2025 Parkinson Scholars
Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health 2025 Scholars
2025-26 Parkinson Scholars
Scholars are committed to using their Parkinson education to improve health and health care for all
The Robert and Betty Parkinson Social Justice Scholars Award represent a group of exceptionally talented students who are dedicated to being “persons for others” and plan to use their Parkinson education to improve the health and health care of individuals, communities, and systems.
Nearly 70 Parkinson School students have been named Parkinson Scholars since the prestigious award was introduced in 2021. Each Scholar receives a $8,000 tuition-restricted scholarship and additional funds to support scholarly activity. With this scholarship, recipients will have the opportunity to expand their social justice leadership skills through community service, scholarly activity, and mentorship of future Parkinson Scholars.
The generosity of the Robert and Betty Parkinson Social Justice Scholars Award reaffirms my sole purpose of being a "person for others" and inspires my continued work towards a healthier, more equitable, and accessible future for all. Ekaterina Yakovlev, MS in Medical Laboratory Science
2025 Parkinson Scholar
Grecia Espinoza Ruiz
Master of Public Health, Class of 2027
"To be a Parkinson Scholar means to be part of an excelling group of alumni and students who are leaders and are the present and future of public health. It is truly an honor to learn from other Scholars and to share this space for further understanding and growth."
2025 Parkinson Scholar
Ezekiel Harless
MS in Exercise Science, Class of 2027
"Being a Parkinson Scholar means using your knowledge to lift up those who need it most."
2025 Parkinson Scholar
Izzy Iussig
MS in Medical Laboratory Science, Class of 2027
“Being a Parkinson Scholar means using my education to make the world a better and more equitable place for everyone. I aim to better the world by combating racial, social, and economic injustice through a lens of health equity."
2025 Parkinson Scholar
Kya Jones
Master of Public Health, Class of 2027
“To be a Parkinson Scholar is to stand at the intersection of passion and purpose, transforming knowledge into impact for healthier communities."
2025 Parkinson Scholar
Diana Sandoval
Health Informatics Certificate, Class of 2026
“To be chosen as a Parkinson Scholar means being in a community of like-minded scholars who are dedicated to transforming health care systems and ensuring that quality care is a right, not a privilege."
2025 Parkinson Scholar
Anne Semprevivo
Master of Science in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship Program, Class of 2027
"As a Parkinson Scholar, I am focused on expanding my social justice leadership skills, which I will then carry into my future career as a Registered Dietitian to improve the health and quality of life of others."
2025 Parkinson Scholar
Erick Suaste
MS in Medical Laboratory Science, Class of 2027
“To be a Parkinson Scholar is to be provided the opportunity to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience towards improving quality in health care and to strive for desired health outcomes in our community. It's a lifelong commitment, and I am honored to have been chosen.”
2025 Parkinson Scholar
Karina Valdez
MS in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship, Class of 2027
“Being a Parkinson Scholar means living out Loyola's call to strive to be a woman for others and use my passion to strive for excellence. I am excited to grow as a leader and connect with like-minded students while living out Loyola's mission of service and justice.”
2025 Parkinson Scholar
Samyla Williams
Master of Public Health, Class of 2027
“Being a Parkinson Scholar means to do your very best at all times and to be a person for others. This year, I am looking forward to getting out in my community, doing research, and discovering new ways to be a service to someone who needs it.”
2025 Parkinson Scholar
Ekaterina Yakovlev
MS in Medical Laboratory Science, Class of 2027
"Being recognized and celebrated as a Parkinson Scholar is an honor and a gift that supports my life-long commitment to helping local communities access quality healthcare, with the hope of expanding these efforts to global initiatives."
Through working and learning from the other Scholars, I hope to broaden my perspective and learn effective strategies to improve the quality of health care and to ensure that access to health care is a human right. Anne Semprevivo, MS in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship