The MISH Fellowship award is designed to support students who wish to pursue international travel to Israel as part of their Capstone Program: Field Experience, Capstone Projects, or M.S.P.H. Thesis. 

The Kuvin Foundation was established in 1999 by Dr. Sanford Kuvin and his wife, Gabrielle. They both had a passion for supporting science and health initiatives – their dream was to foster Middle Eastern peace through regional, one-on-one cooperation in medicine and research. The Foundation collaborates with DPHS to support the MISH Program with students that have an interest in international scientific collaboration.

Emilie Brown is the first recipient of the award since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Chair of DPHS, Dr. David Lee, said that Emilie has gained exclusive access to cutting-edge research, groundbreaking initiatives, and numerous leadership opportunities.

Brown will conduct infant mortality research in Israel. "I am truly so honored to be standing in front of you all today to receive the Kuvin MISH Fellowship award," she said.

"This Fellowship aligns perfectly with my personal commitment to promoting peace through science and advancing my understanding of global health systems infrastructure."

Lisa Kuvin Schreier, M.P.H., Executive Director of the Kuvin Foundation, said, "We are thrilled to award Emilie Brown with the Kuvin Foundation MISH fellowship with the Hebrew University Braun School and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, to continue our foundation's mission of promoting peace through health."

The previous Kuvin Foundation MISH fellowship awardees have gone on to achieve great success. Jared Cotta, M.P.H., a 2015 awardee, works as the U.S. Head of Precision Oncology Programs for Caris Life Sciences. "It truly was one of the most important experiences in my life," he said. "It put me on the path that I am today."

2019 awardee, Anna Yabloch, M.P.H., is currently a Clinical Research Coordinator for the Biospecimen Shared Resource within Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Yabloch described her Fellowship as one of the most life-changing experiences she has ever had.

The Kuvin Foundation has awarded fellowships to several other students in the past, including Nadia Abouhana, Osamoje Imoohi, Marzhan Rakhimzhanova, Nurila Aryntayeva, Israel Taylor, and Julia Janecki. All these awardees have made significant contributions to the field of public health.

The Kuvin Foundation and the University of Miami Department of Public Health have been collaborating on the MISH Program for ten years. Lisa Kuvin Schreier said, "We look forward to our future growth with both universities."

The MISH Fellowship has provided an excellent opportunity for students to gain international experience and contribute to the Foundation's mission. Emilie Brown's selection for the MISH Fellowship serves as a recognition of her exceptional skills and dedication to public health.

Begoña Rovira, Executive Director of the Master's Programs in Public Health, spoke highly of Katelyn McGuigan's contribution towards The Kuvin Foundation. McGuigan, who serves as the Associate Director of Professional Development, has played a crucial role in organizing the Kuvin awards and strengthening the relationship between the University of Miami and the Foundation. Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by Rovira's acknowledgment of her involvement.

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández

Published on April 21, 2023