2024 Recipients

Wayne Yeh, currently a Policy Director on the Boston City Council, is seeking to deepen his expertise in economics to enhance his policy-making skills. With a strong background in education and ethnic studies, Wayne has developed a passion for addressing civic issues using qualitative and quantitative methods. To fill a gap in his formal training, he aims to enroll in a Principles of Economics course at Harvard Extension School in Summer 2024. This course will build essential skills for his pursuit of a joint degree in law and government at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Law School. Wayne’s commitment to public service is evident through his academic achievements and professional endeavors. His role involves crafting policy solutions on the Boston City Council, highlighting the necessity for advanced knowledge in economics and empirical methods. The economics course will support Wayne’s career progression, particularly as he prepares for full-time studies at Harvard in the fall of 2024. He is actively seeking funding to cover the course costs and has already secured the Allston-Brighton Community Scholarship for his graduate certificate in Sustainable Cities and Communities. Additional funding from the Tufts Professional Development Fund will allow Wayne to invest in his education without compromising his financial stability. With these skills, Wayne aims to continue his impactful work as a social change agent dedicated to the public good.

Rebecca Tenner is embarking on a year-long research project in Santiago, Chile, with Dr. Jose Munita, an infectious diseases physician at Clínica Alemana. Focusing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Rebecca will work with lower-income communities at Padre Hurtado, Santiago’s largest public hospital, analyzing microbes from local water sources and studying resistance trends in patients. This experience will also help Rebecca improve her Spanish, essential for her goal of providing culturally sensitive, patient-centered care. Inspired by her grandmother’s journey from Chile to the U.S., Rebecca is committed to overcoming language and cultural barriers in healthcare. Although funding has been a challenge due to timing constraints with available grants and scholarships, Rebecca is actively exploring support from Tufts-affiliated and local resources. She plans to live with family in Santiago to reduce costs while pursuing this impactful work.

Anson Lai is pursuing Certification as a Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition, offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). This training will enhance his skills in applying evidence-based nutrition therapy to children, including those with critical hematological diseases like leukemia, who face complex nutritional challenges. Currently working at a pediatric hospital, Anson aims to elevate the care of young patients by integrating advanced nutritional interventions into their treatment plans. Anson’s journey began at Tufts University and Tufts Medical Center, where he gained foundational knowledge and clinical skills in pediatric nutrition. His dedication continued at Johns Hopkins Hospital, focusing on pediatric gastrointestinal disorders, and through various global pediatric nutrition conferences. With over 2,000 hours and three years of practice, Anson is committed to advancing his expertise in this field. Seeking funding from Tufts is a natural step, given the university’s significant role in his professional development and its commitment to supporting advancements in the field of nutrition. While his current work setting offers limited financial support, Anson believes that Tufts’ assistance will be crucial in achieving his goal of providing specialized care to children with complex nutritional needs.

Maria Fong is pursuing an opportunity to attend a Graphic Memoir workshop at the Center for Cartoon Studies, a 30-hour remote class focused on enhancing skills in scripting, drawing, and publishing graphic memoirs. As an Asian American genderqueer illustrator, Maria is developing a memoir about their experience with gender-affirming hormones to support trans youth amid increasing political challenges. A graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA), Maria has mentored Boston-area high schoolers in media and social justice. This workshop will further Maria’s artistic growth, build their portfolio, and connect them with mentors, all while preparing for a graduate degree in illustration or comics arts. Balancing a full-time job in grassroots non-profits with their art, Maria is committed to transitioning to full-time artistic practice in 2024. They are exploring various funding options to support this shift, and a grant from Tufts would provide crucial support in achieving their artistic and advocacy goals.

Jiyoung Song is applying for the Amplified Planning Externship, an 8-week online training program that offers hands-on experience in financial planning, including client meetings and financial planning software, while earning CFP Board Standard Pathway experience hours. With over six years of experience as a Latin teacher, Jiyoung has developed a passion for personal finance and aims to transition to a career as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). This externship allows Jiyoung to explore financial planning while continuing to teach full-time, providing a unique opportunity that aligns with their professional development goals. Since 2020, Jiyoung has immersed themselves in financial education, reading extensively, completing certification courses, and listening to financial podcasts. Jiyoung has also created and taught a professional development course titled “Financial Literacy through the Blended Learning Model” for educators, covering retirement, investing, and taxes. They are committed to expanding financial literacy education within their school district and exploring further opportunities to integrate these topics into broader educational settings. Jiyoung relies on scholarships to fund their professional development and is grateful for Tufts’ support in pursuing interests outside of their primary field. The funding would help Jiyoung gain essential experience in financial planning, making the potential career shift less daunting and more attainable.

