Sara M. St. George, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Master of Science Program in Prevention Science & Community Health in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, was recognized during the ASEMFL Annual Meeting, held November 1-2, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. 

Dedicated to advancing research, fostering innovation, and promoting excellence across the state, ASEMFL recognizes each year a select group of emerging leaders in their fields. The Rising Star award celebrates scientists and researchers who have demonstrated exceptional promise and made significant strides early in their careers.

Dr. St. George expressed gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the support of her colleagues. “I am humbled and honored to represent our department and the University of Miami at ASEMFL,” she said.

She also thanked Alberto Caban-Martinez, Ph.D., D.O., M.P.H., deputy director of the Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative (FCI) and professor of public health sciences, who nominated her for the award. “Thank you for your faith in and support of me,” she added.

Dr. Caban-Martinez praised her achievements: “Dr. St. George exemplifies the values of academic excellence through her innovative research, dedicated teaching, and deep commitment to community engagement. Her work not only advances public health science but also creates meaningful impacts for the communities we serve. This well-deserved honor underscores her remarkable contributions and the bright future ahead in her academic career.” 

Driving Innovation in Digital Health 

Dr. St. George leads the Health eLifestyles Lab at the Miller School, which focuses on developing and evaluating multigenerational digital lifestyle interventions to promote healthy behaviors and prevent chronic diseases such as obesity and cancer. Grounded in behavioral and motivational theories, these programs are designed to address the specific needs of Hispanic/Latino families, leveraging technology to foster positive lifestyle changes across generations.

Her recent National Cancer Institute-funded project, Healthy Juntos (Healthy Together), exemplifies the impact of her work. This R01-funded study evaluates the effectiveness of a culturally tailored digital intervention aimed at improving physical activity, dietary habits, and overall health outcomes for Hispanic adolescents and their parents.

Early findings from the project have demonstrated promising results in promoting healthier behaviors and enhancing family engagement in health initiatives.

Commitment to Education and Mentorship 

In addition to her research, Dr. St. George is a dedicated educator and mentor. 

As director of the Master of Science Program in Prevention Science & Community Health, she plays a pivotal role in training the next generation of prevention scientists. She teaches courses on qualitative methods and obesity and public health in the Department of Public Health Sciences, equipping students with the skills to address pressing public health challenges.

Dr. St. George also mentors undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral trainees, fostering their development as researchers and public health professionals. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom to collaborative research projects, where she serves as the lead qualitative and mixed-methods expert. These projects focus on adapting and evaluating preventive interventions aimed at improving mental health and other health outcomes. 

Recognizing Outstanding Contributions

Each year, ASEMFL’s Rising Stars Award celebrates emerging leaders who demonstrate exceptional potential to drive scientific progress and make meaningful contributions to their fields. The award highlights Dr. St. George’s dedication to improving health equity, particularly for underserved communities. 

As part of the Rising Stars Session, she will join a select group of researchers who have shown exceptional promise in their fields. The session aims to highlight the work of emerging leaders in science, engineering, and medicine. 

This recognition also reflects Dr. St. George’s ability to combine scientific rigor with community engagement, ensuring that her work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also addresses real-world health disparities. As she continues to expand the reach of her research, she remains committed to fostering innovation, promoting education, and improving the well-being of families through digital lifestyle interventions.

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on November 19, 2024.