Alexandra Rodriguez, M.P.H., a public health doctoral student in the social and behavioral sciences concentration at the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, received the Cam Busch NOAH Arts in Health Award (honorable mention) in the arts for innovation category. The award recognizes a project that has positively impacted target populations through use of media, technology or creative programming.
Last spring, Rodriguez led “Work COVID Silly Gators,” which used powerful visuals designed to inspire UF students to learn about vaccine safety and get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities. The project featured four temporary murals by local artists along with vaccine clinics and education.
Rodriguez was recognized at the National Organization for Arts in Health annual conference November 2-3 in Baltimore, where she was invited to present her project to the entire conference via video and then expand on it while accepting the award onstage. She also served on a student panel sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and facilitated by Sarah Hoover, D.M.A., of the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute.
Rodriguez is a graduate research assistant at the UF Center for Arts in Medicine. She is mentored by George Hack, Ph.D., PHHP associate dean for educational affairs.