WASHINGTON, D. C., – The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is proud to announce that Chinenye Onyeanwu will be awarded the FAHE Dr. Mary K. Beyrer Graduate Student Scholarship during the 2025 SOPHE Annual Conference in Long Beach, April 16-18.
“I am elated as a recipient of this national award—Dr. Beyrer Graduate Student Scholarship from SOPHE,” said Onyeanwu, a dedicated public health scholar with a background in nutrition and molecular biology. “It is a remarkable honor and humbling recognition of my passion and dedication to the advancement of health education. It reaffirms my commitment to contributing towards the well-being of humanity, especially marginalized communities.”
This FAHE award recognizes master’s or doctoral students for academic achievement, potential to advance the health of children and youth, and strong professional goals.
“My work is guided by the belief that education is a solid tool for improving public health outcomes,” Onyeanwu said. “This award encapsulates those values: empowerment, inclusiveness, and community engagement. It emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health and ensuring that intervention efforts are channeled to varied populations, particularly vulnerable groups.”
Onyeanwu, who is a doctoral candidate at New Mexico State University, began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and a master’s degree in human nutrition and molecular biology from the University of Skövde in Sweden. Her curiosity and discoveries during her studies sparked her interest in public health, leading her to pursue a degree in the field.
She has been involved in various research projects, including investigating the micronutrient content of lesser-known green leafy vegetables, and studying molecular mechanisms behind exercise-induced conditions post-stroke in individuals over 65. Her experiences inspired her continued focus on improving health outcomes for older adults and addressing disparities within that population.
“The acknowledgement of the influence that health education has on health equity is what most impresses me,” she added. “It recognizes the value of community-driven initiatives and cultural awareness in helping people make informed choices about their health.”
Onyeanwu embodies this award through her commitment to community health and education, equity, and culturally aware public health initiatives.
“I am exceedingly appreciative of the support of my mentors, colleagues, and community,” she said. “This award is a tribute to the combined efforts of all those who work to use health education as a tool for change. I’m excited to continue this work and inspire others to make a lasting impact.”
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About SOPHE
The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is a nonprofit association that supports leaders in public health, health education, and promotion to advance healthy and equitable communities across the globe. SOPHE members work in health care settings, communities, organizations, schools, universities, worksites, and in local, state, and federal government agencies. For more information visit www.sophe.org.
About FAHE
The Foundation for the Advancement of Health Education (SOPHE) is a nonprofit association whose mission it is to advance the health education profession with a social justice and equity perspective by supporting students, the workforce, and leaders in the field. It does this by cultivating relationships with organizations and stakeholders; fundraising to maximize private support; providing scholarships, fellowships, and awards; advocating for health education as an essential part of public health; and being a prominent force in supporting health education. For more information visit www.fahefoundation.org.
