2026 Parkinson Scholars
Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health 2026 Scholars
2026-27 Parkinson Scholars
Scholars are committed to using their Parkinson education to improve health and health care for all
The Robert and Betty Parkinson Social Justice Scholars Award represent a group of exceptionally talented students who are dedicated to being “persons for others” and plan to use their Parkinson education to improve the health and health care of individuals, communities, and systems.
Nearly 70 Parkinson School students have been named Parkinson Scholars since the prestigious award was introduced in 2021. Each Scholar receives a $8,000 tuition-restricted scholarship and additional funds to support scholarly activity. With this scholarship, recipients will have the opportunity to expand their social justice leadership skills through community service, scholarly activity, and mentorship of future Parkinson Scholars.
Being a Parkinson Scholar means becoming a catalyst for change and using my education, leadership, and dedication to service to advance health equity, empower underserved communities, and embody Cura Personalis in all that I do. Anne Marie Ciccone, MS in Dietetics/Dietetic Internship
2026 Parkinson Scholar
Mackenzie Alpert
Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Class of 2027
"As a Parkinson Scholar, I hope to strengthen my research, leadership, and collaboration skills while gaining hands-on experience working with community partners. I am particularly interested in learning how evidence-based approaches can improve health outcomes and promote health equity."
2026 Parkinson Scholar
Afrah Aqueel
MS in Dietetics, Class of 2028
"Being a Parkinson Scholar means growing into a leader who understands the importance of service, social justice, and health equity, while learning how to use my education to make a lasting difference in my community."
2026 Parkinson Scholar
London Carpenter
MS in Public Health, Health Policy and Management, Class of 2027
"Being a Parkinson Scholar means expanding my knowledge to ensure every person has both the chance and the right to thrive at their full capacity within a high-quality, equitable healthcare system."
2026 Parkinson Scholar
Maryam Abubakar
Master of Public Health, Class of 2028
“Being a Parkinson Scholar means translating empathy into action—knowing that true health innovation requires listening deeply to communities and building solutions that center human dignity.”
2026 Parkinson Scholar
Claire Coffey
Master of Healthcare Administration, Class of 2028
"Being a Parkinson Scholar means connecting with and giving back to the community while learning how I can make a meaningful impact on the health of others.”
2026 Parkinson Scholar
Kevin Johnson
Master of Exercise Science, Class of 2028
“Being a Parkinson Scholar is about seeing an individual where systems see a number; restoring humanity to the care of people who are struggling and using our education to be advocates for those who need us most.”
2026 Parkinson Scholar
Zaccari Starkman
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Pre-Med), Class of 2027
“Being a Parkinson Scholar means connecting with community members and uniting diverse perspectives to work toward well-being, justice, and equity for all.”
2026 Parkinson Scholar
Christina Wilson
BS in Healthcare Administration, Class of 2027; Accelerated MHA, Class of 2028
“Being a Parkinson Scholar means expanding leadership, service, and lifelong learning while striving to make a meaningful impact in my profession and community.”
2026 Parkinson Scholar
Kai Lum
Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Class of 2027
“Being a Parkinson Scholar means treating wellness as something we build together as a community, not something we each hold on our own.”
2026 Parkinson Scholar
Anne Marie Ciccone
Master of Science in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship, Class of 2028
“To me, being a Parkinson Scholar means becoming a catalyst for change and using my education, leadership, and dedication to service to advance health equity, empower underserved communities, and embody Cura Personalis in all that I do.”
During my year as a Parkinson Scholar, I hope to strengthen my leadership skills, expand my understanding of ethical and equitable health systems, and gain hands-on volunteer and collaborative experience that strengthens my ability to design, evaluate, and improve programs that serve marginalized communities. London Carpenter, Master of Public Health, Health Policy & Management