Four UF pharmacy students among the inaugural 100 UN Foundation Global Health Fellows

The United Nations Foundation has selected four University of Florida College of Pharmacy students as members of its inaugural class of Global Health Fellows. The four are among 100 fellows selected from universities across the United States to participate in a seven-week online program that promotes advocacy for global health programs.

The U.N. Foundation selected 100 undergraduate and graduate students from among hundreds of applications. The students comprising the inaugural class of fellows represent a variety of majors, including pharmacy, public health, law, economics and many more.

The UF College of Pharmacy students selected are all from the Gainesville campus:

• · Clara-Jessica Rances, a fourth-year student
• · Marry Vuong, a fourth-year student
• · Joseph Washington, a first-year student
• · Rubaiyat Zinat, a fourth-year student

“To have four of the 100 U.N. Global Health Fellows selected from one college is a remarkable feat,” said Julie Johnson, Pharm.D., dean and a distinguished professor in the UF College of Pharmacy. “We’re proud of the initiative that our students have shown to be advocates of global health and help communities and families around the world thrive.”

Students completing the fellowship will develop grassroots advocacy skills that will empower them to work alongside legislative officials and influence policy. The program will expand knowledge of ongoing global health issues to encourage elected officials to support lifesaving programs sponsored by organizations such as the World Health Organization. Fellows will be invited to work with the U.N. Foundation team in Washington, D.C. in Leadership Advocacy Trainings, where they will meet global health experts and a network of advocates.

“The ability to effect change and impact health on a global scale is empowering, whether it be through leading-edge research, working in the industry or helping grassroots organizations fulfill their mission and vision,” Zinat said. “As a fellow, I hope to take with me a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I contributed to the success of a project and ultimately to the well-being of people in need.”

In addition to the four UF College of Pharmacy students, three students from the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences were selected as U.N. Global Health Fellows.