Bouchet Society Students Honored for Research, Advocacy

Nine George Washington University Ph.D. students will join a network of preeminent scholars from across the country later this spring when they are inducted into the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, which recognizes diversity and excellence in doctoral education.

The students were cited for research that included increasing access to over-the-counter contraceptives, identifying suicide risk factors among Black youth and understanding the theoretical physics behind artificial intelligence.

They were also singled out for advocacy efforts like mentoring marginalized students, advocating for cancer research and leading initiatives to widen educational opportunities.

"These students are recognized not only for their exceptional scholarly achievements but also as shining examples of leadership, character, service and advocacy," said Paul Wahlbeck, dean of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences(CCAS), at a March 3 ceremony honoring the nominees. "Their academic pursuits will shape not only the future of their respective fields but also continue to uplift and inspire future generations of scholars."

Named for the first Black doctoral recipient in the United States and chartered jointly by Yale and Howard universities in 2005, the society now has 19 chapters at universities across the country.

Since its founding in 2009, 64 doctoral students and alumni have been inducted into the GW chapter of the Bouchet Society, noted CCAS Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Antonio López, who praised this year's nominees for "this amazing knowledge, this amazing action that you're putting out into the world."

"It is impactful, it is meaningful, it is on our minds," said López, a CCAS associate professor of English. "We're proud of you."

The nine nominees will be formally inducted into the society at the annual Edward A. Bouchet Conference at Yale in April.

Meet the Nominees

Mariana Fagundes Grilo

A Ph.D. candidate in exercise physiology and applied nutrition at the Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH), Fagundes Grilo examines how food environments and nutrition policies shape families' purchasing decisions, particularly for children. By better understanding nutritional policies, her research aims to support health strategies that aid families in making "more informed and helpful choices," she said. In addition to her research, Fagundes Grilo is committed to mentorship, service and advancing equitable food systems. Her career goals in science and policy involve expanding access to healthy foods and improving health outcomes for children and families worldwide.

Kimberly Greenfield

Kim Greenfield is a doctoral candidate in translational health science at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences(SMHS). Her research focuses on examining health disparities in pancreatic cancer. She focuses on the influence of social determinants on patient treatment pathways, specifically how patient eligibility for curative surgical interventions impacts five-year survival outcomes. She serves as chair of the Survivors and Caregivers Committee for the District of Columbia affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and advocates for policy initiatives through organizations including Rally for Medical Research and the American Association for Cancer Research.

Aaron P. Henry

A Ph.D. candidate in translational health science at SMHS, Aaron P. Henry is a physician assistant and co-director of clinical education at the GW Physician Assistant Program. His scholarship aims to "bridge the trust gap" between Black men and healthcare providers. Black men have the second lowest life expectancy among major demographic groups while also disproportionately suffering from preventable diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes, Henry noted. He's studying whether lack of provider trust discourages men from seeking services like physical exams and prostate screening. Henry also speaks at high schools, introducing students from underserved communities to careers in health.

Vicky Ho

Vicky Ho, a CCAS Ph.D. candidate in clinical psychology, examines mental health services for adolescents and adults in immigrant and ethnic minority communities. Ho's work addresses a troubling disparity: 20-30% of immigrant-origin children have a mental health disorder, but just 3-8% receive mental health services. "I hope that my research can help our society rethink traditional models of mental healthcare to be more equitable, culturally responsive and effective for the children and families that they are meant to serve," she said. Through teaching and mentorship, Ho fosters inclusive academic spaces and diversified pathways to help young people enter the field of psychology.

Frank Yingjie Huo

Frank Yingjie Huo is a CCAS Ph.D. candidate in physics and the lead author of the book "Introduction to Online Complexity" (Oxford University Press, 2025). His research focuses on the theoretical physics of complex systems, including the intersection of virtual networks and offline communities. His latest work applies physics and mathematical methods to understanding the systems that power and govern AI-"Why it works, why it clicks, what is behind this black box," he explained. Outside of his research, he is dedicated to teaching and enhancing learning experiences for undergraduate physics students.

Ciara E. Johnson-Davis

Ciara E. Johnson-Davis is a Ph.D. candidate in health policy at GWSPH. She is also a health policy advisor and director of policy, communications and external affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Her research explores the regulatory landscape of over-the-counter contraceptive access. She examines whether efforts like removing restrictions on the availability of emergency contraception have translated into practical access for underserved populations. "Although…you should be able to go to any supermarket or pharmacy and procure [it], that's not the lived experience for those who would most benefit from it," she said. Johnson-Davis also serves as a mentor for emerging public health professionals.

Wendy S. Post

Wendy S. Post is a Ph.D. candidate at the School of Nursingand a tenure-track assistant professor at Bowie State University. She investigates maternal mortality through the lens of eyewitnesses who are present at hospitals when women die in childbirth. "These are not clinicians. They are partners, grandmothers, sisters, neighbors and doulas-people who love the women most," she explained. A nurse scientist and forensic nurse examiner in high-risk obstetrics, Post hopes her research will "turn testimony into knowledge, pain into policy and turn these witnesses' stories into the foundation of safer maternal health."

Alana C. Rule

A Ph.D. candidate in clinical psychology at CCAS, Alana C. Rule examines suicide risk factors among Black youth. She focuses on racial discrimination and gendered racism-"a double-edged sword," she said. Her approach shifts a traditional narrative in which Black girls are studied through deficit-based frameworks. "My goal is not simply to document harm, but to illuminate context," she said, "to demonstrate how systemic forces shape psychological outcomes while honoring the resilience, brilliance and complexity of Black girlhood." She supports marginalized students pursuing careers in psychology through organizations such as Psychologists of Color and served on the board of a youth suicide research consortium.

Emily C. Zhang

A Ph.D. candidate in social and behavioral sciences at GWSPH, Emily C. Zhang studies the connection between social media and young people's mental health. She looks at how "different types of social media use impact mental health outcomes such as anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and sleep among adolescents," she said. Her research includes comparing at-home and school rules on adolescent social media use as well as varying social media interactions, from scrolling to active engagement. A teaching assistant and an affiliate fellow in the GW Co-Design of Trustworthy AI Systemsprogram, Zhang is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment for students of all backgrounds.