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IMPACT REPORT 2025
MILKEN INSTITUTE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
LETTER FROM THE DEAN
DEAR FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES, AND SUPPORTERS:
This past year has marked a defining moment for public health, and for the Milken Institute School of Public Health. Despite substantial challenges, our community has much to celebrate. I joined this extraordinary institution in October as the new Michael and Lori Milken Dean with deep humility and profound gratitude for the remarkable leaders whose vision and persistence built this school. I proudly stand on their shoulders.
Because of that foundation of excellence, this year brought extraordinary achievement. The Milken Institute SPH proudly earned two top ten rankings, with our Health Policy and Management program ranked #5 and Master of Health Administration ranked #9 – affirmations of the talent, rigor and impact that define this school. These milestones belong to our faculty, students, staff, and alumni, whose leadership in policy, research, and practice continues to shape the future of public health around the world.
At the same time, public health faces urgent and complex threats: health disparities, the impact of climate change, syndemics, and the spread of misinformation. Yet, our school continues to meet the moment with clarity, courage, and action, confronting the foundational drivers of health.
We remain among the top ten public health schools in NIH funding with more than $95 million in total research expenditures. Our faculty have published more than 500 research publications, testified before Congress, and led and served on numerous federal review and advisory committees. The breadth of our research has never been greater. We also had faculty elected and inducted into the National Academies of Practice and the National Academy of Medicine. These honors underscore the impact of our community’s scholarship.
At its core, public health is about people. Our network of more than 16,000 alumni continues to drive significant global impact, demonstrating the lasting value of a Milken Institute SPH education.
As we look ahead, our resolve is strong. Public health now requires faster translation from bench to bedside to policy, deeper integration of environmental risk, and new tools to counter disinformation with precision and trust. We will continue to build our partnerships with communities, help strengthen the systems that shape health and opportunity, and lead the science, data generation, and innovation for future generations. We are building a movement rooted in science, inspired by people, and driven by an unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable world, optimizing health outcomes for all.
Thank you for your partnership, your passion, and your belief in the power of public health. Together, we will shape what comes next.
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.
IMPACTFUL RESEARCH
$95M
research grant acquisition —ranked among the Top 10 public health schools in the nation for NIH funding
500+
peer-reviewed papers published by faculty members in FY 2025, 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 in FY 2025
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.
Read more.
Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity
The Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity hosted the 3rd Health Workforce Equity Summit in person in April 2025, co-sponsored by the ABIM Foundation and The Hastings Center for Bioethics. Panel discussions highlighted strategies for rebuilding health workers’ trust in healthcare organizations, featuring promising solutions drawn from real-world case studies and expert insights. Read more.
Research and Engagement for Action on Climate and Health
The Research and Engagement for Action on Climate and Health 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. Read more.
DC Center for AIDS Research
The DC Center for AIDS Research (DC CFAR) is one of 20 NIH-supported HIV research centers located at academic institutions throughout the United States. The mission of the DC CFAR is to "advance our multi-institutional research effort to contribute to ending the HIV epidemic and improving the health and quality of life of persons with HIV in Washington, DC, and beyond in partnership with community and government." Read more.
APPLIED PUBLIC HEALTH
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.
2,600+ STUDENTS
2,036
Masters Students
605
Undergraduate Students
138
PhD Students
146
DrPH Students
Largest MPH Program in the Country
Students from 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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In FY 2025, the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Program at the Milken Institute SPH welcomed its largest class yet. With steady year-over-year growth, the program prepares leaders to take on the world’s most urgent public health challenges. Blending academic rigor with applied experience, the DrPH empowers students to turn evidence into action. Students engage directly with national policy networks in the nation’s capital, advance equity through community partnerships worldwide, and drive strategic change within public health systems and institutions. With its focus on health policy, social determinants, and organizational leadership, the DrPH program is shaping the next generation of public health leaders equipped to create lasting, systemic impact.
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More than 3,000 learners have completed the Milken Institute SPH's groundbreaking MicroMasters program in maternal and child health, powered by edX, a leading global online learning platform. This innovative initiative is now part of the school's expanded online offerings, which includes 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.
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In 2022, the Milken Institute SPH was awarded nearly $1.5 million through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration 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 10 more in 2025 and they are all actively engaged and strengthening the field of public health. The final cohort of 10 scholars is expected to graduate in 2026. Efforts are underway to identify new streams of funding to support this remarkable program.
I think DC is the center of the world. There’s so much happening here right now with big decisions being made every day. I think it’s the right place to be for a strong public health program. The next decade will bring major leadership transitions across global health agencies. GW’s DrPH program is helping me prepare to be part of that change.
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
BS '27
Tomás A. Pastoriza Scholarship Recipient
Donor 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.
The 8th Annual 950 Awards: Celebrating Public Health Excellence at GWSPH
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.
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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.
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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.