Public Health) are the 2022 recipients. 

	Outstanding Public Health Bachelor of Arts Award	Acceptance into the Honors College (No.1 in the nation among public universities) and selection to receive the Academic Scholar – Excellence Award convinced Stephen (“Andrew") Zahran that USC was the best university for him. Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, a course in healthcare economics sparked his interest in the public health field and how changes to health services and policy can improve health outcomes on a larger scale. In addition to holding several leadership roles on campus, Zahran gained extensive experience as a researcher and intern with private organizations, government agencies, and the health services policy and management department. After graduating in May, he will work as a healthcare consultant at Huron Consulting Firm and later return to school to complete a master of public health in health services and policy.
	Outstanding Public Health Bachelor of Science Award	Irmo, South Carolina native Zola Jane Aplin thought she would attend college out of state until she spent a weekend at USC for prospective Carolina Scholars. In addition to falling in love with the campus and the enthusiasm shared by students, she was impressed by the Honors College and the Arnold school. After four years of volunteering (Planned Parenthood, Red Cross, Backpack Project), gaining experience (conducting research, interning, serving as a doula), and winning awards (Outstanding Public Health Student Award, WGST Arney Robinson Childs Award, No Title Needed Award), the May graduate plans to take a gap year to work as a medical scribe. She will then pursue a dual master of public health and doctor of medicine to provide reproductive healthcare to women in need.