Five UIC SPH Students and Alumni Named ’40 Under 40′

Collage of 40 under 40 honoree headshots

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health is proud to celebrate five of its current and former students being named to the de Beaumont Foundation’s prestigious 40 Under 40 in Public Health Class of 2025. The award recognizes rising leaders who are advancing health equity, driving innovation, and strengthening communities across the country through leadership, creativity, and impact.

Among the honorees are Lauren LaPine-Ray, Amelia Poulin, and Rishi Sood, all current Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) candidates at UIC, and alumni Mervin Dino (MPH ’20) and John Kaleekal (MPH ’20, MBA ’20).

Lauren LaPine-Ray headshot

“I am passionate about trying to create a new public health system with shared ownership on community health between hospitals and local public health partners.”

Meet Lauren

Lauren LaPine-Ray, MPH, DrPH Candidate  |  Vice President of Policy and Rural Health at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Amelia Poulin headshot

“Looking ahead, I envision a future where public health is co-created with communities, trusted, funded, and a force for liberation.”

Meet Amelia

Amelia Poulin, DrPH Candidate  |  Assistant Director for Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
Rishi Sood headshot

“I hope to strategically align resources, momentum, and innovation to help achieve the field of public health’s mission and to facilitate access to care for all New Yorkers.”

Meet Rishi

Rishi Sood, MPH, DrPH Candidate  |  Executive Director of Health Care Access & Policy at the NYC Health Department
Mervin Dino headshot

“My journey in public health is fundamentally and wholeheartedly about the human spirit, and I am determined to be a forward-thinking, compassionate, and resilient leader for the future of our field.”

Meet Mervin

Mervin Dino, MPH '20  |  Assistant Commissioner at the Chicago Department of Public Health
John Kaleekal headshot

“I’m committed to building a public health system that is more nimble, more just, and more accountable to the communities it serves.”

Meet John

John Kaleekal, MPH '20, MBA '20  |  Principal Project Manager for the San Francisco Department of Public Health