OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Proudly Announces Inaugural ARCS Foundation Oregon Scholar Lynette Piña

The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health (SPH), a beacon of excellence in public health education and research, is delighted to introduce its first recipient of the prestigious Achievement Award for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation Oregon Scholar. Lynette Piña, an incoming Health Systems and Policy PhD student, has been selected to receive this distinguished award totaling $18,000 over three years.

This marks a historic moment as 2023 is the first year in which the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health is recognized as an academic partner with ARCS Foundation Oregon. ARCS Foundation Oregon, is a women founded, women lead funder that supports nearly 100 PhD students in STEM fields per year, across the state of Oregon.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Sherril Gelmon and Dr. Lynn Marshall for their tireless efforts in establishing SPH as a recipient of ARCS Foundation Oregon award.
Piña’s journey to becoming an ARCS Scholar is one marked by dedication, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. After completing her B.A. in Philosophy and Religion at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arizona, Piña embarked on a transformative path. She participated in the Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) Program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the community outreach coordinator at Capitol Hill Group Ministry, now known as Everyone Home DC. During her time there, Piña made a significant impact by assisting the homeless population in accessing stable housing.

Following her year of service in D.C., Piña relocated to Virginia, where she launched her career in healthcare at the managed care organization, Anthem, now known as Elevance Health. Her dedication to her community deepened as she earned her EMT certification and responded to emergency calls, solidifying her resolve to contribute more to public health.
Piña’s commitment to effecting positive change led her to pursue a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on global health. She successfully graduated with her Master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University, and today, she continues her invaluable work at Elevance Health. Her passion for whole health initiatives in her workplace drives her to pursue a Ph.D. in Health Systems and Policy at OHSU-PSU.

With a remarkable academic background, a wealth of leadership experience, and an unwavering dedication to improving public health systems, Piña is exceptionally well-equipped to embark on her educational journey as the first-ever ARCS Foundation Oregon Scholar at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health.