University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Associate Professor Denise Nelson-Hurwitz has been named the 2026 recipient of the Riegelman Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Public Health Education. Nelson-Hurwitz was honored at the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Annual Meeting Awards Luncheon in March in Arlington, Virginia.
A faculty member in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, she was recognized for her outstanding contributions to undergraduate public health education, including innovation in teaching, leadership in program development and student engagement.
“It’s wonderful to see the work being done by UH Mānoa’s undergraduate program and students highlighted in this way and a tremendous honor to have been nominated by my students and peers,” Nelson-Hurwitz said.
Expanding access, supporting success
An UH alumna and first-generation college graduate, Nelson-Hurwitz is deeply rooted in her community. She has focused her career on expanding access to higher education and supporting student success by building inclusive pathways into public health, and increasing diversity in the field. She co-developed and co-led the Community Health Scholars program, which engages diverse high school students in immersive research and practice experiences.
For more than a decade, she served as chair of UH Mānoa’s bachelor of arts in public health program, overseeing curriculum development, course sequencing and program assessment. She also helped create a public health minor, expanding access for students across disciplines.
Students praised Nelson-Hurwitz for her supportive teaching, mentorship and dedication to preparing future public health professionals. She is known for going above and beyond inside and outside the classroom.
“Winning this national award from the ASPPH highlights Denise Nelson-Hurwitzʻs extraordinary ability to inspire students and her tireless work in ensuring our curriculum remains both innovative and impactful,” said Jane Chung-Do, department chair. “We are honored to have such a dedicated leader on our faculty.”
Story originally posted at UH News