WayWay M. Hlaing, M.B.B.S., M.S., Ph.D., a fellow of the American College of Epidemiology, professor and director of the Ph.D. in Epidemiology Program in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Miller School of Medicine, received the prestigious Noel Weiss & Tom Koepsell Award for Excellence in Education.
SER, established in 1968, is the oldest and largest general epidemiology society in North America. The event, held in Austin, Texas from June 18-21, provided a platform for Dr. Hlaing to discuss her contributions to the field and her vision for the future of epidemiology education.
The award is presented annually to an individual who has made substantial contributions to the field of epidemiology through mentoring, training, and/or teaching. While previous winners have excelled in one or more of these areas, Dr. Hlaing's comprehensive contributions across all three domains were particularly noteworthy and favorably regarded by the selection committee.
Dr. Hlaing's presentation detailed her journey to becoming an epidemiologist and highlighted the evolving need for education. “What is next for epidemiology education includes not only discipline-specific tools (new methods, larger and complex data) but also broader skills such as versatility, and multifaceted thinking, to name a few,” she said.
Trained as a chronic disease epidemiologist, she has served as an investigator on numerous federal and foundation-funded studies relating to cardiovascular disease, obesity, HIV/AIDS, and substance abuse.
From left to right: WayWay Hlaing, University of Miami – Tom Koepsell & Noel Weiss Excellence in Education Award. Jacquelyn Cragg, University of British Columbia – Brian MacMahon Early Career Award. Sean Hennessy, University of Pennsylvania – Kenneth Rothman Career Accomplishment Award. Brittany Charlton, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Sherman James Diverse & Inclusive Award. Jaimie Gradus, Boston University – Carol Hogue Mid-Career Award.
Devoted to education, her pedagogy-specific interest lies in the relationship between competencies in epidemiology education and competencies relating to ethics in epidemiologic research and practice. Dr. Hlaing's dedication to her students and mentees has been a driving force in her career. In her acceptance speech, she expressed deep gratitude:
"I want to thank the award selection committee, my mentees, and my colleagues who took the time to nominate me and provide letters of support for this award. The reciprocal relationships I have fostered with my mentees and students have been a cornerstone of my journey as an educator and mentor. Their enthusiasm and dedication have enriched my life and inspired me to become the mentor I am today."
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on July 30, 2024.
