Faculty
Antonio Williams named Chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Council on Exercise
Antonio Williams, Beinner Family Professor in the Department of Kinesiology , has officially assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Council on Exercise (ACE), effective July 1. ACE is recognized as one of the largest education and certification providers in the fitness industry, with a global footprint in training and credentialing health and fitness professionals.
“I am honored to assume the role of Chair of the ACE Board of Directors,” says Williams. “ACE plays an important role in advancing health and fitness through education, professional development, and advocacy.
Read the official ACE press release
Bill Ramos wins Gordon Faculty Award
Bill Ramos, interim chair of the Department of Health & Wellness Design, was honored at the 2026 Student Life Staff Excellence Awards with the Gordon Faculty Award which recognizes a faculty member’s contribution to the IU Office of Student Life’s mission, vision, and values through curricular and co-curricular areas. This recognition highlights Ramos’ dedication to supporting students and water safety research that impacts campus and the community.
Six SPH-B faculty selected for the 2026 Rural Indiana Faculty Tour
The IU Center for Rural Engagement is hosting a Rural Indiana Faculty Tour for twenty-five IU Bloomington faculty members to build connections with rural communities in southern Indiana. Faculty will have the opportunity to learn about addressing community priorities such as housing, health, economic development, and quality of life.
“The Rural Indiana Faculty Tour provides a meaningful opportunity for IU Bloomington faculty to learn from rural residents and develop connections to inform their research, community-engaged teaching and service,” says Kyla Cox Deckard, executive director of the Center for Rural Engagement.
The participating SPH-B faculty are:
• Ivaldo Da Silva, associate professor in the Department of Applied Health Science
• Brandon Howell, clinical associate professor in the Department of Health & Wellness Design
• Megan Janke, associate professor in the Department of Health & Wellness Design
• Rebecca Lassell, associate professor in the Department of Health & Wellness Design
• Rebecca Mueller, research associate and public health consultant in the Department of Applied Health Science
• Drew Pickett, associate professor in the Department of Health & Wellness Design
Staff
Sarah Hatch to present at the 2026 NACAC Conference
Sarah Hatch, director of student recruitment, had her proposal accepted for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Conference. The 2026 conference will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and feature expert speakers, professional development, and networking opportunities.
Hatch’s presentation, “Engagement After Admission: How Academic Units Shape Yield, Belonging, and Persistence", was selected through a highly competitive review process and will discuss the innovative ways academic units are supporting student success and enrollment goals.
Jesi Evans and Emily Wetzel recognized in Indiana University Staff Council’s Staff Spotlight
Jesi Evans, student success & engagement coordinator, and Emily Wetzel, career consultant, were recently recognized through IU Bloomington Staff Council's Staff Spotlight series. The monthly program highlights exceptional staff members nominated by colleagues across campus for their meaningful contributions to the IU Bloomington community.
Evans was recognized for the kindness, creativity, and care she brings to supporting students and uplifting those around her, while Wetzel was honored for her compassionate, student-centered approach and her unwavering encouragement of students and colleagues alike.
Students
Yundan Zhang to participate in Computational Health Informatics Program AI Internship
Yundan Zhang, a third-year doctoral student in the Department of Applied Health Science, has been accepted into the highly selective Computational Health Informatics Program (CHIP) AI Internship program. The program is in collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Under the mentorship of CHIP affiliate research scientist Cong Liu, Zhang will contribute to cutting-edge artificial intelligence and precision medicine initiatives focused on AI development and clinical decision making for rare pediatric genetic diseases.
“I am incredibly proud but not surprised at Yundan’s accomplishment”, shares her advisor, Danny Valdez, associate professor in AHS. “This is a testament to her hard work, determination, and passion for AI and healthcare. I am excited for this opportunity, and eager for Yundan to bring her new skillset back to Bloomington.”
Her selection highlights the continued strength of AI-focused public health research and interdisciplinary training at SPH-B.
Recent doctoral graduate recognized with Keeling Dissertation Award
Chenggang Hua, who recently earned his Ph.D. in the Department of Health & Wellness Design, received the Keeling Dissertation Award at the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) 2026 International Conference in Greenville, South Carolina. The award recognizes outstanding doctoral dissertation research based on quality, scholarly contribution, relevance to travel and tourism, and practical application. Hua’s research focuses on the social and psychological impacts of tourism, leisure, and recreation participation for individuals with physical limitations.
Incoming doctoral student Maruf Hasan wins the Mehendale Welcome Award
Maruf Hasan, an incoming doctoral student in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, has won the Mehendale Welcome Award from the Society of Toxicology (SOT). The award is inspired by renowned toxicologist Marihara Mehendale’s legacy of being an incredible and caring mentor towards graduate and doctoral students. Mehendale prioritized student well-being, as he had many international students who left their homes to pursue their dreams.
The award will help Hasan adjust to living in a new country and successfully continue his education at SPH-B.
For more trailblazing stories about our students, faculty, and staff, visit go.iu.edu/48bx.