Rihana Aydin is making a splash with her accomplishments.
The first-generation college student earned a master of public health in epidemiology and is currently pursuing a PhD in public health with a concentration in epidemiology, both from USF’s College of Public Health (COPH).
This academic year Aydin received not one, but two distinguished honors: the Women in Leadership and Philanthropy (WLP) Endowed Scholarship in August 2025 and the COPH Student Honorary Award for Research and Practice (SHARP) in September 2025.
Both awards recognize Aydin’s academic excellence, research achievements and dedication to public health. To earn the WLP Endowed Scholarship, Aydin said recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, actively participate in WLP events and maintain full-time student status. The COPH presents SHARP Awards to students who are conducting impactful research relevant to public health and who have been formally invited to present their work at professional or research conferences.
For Aydin, the recognition is deeply meaningful. “Receiving both awards affirms the value of my commitment to public health and encourages me to continue pursuing meaningful research and service that positively impact communities in need,” she shared.
Rihana Aydin (far right) attended a Women in Leadership & Philanthropy event featuring (from left to right) executive director Lauren Gstalder, former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, former program manager Holly Behrend and WLP lifetime member Valerie Riddle, MD. (Photo courtesy of Aydin)
The WLP Endowed Scholarship also holds personal significance. Aydin previously worked as a student assistant for the Women in Leadership & Philanthropy organization.
“Being supported by WLP allows me to stay connected to remarkable community leaders, many of whom are closely tied to the COPH,” she said. “Their mentorship and collaboration have been invaluable to my professional growth as I advance my work in infectious disease epidemiology.”
Aydin said the SHARP Award will help fund her participation at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) annual meeting in November. “Presenting my research on malaria and engaging with leading scientists provides invaluable feedback and exposes me to innovative approaches I can integrate into my own research trajectory,” Aydin said.
Her passion for public health lies in uncovering the “hidden” burden of infectious diseases, particularly malaria. “I’m fascinated by the intersection of human immunity, surveillance systems and real-world transmission,” she explained. “Many infections go undetected, leaving entire communities underrepresented in data and underserved in resources. I’m motivated to bridge that gap by improving how we monitor and respond to disease in places where vulnerability is highest.”
Looking ahead, Aydin aspires to become an infectious disease epidemiologist focused on malaria surveillance and prevention. “My ultimate goal is to conduct research that strengthens health systems and reduces disease burdens in underserved communities worldwide,” she said.