Honoring a Decade of Academic Excellence: The Gamma Tau Chapter of Delta Omega at Mason’s College of Public Health Inducts First PhD Cohort

The College of Public Health is proud to mark the milestone of its tenth anniversary in recognizing academic excellence in public health through the Gamma Tau chapter of The Delta Omega Honorary Society. Since its establishment, Delta Omega has inducted 108 Master’s students, 39 undergraduate students, and two faculty members (Dr. Laura Poms and Dr. Lila Fleming) into the chapter.

This year, the chapter will be inducting its first cohort of PhD students, further expanding its reach in honoring academic achievements in public health. The College continues to excel in public health education, research, and practice, with its students serving as a testament to its success.

Carolyn Drews-Botsch, professor and chair of Global and Community Health, highlighted the significance of having a Delta Omega chapter at Mason in recognizing the academic excellence of students and faculty. “Having a Delta Omega chapter at Mason allows us to honor our outstanding students and faculty for their hard work and dedication to improving public health,” she said.

The impact of Delta Omega can be seen in the accomplishments of its alumni. Bianca Alba, a mentor in the Public Health Alumni Mentorship Program, is now a Public Health Analyst at the Health Resources and Services Administration. Abby Lilak, who conducted research in Kenya during her MS in Global Health, is pursuing a PhD at the University of Florida. Taylor Thomas, another alumna, credits her experience at the College for igniting her passion for population health as she pursues her Master of Public Health at George Washington.

In addition to celebrating its tenth anniversary