Think. Teach. Do. Awards Recognize Staff Contributions.
Think. Teach. Do. Awards Recognize Staff Contributions
The staff awards program honors staff for embodying SPH’s core mission and values. The latest recipients of the awards are Shelley Barnes, Christine Copacino, Blake Ferris, Mary Gregory, Valerie Grim, Kori MacInnis, and Greta Schneider.
Seven School of Public Health staff members received Think. Teach. Do. Staff Awards in the last quarter of 2025 in recognition of their efforts in helping foster a supportive and productive campus culture.
Modeled after SPH’s core purpose, “Think. Teach. Do. For the Health of All,” the awards program acknowledges staff achievements, behaviors, and strong work ethics that embody SPH’s core mission and values. It was developed by the Staff Recognition & Awards Subcommittee, an extension of the Staff Senate, in collaboration with Ira Lazic, associate dean for administration and finance.
The program aims to enhance team morale and staff resilience while rewarding staff excellence at the School and is designed to stimulate innovation and novel approaches to work-related tasks and projects that benefit individual departments, SPH, or Boston University, as a whole. Awards are given to individuals for each of the three categories on a quarterly basis, and both part-time and full-time staff members are eligible.
THINK.
The Think. Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional innovation in research activities, program development, or the creation or implementation of tools and systems that improve processes at SPH.
Blake Ferris, research administrator in the Department of Environmental Health, received the Think Award for his meticulous approach to grants management. Nomination letters submitted on Ferris’s behalf describe how he has quickly become an indispensable member of the EH department thanks to his critical eye for detail; positive attitude; and prompt, clear communication. According to several faculty who have worked with him, Ferris has consistently provided knowledgeable and patient support throughout the grant life cycle making research planning easier for everyone, particularly during a time when political instability and financial constraints have complicated the process. His colleagues report that he “approaches every interaction with kindness, patience, and respect” and they describe him as a “truly collegial member of the team,” emphasizing that his attitude enhances the department’s collaborative culture and boosts morale.
“On more than one occasion, [Ferris] reached out to others before a problem escalated, engaging the right people across the university at the right time to prevent crises,” wrote one colleague of her experience working with Ferris. “His ability to anticipate challenges, particularly in the complicated political space of international project management, is truly exceptional.”
Mary Gregory, academic program administrator in the Department of Global Health, received the Think Award for her leadership. Gregory came to SPH in 2024 from the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine where she was responsible for coordinating the dental public health postdoctoral program. While her student cohort at GSDM was much smaller than the one she now commands at SPH, her colleagues report she was able to “hit the ground running” and skillfully command the more complex GH portfolio. She has also proven an asset in improving the departmental processes, putting into place new systems and worksheets to smooth student advising activities and certificate program management. A new faculty member to the department expressed gratitude for Gregory’s diligent support as they learned to navigate the department and school. “[Gregory] is always willing to meet and when she does she is well prepared and generous with her time,” reads their nomination letter. “She [also] makes a lot of time for students, ensuring that they get the best of their academic programming.”
Greta Schneider, project manager at the Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center (BEDAC), received the Think Award for exceeding all expectations with respect to her responsibilities in managing her project portfolio. Her nominator writes that Schneider brings both technical expertise and diligence to her role, consistently providing high quality support across a variety of complex and fast-paced projects. Her contributions to BEDAC’s work with the BU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) and BU Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center have been particularly meaningful, notes her nominator, as these longstanding projects require the continuous incorporation of new processes, technologies, and personnel. While juggling many competing demands can be challenging, Schneider has shown a good sense for what can be managed independently versus what requires a collaborative approach and who needs to be involved. “Her thoughtful, deliberate, and calm approach in all things is particularly helpful in managing difficult situations and complex projects,” reads her nomination letter. She is also cited as a “positive role model” to her colleagues for her admirable participation in staff meetings, during which she does not hesitate to share thoughtful input on BEDAC processes. Additionally, as an active member of BEDAC’s repository working group, she helps the Center clarify best practices for the creation and upload of data to national data repositories.
TEACH.
The Teach Award is presented to an individual who has taken ownership of key concerns and needs, acted on opportunities, solved problems, or brought people and resources together to make processes at SPH more efficient and accessible for others.
