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IMPACT REPORT 2025
MILKEN INSTITUTE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
LETTER FROM THE DEAN
DEAR FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES, AND SUPPORTERS,
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With gratitude,
Kelly Gebo, MD, MPH
Michael and Lori Milken Dean
Milken Institute School of Public Health
The George Washington University
The Milken Institute School of Public Health is the first and only public health school located in Washington, D.C.
50+
degree programs
7 Departments
leading their fields in research and impact
IMPACTFUL RESEARCH
$95
million
Our grant acquisition is outstanding, Top 10 public health schools in the nation for NIH funding.
522
peer reviewed papers published by faculty members in FY 2024, contributing to the school’s research prestige
13
state-of-the-art labs, equipped with BSL-3 facilities, a genomics core, an insectary and METLAB
3,000+
Media hits (July ‘24 - June ‘25)
PRACTICE
2500+
Practice Partners Worldwide
'In 2025, our students have risen to meet a pivotal moment in public health. Amid sweeping federal policy changes, they continue to thrive. Gaining hands-on experience at leading organizations and driving innovation in the field. Through strategic partnerships across all concentrations, our students are building the skills, insight and leadership to navigate complexity and deliver real-world impact in a rapidly shifting landscape.'
Sydnae Law
Director, Applied Public Health
Practice Experience Spotlight: Urban Health Fellowship Program
The Urban Health Fellowship Program is a service-learning initiative through the Office of Applied Public Health that provides undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to translate the knowledge and skills they are learning in the classroom into mutually beneficial practice with community partners in the DC area.
“The Urban Health Fellowship Program has been the most fulfilling opportunity I’ve had at GW so far. Our program has given me the chance to practice public health theory in real-world scenarios with equally passionate friends.”
Kaitlyn Burkhardt
Urban Health Fellow, 2024-25, served the Latin American Youth Center offering NARCAN workshops and various other areas of health promotion.
“I have truly enjoyed my experience as an Urban Health Fellow, building connections with incredible organizations in DC. We create engaging cooking videos that highlight health discussions, along with hosting monthly meetings with Housing Up residents to explore and engage in activities related to nutrition, chronic disease, the healthcare system, and more!”
Victoria Reed
Urban Health Fellow, 2024-25, worked with her team to improve adult Health Literacy through academic partnership with a community based organization.
CENTERS AND INSTITUTES
Biostatistics Center
The Biostatistics Center collaborated on impactful clinical trials, observational studies, and diagnostic accuracy studies in maternal-fetal medicine, diabetes, neonatal medicine, cardiovascular disease, oncology, and antibiotic resistance. Approximately $48 million in funding from more than 50 grant awards supported 130 faculty/staff, including approximately 30 students.
Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity
The Mullan Institute hosted the 3rd Health Workforce Equity Summit in person in April 2025, co-sponsored by ABIM Foundation and The Hastings Center for Bioethics. The focus for this summit was Rebuilding Health Workers’ Trust in Healthcare Organizations, with panel discussions on evidence regarding declining health workers' trust and a related series of case studies that may hold promise for rebuilding health workers' trust and patient trust.
Research and Engagement for Action on Climate and Health
The Research and Engagement for Action on Climate and Health (REACH) Center is a newly awarded multi-institutional exploratory center funded by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, led in partnership by the George Washington University, Howard University, George Mason University, and the Environmental Defense Fund.
2,600+ STUDENTS
2,036
Graduate Students
605
Undergraduate Students
138
PhD Students
146
DrPH Students
Largest MPH Program in the Country
More than 40 countries and all 50 states
With an enrollment of 1,486, our MPH program solidifies us as a global leader in public health education and innovation.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
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The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Program at GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health trains bold leaders ready to confront the world’s most pressing public health challenges. Blending academic rigor with hands-on experience, the program empowers students to turn evidence into action. DrPH Students are primed to lead organizational change: whether they are taking advantage of GW’s proximity to policy, as we are based in the nations capitol, and engaging directly with the nation’s policy network, advancing equity through community partnerships around the globe, or driving strategic change within public health systems and institutions. With its focus on the intersection of health policy, social determinants, and organizational leadership, GW’s DrPH program is building the next generation of public health leaders prepared to drive real-world impact and lasting systemic change.
