WASHINGTON, D. C., – The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Paper of the Year Awards, recognizing exceptional scholarship published in SOPHE’s three peer-reviewed journals: Health Education & Behavior (HE&B), Health Promotion Practice (HPP), and Pedagogy in Health Promotion (PHP). These awards honor outstanding contributions to health education research, practice, and pedagogy that advance the field and promote health equity.
Health Education & Behavior (HE&B) Lawrence W. Green Paper of the Year: “A CBPR-Enhanced Delphi Method: The Measurement Approaches to Partnership Success Case Study,” by Barbara Brush
This award-winning paper highlights innovative approaches in community-based participatory research (CBPR), emphasizing the importance of equitable partnerships between community and academic experts.
“Receiving the Lawrence W. Green Paper of the Year award is a tremendous honor, as it recognizes the significance of our work in advancing CBPR and the collaborative process of instrument development,” said Brush. “This award validates the importance of fostering equitable partnerships and highlights the impact of rigorous, participatory methodologies in shaping research that is both meaningful and actionable.”
Brush emphasized how the award reflects her mission of ensuring that those most affected by health disparities play a central role in shaping research: “The study’s emphasis on co-creation, inclusivity, and shared decision-making underscores our broader goal of conducting research that is both methodologically sound and socially impactful.”
She further noted the award’s recognition of CBPR as a rigorous approach: “The Lawrence W. Green Paper of the Year award is a testament to the importance of integrating community expertise into scientific inquiry and reinforces the idea that participatory research methods can enhance both the validity and real-world applicability of research findings.”
Health Promotion Practice (HPP) Sarah Mazelis Paper of the Year: “Stacked Up Against Us: Using Photovoice and Participatory Methods to Explore Structural Racism’s Impact on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Inequities,” by Saharra Dixon
Dixon’s research employs participatory methods and Photovoice to examine the role of structural racism in shaping adolescent sexual and reproductive health inequities.
“I am incredibly proud of this paper and honored by this award. As my first publication as lead author in a public health journal, this recognition is a testament to the invaluable support I’ve received throughout this journey,” said Dixon. “I am grateful for the monetary support that comes with this award, which will allow my team to continue this important work.”
As an arts-based health equity researcher, Dixon is committed to amplifying marginalized voices and challenging structural inequities: “This work underscores the role of arts and culture in public health—a conversation that is gaining momentum. I truly believe UMass Amherst SPHHS is well-positioned to lead these important discussions.”
She also highlighted the significance of the award’s criteria: “The award criteria specifically highlight ‘courage and persistence in the face of structural inequities’ and ‘a respectful and participatory process.’ These values are at the heart of my approach to public health research and education. I believe in co-creating knowledge rather than imposing it, ensuring that the communities most affected by health inequities are actively involved in shaping solutions. There is never a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to this work.”
Pedagogy in Health Promotion (PHP) Paper of the Year: “Leveraging Generative AI to Elevate Curriculum Design and Pedagogy in Public Health and Health Promotion,” by Eric Conrad and Kelly Hall
“Receiving SOPHE’s Pedagogy in Health Promotion Paper of the Year is an incredible honor,” said Conrad. “It’s both humbling and motivating to have this paper recognized by peers and leaders in the field. The award affirms the importance of exploring new tools, like AI, in ways that are thoughtful, ethical, and inclusive.”
Hall echoed this sentiment, stating, “This recognition validates the effort to bridge innovation with pedagogy in a way that’s both accessible and equity driven.”
Both authors emphasized how their work aligns with their broader educational missions. Conrad noted, “At the heart of my work is a commitment to education that is transformative, student-centered, and grounded in real-world relevance. This paper examined how emerging technologies can enhance meaningful learning, support inclusive and responsive teaching, and create new opportunities for students who have traditionally faced barriers to educational success.”
Hall further emphasized the importance of inclusive education: “My work is grounded in the belief that effective, inclusive education is essential to developing skilled, adaptable health practitioners. This paper reflects my mission to support the next generation of health professionals by improving how we teach—making education more aligned with real-world practice, more inclusive, and more responsive to diverse learning needs.”
SOPHE will present all awards and scholarships to public health professionals, health education researchers, faculty, programs, and practitioners at the 2025 SOPHE Annual Conference. These awards and scholarships recognize significant advancements in the profession of health education and health promotion and outstanding contributions of veterans and rising stars to improving the public’s health.
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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.