Jill Curan, Gisselle Covarrubias Llamas and class processing out

IGHS Master’s Program Graduation and Student Awards

IGHS News
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Jill Curan, Gisselle Covarrubias Llamas and class processing out

On July 24, the Master’s in Global Health Sciences class of 2025 celebrated their achievements at their commencement ceremony. The students received their diplomas in a room full of family, friends and colleagues who were excited to celebrate the graduates.  ‌

Fredros Okumu PhD, MSc, MBA, professor of Vector Biology at the University of Glasgow, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address, sharing lessons and advice from his experiences in the field and urging the graduates to go forward with courage.

As part of the ceremony, students and faculty were recognized for their outstanding achievements through the IGHS Education Awards. This year’s awardees are recognized below.  

The UCSF Master of Science in Global Health program established two awards in honor of John L. Ziegler, the founding director of the program, upon his retirement in 2013. The John L. Ziegler Outstanding Capstone Award celebrates the hard work that students engage in to complete their capstone projects. The prize is awarded to a student who has demonstrated excellent research skills and produced a masterful written capstone and oral presentation. This year, it was awarded to Madeline Pechilis and Kaylee Vannoy.

Kaylee Vannoy and Madeline Pechilis.
John L. Ziegler Outstanding Capstone Award Recipients Kaylee Vannoy and Madeline Pechilis. Photo by Cindy Chew, 7/24/25

The John L. Ziegler Outstanding Mentor Award recognizes the impact that mentors have on the student experience and is chosen by the students. This year, it was awarded to Bruce Agins, MD.

Bruce Agins between graduating students James Roake and Anthony Lee.
John L. Ziegler Outstanding Mentor Award Recipient Bruce Agins between graduating students James Roake and Anthony Lee. Photo by Cindy Chew, 7/24/25

The Madhavi Dandu Leadership Award was established in 2022 to honor Dr. Dandu’s decade at the helm of the master’s program. This award celebrates cultural humility, intellectual curiosity, compassion and natural leadership qualities. This year, it was awarded to Mehrdad Yadegari.

Mehrdad Yadegari between MS alum Atousa Bonyani and Associate Director Alden Blair
Madhavi Dandu Leadership Award Recipient Mehrdad Yadegari between MS alum Atousa Bonyani and Associate Director Alden Blair. Photo by Cindy Chew, 7/24/25

The Chris Carpenter Community Building Award was established in 2024 to recognize a student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering community spirit, compassion, and collaboration within the program. This year, it was awarded to Zeena Khazendar.

Zeena Khazendar between former Program Director Chris Carpenter and Associate Director Alden Blair
Chris Carpenter Community Building Award Recipient Zeena Khazendar between former Program Director Chris Carpenter and Associate Director Alden Blair. Photo by Cindy Chew, 7/24/25

More information about this year’s awards and past years’ can be found on our website.

Congratulations to all the graduates! This program prepares students for a successful and rewarding future in global health; learn more about the Master’s in Global Health Sciences on our website.

View photos from the ceremony.