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Professor of Global and Community Health Amira Roess has been recognized for her excellence in community involvement, teaching, and research during the COVID-19 pandemic and Mason鈥檚 safe return to campus. 听
, an epidemiologist and professor of , has received Mason鈥檚 . Every year, 性视界传媒 recognizes employees for significant achievement in their contributions to Mason. The Outstanding Achievement Award is given to individuals whose outstanding work exemplifies Mason鈥檚 values.
With expertise in infectious disease epidemiology and pandemic response, Roess has played a vital role in Mason鈥檚 response to COVID-19 and the safe return to campus. When the coronavirus led to the shutdown of businesses and campuses across the country, Roess led a team to create and launch the . This tool, the Mason COVID Health Check鈩, has been vital to the university鈥檚 randomized testing and surveillance protocol. Last June, Dr. Roess was requested by the Virginia Council of Presidents to share the Mason COVID Health Check鈩 with all Virginia universities.
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Roess has also served on several committees that have informed Mason鈥檚 safe return policies and protocols. These committees involved coordinating efforts on screening, contact tracing, testing, and vaccinations. Her contributions have been foundational to Mason鈥檚 response to COVID-19 and these successful strategies have played a big role in Mason鈥檚 low positivity rate. Furthermore, Roess is the recipient of two extramurally funding grants on COVID-19 transmission.
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鈥淭hese time-intensive initiatives of service to the University and the community are in addition to countless hours she has dedicated to ensure accurate translation of COVID-19 health information to various communities,鈥 said Dean of the College on Roess鈥 extensive work in the Mason community and beyond.
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Additionally, Dr. Roess is also directing the new PhD in Public Health degree program within the Department of Global and Community Health, teaching a course on epidemiology, and working with several students on COVID-19 related projects in the disciplines of public health and engineering.
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听Her tireless, multifaceted work demonstrates a clear commitment to excellence in the face of adversity. Congratulations to Roess on this well-deserved honor.
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