Jiefei Yuan is organizing a film screening at Vermont Law and Graduate School, in partnership with the Animal Law Society and the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF). The documentary, produced and edited by Jiefei, tells the story of a Chinese animal rights activist and highlights the legal challenges of activism. The event will include a panel discussion with experts in philosophy, law, and animal science to explore these issues further. This screening is Jiefei’s first at a law school specializing in animal law, following previous showings at institutions like Duke and the University of Chicago. With educational distribution rights retained, the event aims to set a precedent for future academic screenings and includes plans to publish the discussion and educational materials online. Jiefei’s filmmaking journey began at the Fletcher School and has led to recognition at festivals, including Best Feature Documentary at the Big Apple Film Festival. Although further production funding is not available, Jiefei is pursuing support for the film’s educational impact campaign through partnerships, crowdfunding, and grants, aiming to expand its reach and influence in 2024.

Angelina Zhou is seeking Tufts University’s support to complete the “Product Marketing Certified: Leadership” course through the Product Marketing Alliance (PMA). PMA is a leading global network of product marketing leaders that provides advanced education to enhance product success and career growth. This leadership course will help Angelina define effective leadership in product marketing, build and scale high-performing teams, make data-driven decisions, increase her influence within organizations, and foster strategic collaboration. With a career history that includes roles as Manager and Senior Manager at CVS Health and Director-level positions in health-tech startups, Angelina is now aiming to advance to a VP role. Her previous PMA core certification significantly boosted her career from Senior Manager to Director, and she believes this leadership course will further propel her career trajectory. Angelina’s professional focus is threefold: advancing the well-being of women and girls through volunteering and innovative care models, improving healthcare access, particularly for the Medicaid population, and elevating BIPOC marketing leaders through various leadership programs. She is requesting Tufts’ assistance with course tuition, aligning with Tufts’ mission to support BIPOC leaders who are committed to making the world more equitable. Angelina has exhausted all other funding sources, including support from her graduate program and employer.

Ingyin Khine is applying for graduate programs in epidemiology, specifically the Master of Science in Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at Emory Rollins School of Public Health, and the MPH in Epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. To strengthen her applications, she is also preparing for the GRE. Currently a case manager at the Dimock Center, Ingyin observes the significant challenges patients face while navigating various systems in the U.S. This experience underscores the urgent need for research on the relationship between poverty and health outcomes. By pursuing a degree in epidemiology, Ingyin aims to combine her community work with critical research skills to advocate effectively for systemic change. Her undergraduate experience at Tufts included research-focused courses such as Applied Quantitative Research Methods and Social Epidemiology. She has engaged in various research projects, including surveys on sunscreen usage, interviews on weight stigma, field research in Nepal, and an investigation into healthcare weaponization in Myanmar. These experiences have fueled her interest in global health and public health research. Ingyin has benefited greatly from this fund to strengthen her career in public health and pursue Epidemiology. She is seeking support from Tufts to help cover these costs and advance her career in epidemiology.

Erin Bondy is seeking financial support to attend the Society of Biological Psychiatry (SOBP) annual meeting, scheduled for May 9-11, 2024, in Austin, Texas. The SOBP conference is dedicated to promoting research on psychopathology, supporting emerging investigators, and disseminating findings to both scientific and public audiences. This event will bring together leading researchers and clinicians in psychiatry and psychology, featuring symposia, presentations, and networking opportunities. Erin recently completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology and is currently a postdoctoral researcher. Attending this conference is crucial for her as she is at a pivotal stage in her career, focusing on developing an independent research program, securing funding, and establishing her own lab. The conference will provide her with the opportunity to present her research, engage with leading experts, and explore potential collaborations, which are essential for her transition from student to independent researcher. She has previously received a predoctoral travel award from SOBP, which covered registration costs for the 2023 conference and two subsequent years. However, this does not cover transportation or lodging expenses for the upcoming meeting. Erin’s department lacks funding for these costs, and she is committed to overcoming financial barriers to advance her career. Tufts played a significant role in her early career development, and she hopes for continued support to further her academic goals.

Colleen Cronin is seeking financial support to enroll in the Project Management Basics course through the Project Management Institute (PMI) and to take the Certified Associate Project Manager (CAPM)® certification exam. PMI is a leading authority in project management, offering certifications that are globally recognized and essential for career advancement. Colleen’s recent role on the USAID STOP Spillover grant, led by Tufts University, required her to take on additional project management responsibilities due to changes in leadership. This experience revealed gaps in her project management skills and highlighted the need for formal training. The Project Management Basics course will provide the 23 education hours required for the CAPM exam and equip her with the skills to manage teams more effectively and advance into higher-level positions. With the project management field expected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, obtaining the CAPM certification will enhance Colleen’s qualifications and enable her to apply for advanced roles directly. Despite her efforts to balance work and personal challenges, including the recent loss of her mother and the subsequent probate process, Colleen is now focusing on her career development. She believes that funding from the Tufts Professional Development Fund will be crucial in helping her return to and advance in her career.

