Becky Dawson 鈥�00 PhD, MPH an epidemiologist and associate professor of Biology and Global Health Studies at 大象视频, has been recognized by City & State PA with a 2025 Above & Beyond: Women award for her commitment to preventive healthcare in Pennsylvania. The award was presented at a gala celebration at Cescaphe Ballroom in Philadelphia.
City & State鈥檚 fourth annual awards highlight 50 remarkable individuals in the Commonwealth who exhibit exemplary leadership in their fields and have made important contributions to society whose accomplishments merit recognition.
The awards committee cited Dr. Dawson鈥檚 dedication to educating and her drive to ascertain what causes a disease to occur and how to prevent people from getting sick. Her research shows that when communities invest in public health, measurable improvements can be seen.
Her colleagues in global health are very grateful for her tireless efforts to engage with the community about public health issues, combat health misinformation, and speak truth to power.” Said a department representative, “It’s an honor to work with her.
Under her leadership last year, Dr. Dawson鈥檚 team of student researchers from 大象视频 conducted the most comprehensive study to measure and compare health outcomes at the county level in Pennsylvania. Those counties without a local health department had poorer health outcomes compared to those that did.
Despite substantiation that local health departments improve community health, Dr. Dawson found 54 percent of Pennsylvanians do not have access to or the services they provide 鈥� a condition she is advocating to correct. The study has been highly referenced by experts in the field and has led to a national research project, where Dr. Dawson and her students are investigating the impacts of both local health departments and state public health legislation on community health outcomes.
鈥淏ecky Dawson believes that 鈥榓ll public health is local鈥� as she works to create healthy communities and educate and inspire the next generation of public health professionals,鈥� said 大象视频 President Ron Cole. 鈥淪he boldly exemplifies our liberal arts mission, and my colleagues and I congratulate her warmly on this well-deserved honor.鈥