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Children's Healthy Living Center > CHL News > CHL Feature > CHL Food Systems Trainee, Hannah Shai, Awarded Health Policy Research Scholars Dissertation Grant

CHL Food Systems Trainee, Hannah Shai, Awarded Health Policy Research Scholars Dissertation Grant

We are excited to announce that Hannah Shai, a dedicated CHL Food Systems (FS) Trainee from Saipan, has been awarded the prestigious Health Policy Research Scholars Dissertation Award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The award, which comes with a $9,731.00 funding grant, will support Hannah’s dissertation research focused on exploring the determinants of child beverage consumption in the Northern Mariana Islands.

In her own words, Hannah shared her thoughts on this achievement:
“I am grateful to receive the HPRS Dissertation Award, which enhances my ability to contribute meaningfully to my community and the key partnerships formed in my research. These community-based partnerships are essential for advancing health policy, public health, and health equity.”

Hannah’s research, which aligns with CHL’s mission of promoting child nutrition and health in the Pacific region, demonstrates her ongoing commitment to health policy and its direct impact on Pacific communities. The one-year funding will allow her to continue her groundbreaking work in water security and beverage consumption patterns, ensuring her contributions to the field are impactful and far-reaching.

When asked about her experience with CHL, Hannah said, “Being a part of the CHL team has provided invaluable guidance and mentorship, which has been critical to my success and progression as a student. I am also honored to be on this journey alongside the CHL FS trainees, who continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation.” Biba and Congratulations, Hannah, on this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to the continued success of your research in the Northern Mariana Islands! 

Biba and Congratulations, Hannah, on this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to the continued success of your research in the Northern Mariana Islands!