Daniel Lim is seeking funding to cover the cost of the written board examination for dental anesthesiology, scheduled for April 17, 2024. This exam is the first step toward board certification, a key credential for pursuing a career in academia and advanced clinical practice. Daniel will also attend the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists’ conference to stay updated on field developments and network with professionals. Currently, Daniel is managing operating rooms at a center providing dental care to patients with special needs. His commitment to this work is informed by his background as a former Medicaid recipient and scholarship student. Due to recent financial constraints, including the birth of his second child and reduced income, while his wife is on maternity leave, Daniel is requesting assistance with the exam fee. He has arranged lodging funding through his residency program.

Niharika Betkerur is seeking funds to attend the ID4Africa Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cape Town from May 21-24, 2024. The event, focusing on “Digital Identity as DPI: Fostering Trust, Inclusion & Adoption,” will include a four-day conference, exposition, and workshop. ID4Africa brings together global and African digital identity communities to explore how digital ID can drive socio-economic growth and improve social protection systems. As a Policy and Research Manager at OpenG2P, a non-profit dedicated to inclusive social protection systems, Niharika aims to deepen her understanding of digital ID policies and best practices. Attending the AGM will enhance her knowledge of digital ID applications and provide valuable networking opportunities with industry experts and policymakers. Niharika’s career has been shaped by her interest in technology for development, demonstrated through her research on the platform economy and work at J-PAL. The conference represents a crucial opportunity for her to expand her expertise and engage with key stakeholders in the field. Given her organization’s limited resources, this funding will be vital for her professional development and broader impact on digital ID implementation.

Haruka Noishiki is seeking funding for membership dues for the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE), as well as for conference attendance fees for AAJA (August) and IRE (March). AAJA supports Asian American journalists by providing a community for sharing best practices and networking across newsrooms in the US, while IRE offers a global platform for data journalists to exchange knowledge and expertise. As a newcomer to journalism and data-driven investigative work, Haruka is currently one of two data journalists in her organization’s international division. She is focused on building data infrastructure and enhancing her journalistic skills within a traditionally market-oriented newsroom. AAJA and IRE will provide her with critical resources and networks to advance her career and foster inclusivity in her workplace. Haruka’s journey into journalism was inspired by her internship at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies and subsequent roles in open-source research and data journalism. Her educational background at Tufts, including computer science and research methods courses, along with recent Python training, supports her current role. She has actively engaged with the field through conferences and has initiated a Data Journalism meetup in New York. Given her F1 visa status and limited funding opportunities, Haruka is requesting support to ensure she can secure membership and conference participation. While her employer may potentially support her IRE conference attendance, membership is a prerequisite and funding availability is uncertain.

Michail Krommydakis is seeking support from the Tufts University Professional Development Fund to pursue two critical credentials in sustainability. The first is the Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Credential, endorsed by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and now integrated into the IFRS Foundation. This certification is crucial for expertise in sustainability disclosure standards and ESG reporting and involves passing two exams (Level 1 & Level 2). The second credential is the Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA), which offers a comprehensive perspective on advanced sustainability strategies and complements the FSA, enhancing Michail’s skill set for future career opportunities. Michail is transitioning from management consulting to ESG consulting and has committed to this shift by joining an unpaid Sustainable Investing Fellowship. Conversations with over 25 professionals highlighted the significance of the FSA credential, particularly in the US where the SASB framework is prominent. The SEA credential will further demonstrate his capability to develop sophisticated sustainability strategies, making him a stronger candidate in a competitive job market. His academic background at Tufts Fletcher School, including coursework and hands-on projects on ESG and social impact, reinforces his dedication to sustainability. Although Michail explored internal funding options at his current organization and previous employer, the high costs associated with the FSA and SEA credentials exceed available support. Given his current unpaid fellowship and financial limitations, the Tufts Alumni Fund is his most viable option to bridge the financial gap and advance his career in sustainability.

