Ashleigh LoVette, Lauren Birnbrich celebrated with college awards
Honorees nominated by students, faculty, staff
By Kristen Mitchell
Two members of the College of Public Health community, Ashleigh LoVette and Lauren Birnbrich, were honored with college awards for excellence, Dean Paula Song announced at an end-of-semester celebration for faculty and staff.
LoVette, assistant professor in the Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, was recognized with the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award for her dedication to student learning and engagement.
Among the comments made by her nominators:
- “LoVette excels at rendering intricate public health concepts accessible while encouraging students to engage in critical thinking and develop their own viewpoints.”
- “LoVette teaches in a culturally competent and inclusive manner, integrating diverse perspectives and emphasizing the impact of public health issues on various communities. This approach not only enhances student comprehension but also prepares them to become thoughtful and equity-oriented public health professionals.”
- “LoVette made discussion groups with students from different programs, with the intent of opening up the opportunity for rich interdisciplinary discussions, which I have seen manifest over the course of the semester.”
Birnbrich, senior grants and contracts specialist, received the 2026 Staff Employee of the Year award, a recognition for her exceptional attention to detail and support for faculty pursing grant-funded research projects.
- “She is willing to answer any questions, large or small, and when she can't solve an issue herself, she will reach out to and regularly follow up with the person who can until things are resolved.”
- “Lauren is amazing. She goes above and beyond to help the faculty…I was thrilled to be assigned to work with Lauren on my 2025 grants submission.”
- “I am so glad that I work with Lauren. She consistently demonstrates how to be an excellent employee.”
Professor Randall Harris, a leading cancer epidemiologist, was also celebrated for his 37 years of teaching, leading and collaborating at the college. He plans to retire in June.
About The Ohio State University College of Public Health
The Ohio State University College of Public Health is a leader in educating students, creating new knowledge through research, and improving the livelihoods and well-being of people in Ohio and beyond. The College's divisions include biostatistics, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health behavior and health promotion, and health services management and policy. It is ranked first in Ohio, and 26th among all colleges and programs of public health in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Its specialty programs are also considered among the best in the country. The MHA program is ranked 5th, the epidemiology specialty is ranked 21st, the health policy and management specialty is ranked 22nd and the biostatistics specialty is ranked 23rd.