By Jill Pease
The University of Florida International Center recognized nine College of Public Health and Health Professions students for their accomplishments in the classroom, campus and the broader community at the 31st International Student Achievement Awards ceremony held March 24.
Arianna Campbell, a Bachelor of Public Health student, was one of five undergraduate students campuswide to receive the Outstanding Undergraduate International Student Award, which is presented to students who excel in their studies while advancing a global citizenship mindset and contributing to UF’s international profile. She was awarded a $1,000 prize.
“Over the past few years, Arianna has demonstrated academic excellence and has made meaningful contributions in the U.S. and globally,” said Brittney Dixon-Daniel, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of the Bachelor of Public Health program. “This is an incredible accomplishment, and we are delighted to celebrate this honor with her.”
A native of Jamaica, Campbell moved halfway around the world at age 17 to complete a two-year study abroad program in Maharashtra, India, through United World Colleges before starting her UF education.
“Surprisingly, a paradox emerged after boating across the Ganges, viewing Mount Everest and touching the walls of the prison that held both Gandhi and Mandela,” Campbell said. “I realized that the more I travel the world, the less I know of it.”
At UF, Campbell has applied her spirit of curiosity, empathy and collaboration to her studies and volunteer work. In her first three semesters, she contributed 130 volunteer hours to support area charities through Circle K International and raised $3,000 as the UF chapter’s fundraising chair. In her role as a United World Colleges Davis Scholar, Campbell engages with other international students, sharing her experiences and promoting opportunities at UF. She also serves as a volunteer in the global health lab of Sarah McKune, Ph.D., an associate professor and interim chair of the college’s Department of Environmental and Global Health.
“UF uses teaching to support diverse, cutting-edge research for the good of mankind,” Campbell said. “Every day, I aim to honor the humanity we all share, which I think perfectly personifies the aim of UF’s global dimensions.”
In addition to Campbell, the International Center recognized the following PHHP students:
Outstanding Undergraduate International Student Award Nominee
Jian Lee, Health science
Certificate of Outstanding Merit (Doctorate)
Adaeze Anamege, Epidemiology
Mariam Badru, Public health, social and behavioral sciences concentration
Chidinma Oli, Epidemiology
Remya Kunnath Ravindranunni, Rehabilitation science
Jin Ren, Epidemiology
Alec Courtelis Award for Outstanding Doctoral Degree Student Nominees
Fevi Rose Paro, Public health, environmental health concentration
Alejandro Mena Sanchez, Public health, One Health concentration