Christine Copacino, academic program administrator in the Department of Environmental Health, received the Teach Award for her pivotal role in the development of the new Environmental Health and Justice certificate program. Multiple nomination letters submitted on Copacino’s behalf attest to the integral role she played in launching the new EH certificate at a time when both the department’s associate chair of education and certificate director were simultaneously on sabbatical. Copacino’s colleagues describe how her drive, creativity, and enthusiasm have positioned her as a true thought partner in shaping the program over the years, and how her insight has helped the department to answer fundamental questions, including what are EH students’ needs and what program of study would most effectively support their professional development?
Copacino not only contributed to the new program’s design, they note, but she also coordinated outreach to key stakeholders across the university to increase the visibility and credibility of the new certificate and position it for long-term success. Throughout this transition, she has shown unwavering support to faculty and students alike through her proactive approach to communication and position as a trusted resource for information on teaching, mentorship, and curriculum development. “[Copacino] approaches every interaction with warmth, positivity, and professionalism, creating a culture of support that enriches the entire department,” writes one nominator. “[Her] work has strengthened the department’s teaching mission and enhanced the student experience. Her efforts have elevated both our educational programs and our community.”
Kori MacInnis, assistant director of student affairs with the Graduate Student Life (GSL) team, received the Teach Award for her profound impact as a mentor, advisor, and facilitator. MacInnis goes above and beyond to ensure that students at SPH feel supported, connected, and capable, writes her nominator. After identifying key student concerns, MacInnis has acted swiftly to address them. “Whether facilitating workshops, advising students, or training her peers, [MacInnis] ensures an inclusive environment that empowers others to learn, contribute, and grow,” elaborates her nomination letter. “Her efforts have not only solved problems in the moment but also built sustainable systems that will benefit our community well in the future.”
Citing a recent example of MacInnis’s dedication, her nomination letter describes how she stepped up to develop and lead a session on time management for over 300 newly matriculated students during last fall’s orientation. Her talk both acknowledged the challenges students in balancing a rigorous courseload with personal wellbeing and offered practical strategies for achieving success. The session was well-received with multiple students reaching out personally to express their thanks, as well as Boston University’s Educational Resource Center following up to request a copy of her presentation to share with students across the institution.
DO.
The Do Award is presented to an individual who has created extensive opportunities for others toward community building and making connections through programs, policies, and/or spaces, honoring the experiences of various populations and reflecting the SPH core purpose of sparking social change, fostering a sense of belonging, and building relationships across differences.
Shelley Barnes, senior financial administrator in the Department of Epidemiology, received the Do Award for demonstrating a proactive approach to lending a hand. Whether it is assisting with day-to-day tasks or actively troubleshooting issues, she is a reliable and positive presence, writes her nominator. For example, when water damage to the Talbot Building’s east wing disrupted start of the fall semester, Barnes took the initiative to coordinate the temporary relocation of staff and tidy up herself, helping to restore function to the space in a timely manner. “[Barnes] consistently embodies the spirit of teamwork and care that defines our community,” reads her nomination letter. “If I could replicate her across my team, I would do so in a heartbeat—her presence makes everything run more smoothly. She is a quiet yet powerful force of support, and her contributions deserve to be recognized and celebrated time and time again.”
Valerie Grim (SPH’20), COTS applications dev/business analyst at BEDAC, received the Do Award for her remarkable adaptability in the wake of BEDAC’s recent downsizing. Grim has taken on an expanded portfolio of responsibilities while continuing to deliver work of the highest quality, writes her nominator. Even when faced with last-minute changes to clinical trial requirements or accelerated deadlines, she has ensured projects stayed on track. Her professionalism and problem-solving have been vital to the success of numerous projects, including the SAFEST Choice National Learning Collaborative, an study focused on reducing the incidence of prenatal alcohol exposure, and the PEAR Study on promoting empathy and affiliation in relationships during early childhood development. Her nominator points to Grim’s ability to maintain attention to detail while managing multiple complex projects simultaneously as demonstrative of her deep commitment to excellence. “[Grim] is the kind of professional who inspires confidence, trust, and admiration from all who work with her,” reads her nomination letter. “Her work ethic, technical expertise, and willingness to go the extra mile make her an outstanding candidate for this recognition […] and I am confident that her contributions will continue to make a lasting impact on Boston University.”