Robin Carol is seeking funds to participate in the Avodah Justice Fellowship, a leadership program designed for Jewish social justice leaders. This fellowship brings together an interdisciplinary group of nonprofit leaders, activists, educators, social workers, and lawyers to explore and address systemic issues related to economic, social, racial, and environmental injustices. The program includes a comprehensive analysis of these root causes and concludes with a year-end leadership project. Avodah, the organization behind the fellowship, focuses on developing lifelong social justice leaders informed by Jewish values, aiming to inspire the Jewish community toward greater equity and justice. As a communications leader in the nonprofit sector, Robin seeks to further her education and engage with other leaders to find innovative approaches to equity and justice. Since graduating from Tufts in 2010, Robin has observed significant changes in the political and media landscape and is eager to reconnect with her Jewish values while enhancing her leadership skills. The Avodah Justice Fellowship, which will be hosted in New York City, aligns with her current career and personal development goals, offering an opportunity to deepen her engagement with social justice work and increase access and equity within the public art sector. Robin’s Tufts education in international relations and her involvement with the Tufts Daily and Tufts Hillel have shaped her ongoing commitment to social justice and communication. Her post-graduate experiences, including a summer program in political organizing and work in nonprofit communications, have further fueled her passion. She is excited about the prospect of connecting with diverse leaders through the fellowship to broaden her understanding and impact. Having already been accepted into the program, Robin sees Tufts as an ideal source of support, given its commitment to global citizenship and justice, particularly for this fellowship tied to Jewish identity, which is not covered by her employer.

Jessica Whritenour is seeking support to participate in the Mindful Outdoor Guide Certification program offered by the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership. Accepted into the Level 1 program for 2024, Jessica will receive intensive training that combines forest bathing, yoga, Ayurveda, and relevant research on nature’s health benefits. This certification will equip her to lead mindful outdoor experiences designed to deepen connections with the natural world. The program’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of meaningful interaction with nature for a balanced and healthy life. As the Executive Director of a Land Trust since 2010, Jessica’s role has primarily involved non-profit management, staff and project management, donor relations, and land conservation. She seeks to reconnect with her passion for nature and expand beyond her managerial duties by integrating mindful outdoor programs into her work. This opportunity will enable her to share her personal connection to nature with her staff, Board members, donors, and volunteers, enriching her leadership and outreach efforts. Jessica’s dedication to land conservation began with AmeriCorps Cape Cod in 2002 and has evolved over two decades to include the benefits of nature on human health. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of nature for well-being, reinforcing her desire to connect with her community on this issue. The Mindful Outdoor Guide Certification aligns with her goal of integrating mindfulness and nature into her professional practice, offering a personal and professional development opportunity that complements her typical technical training. Given that her Land Trust’s staff development budget is limited and allocated to various trainings, Jessica is seeking support from the Tufts Professional Development Fund to realize this unique and impactful professional goal.

Melissa Adomako is seeking funds to attend the 15th Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) in Los Angeles, California, from March 7-10, 2024. Co-hosted by the National Cancer Institute, University of Washington, University of California-San Francisco, and University of Southern California, the conference will provide her with valuable insights into ongoing global health research and assist her in selecting a dissertation topic for her DrPH program at NYU. Attending this meeting will also facilitate networking with global health professionals and academics, offering opportunities for future collaborations and potential academic positions. As she aims to transition into academia and become a public health leader, the conference will help her connect with senior leaders, explore mentorship opportunities, and gain inspiration for her career trajectory. After graduating from Tufts University School of Medicine in 2017, Melissa began her career in global health in Washington, DC, working on HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. She has since supported Dr. Anthony Fauci’s diplomatic efforts at the NIH and is currently involved in drafting a pandemic treaty at the World Health Organization. Her attendance at the CUGH meeting will enhance her public health career by building on her extensive experience and aligning with her aspirations.

Lichen Wang is seeking funds to attend the Business Development & Marketing Forum 2024, hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). This forum, which is a key event for business professionals in the civil engineering industry, offers valuable insights into the business challenges faced by engineering firms and provides networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. ACEC, the largest business association of civil engineering companies, advocates for policies to mitigate the impact of climate change on public infrastructure and offers career development through various training programs and education sessions. Lichen, who has recently been promoted at GEI and now handles more non-technical responsibilities such as client engagement, business development, and proposal preparation, recognizes the importance of understanding the business side of engineering. His involvement in business meetings and his current part-time MBA program at Boston College have highlighted the need for further education in business development and marketing within the engineering sector. Attending this forum will help him address business challenges, enhance his professional interactions, and prepare for career development obstacles. Despite his efforts to seek funding from GEI and Boston College, he has encountered limitations. GEI typically allocates marketing budgets to full-time marketers rather than engineers, and Boston College primarily supports art and science students with travel grants. Lichen is now reaching out to Tufts University for financial support, as he is familiar with their commitment to career development for alumni and believes that attending this forum will significantly benefit his career progression.