{"id":12639,"date":"2026-09-01T12:07:24","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T16:07:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/?p=12639"},"modified":"2026-09-02T09:38:04","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T13:38:04","slug":"averitt-awards-excellence-in-graduate-research-doctoral","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/2026\/09\/01\/averitt-awards-excellence-in-graduate-research-doctoral\/","title":{"rendered":"Averitt Awards: Excellence in Graduate Research, Doctoral"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Averitt Awards are the highest honors bestowed upon graduate students within the Georgia Southern University Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies. The award given to outstanding scholars serves to independently recognizes academic excellence in three separate categories \u2014 research, service and instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joana Tome, Summer \u201926<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Doctor of Public Health, Public Health & Epidemiology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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What is the focus of your research?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an epidemiologist, I focus on cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, vaccines and global health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did you learn about your research?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my time at Georgia Southern, I served as a principal investigator for studies with a focus on vaccine effectiveness, vaccine adverse events, iron supplementation in autistic children, non-pharmaceutical interventions and early detection of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), identifying vulnerable populations as priority areas for reducing CVD morbidity and promoting health equity, biosurveillance, biosafety, biosecurity and many more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am currently finalizing my dissertation, which examines the effects of short-term cardiovascular outcomes following COVID-19 vaccination and infection in the United States. This project will address the intersection between cardiovascular and infectious diseases as well as cardiovascular diseases and vaccines like the COVID-19 vaccine, providing new insights that may influence both clinical guidelines and public health policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are your post-graduate plans?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am graduating soon and will start working as a full-time researcher, where I will design epidemiological studies (randomized clinical trials, quasi-experimental and observational studies), collect, analyze and interpret data as well as write and publish scientific articles mostly focused on cardiovascular and infectious diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did you appreciate most about your program?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I truly valued the opportunity to engage in numerous research projects while working as a research assistant. I also had the privilege of publishing scientific articles and presenting my work at various conferences and symposia, where my research was recognized with awards for its impact. These experiences significantly strengthened my skills and knowledge, helping me grow as an aspiring epidemiologist and preparing me to become one of the best in the field while making meaningful contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did you learn about yourself at Georgia Southern?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The possibilities are endless, so use your time wisely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What will you miss most about Georgia Southern?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the many amazing people I met at Georgia Southern, one thing I\u2019ll definitely miss is spending time at Zach S. Henderson Library and enjoying the peaceful lake view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to you to be a recipient of the Averitt Award, which is the highest honor given to graduate students in the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Receiving the Averitt Award for Research was truly an honor. It was extremely meaningful to receive such recognition because it confirmed the passion and effort I invested in my research, validated my work and affirmed my commitment to contributing positively. I am incredibly motivated to keep doing impactful research after receiving this award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are your career plans and\/or aspirations?<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My future career plan and aspiration is to lead and manage multiple epidemiological research studies, primarily in cardiovascular and infectious diseases. I intend to develop and manage my own research team, working effectively with my colleagues in this field and conducting research studies that will make significant scientific contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an interesting or little-known fact about you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An odd, fun fact about me is that I am a huge fan of plants and love to take pictures of all the different kinds of birds that exist. It\u2019s a hobby I truly love because it makes me feel close to nature, and it is so relaxing to admire its small details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any shoutouts for any professors you met along the way?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My heartfelt thanks go out to all the faculty and staff of the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health and all of my colleagues at the Institute for Health Logistics & Analytics. My deep gratitude to my supervisors at Georgia Southern, Dr. Logan Cowan and Dr. Jessica Schwind, who were influential in my learning and growth during my years at Georgia Southern. In addition, I am extremely grateful for the advice, guidance, and knowledge from Dr. Chun Hai Fung and Dr. Kelly Sullivan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you have any fun hobbies you would like to share?<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Definitely! Playing basketball is a fun pastime for me. I enjoy it a lot whenever I have free time, and it’s definitely a good source for physical activity and a way to have fun with my friends after I’m done with work, not to mention a way to “take the load off” my mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any family, friends or pets that you want to recognize?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I dedicate this award to my lovely parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n