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Milken Institute SPH and edX, a leading global online learning platform, launched a groundbreaking MicroMasters program focused on maternal and child health through the Milken Institute SPH in 2023. This innovative initiative is now part of the school's expanded online offerings, including an online Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH@GW), Master of Health Administration (MHA@GW) and Master of Public Health (MPH@GW) providing learners with flexible, high-quality educational opportunities, from a top-ranked school of public health.
3,300 total learners (2923 currently enrolled in one or more courses)
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In 2022, Milken Institute SPH was awarded nearly $1.5 million through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to strengthen the public health workforce. The funding supports a Public Health Scholars Program that provides full scholarships to students who are pursuing training in and a career in public health at local and state health departments. Ten scholars graduated in 2024 followed by ten more in 2025 and they are all actively engaged and strengthening the field of public health. The final cohort of ten scholars is expected to graduate in 2026. Efforts are underway to identify new streams of funding to support this remarkable program.
'My goal is to bring stronger leadership into the UN [United Nations], leaders who are accountable, innovative, and grounded in public health. GW’s DrPH program is giving me the tools to do that.'
Kieran Bligh
Cohort 2025
Words of Gratitude
“As a current sophomore studying Public Health and Finance, I want to continue exploring the field of healthcare management. The field where crucial decisions regarding healthcare delivery and function are made. I hope to make an impactful difference that allows affordable and accessible healthcare to everyone, especially underserved communities. I hope to give back to my parents for all of their sacrifices and make the change that they would have benefited from when they first arrived in the Dominican Republic. I am confident in my ability to achieve such goals and even more now with your generous support. Because of this generous support, I feel a strong motivation driving me to continue working hard, continue pursuing my interests, and continue pursuing this passion and interest of mine, ever since receiving this award. Thank you for enabling me to continue down this critical path.”
Lisbel So Zheng
GWSPH '27
Your Impact
$265.8k
Raised for Student Support
$6.9m
Total Gifts and Commitments
Stories of Support
Renowned HIV Prevention Expert Installed as Inaugural Michael and Lori Milken Professor of Public Health.
The endowed professorship was created with a generous gift from Michael and Lori Milken. Dr. Manya Magnus was recognized for her years of research and contributions to biomedical interventions and epidemiology.
Alum April Taylor Supports Students' Professional Goals
April Taylor, BS ’02 makes a gift to support MHA students and open doors for professional development and networking. April will also be contributing her time serving as one of GW Alumni’s newest council members.
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- “We established this professorship to recognize excellence in public health, research, teaching and service,” Michael Milken said. “We view it as an investment in the future of public health leadership.”
- Milken celebrated Dr. Manya Magnus for her exceptional scientific contributions, dedication to the community and ability to drive real-world impact, particularly in transforming HIV treatment and care.
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- April’s generous gift will support the Eric Sellars Fund which provides support for MHA students to attend the ACHE, a meaningful opportunity to support students in their professional networking and career development.
- In order to further support this need, April provided the initial funds to establish the MHA Future Health Care Executive Fund. Once fully funded, this endowment will cover ACHE registration fees for the entire MHA cohort of 20-30 students, and additional costs when possible.
- The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Congress on Healthcare Leadership is a premier educational and networking opportunity that helps GW's Master of Health Administration (MHA) students launch satisfying, successful careers advancing health in communities worldwide.
- The endowment has the potential to grow as others follow her lead and contribute their support to this vital fund for MHA students.
ALUMNI HIGHLIGHT
In October 2024, the Milken Institute School of Public Health hosted the 8th annual 950 Awards, celebrating the achievements of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to public health. The awards recognize alumni who have made a meaningful impact on public health through their work and dedication, exemplifying the school’s mission to improve community health worldwide. From work with the Cancer Institute, to advocacy for health policy on patient standards of care, to public health crisis communications, and a career in rural public health, see the 2024 Honorees and their impact here.
