Lehigh Students Win Awards for Community and Global Health Research

Julie Wright ’25 M’26 and Rhema Hooper ’26 have shared a remarkable journey at Lehigh, marked by their deep involvement in community and global health initiatives and research. Their paths have been intertwined through vibrant networks, international exposure, and prestigious recognitions.

This fall, both students were acknowledged for their significant research contributions at the inaugural Future Makers Convocation. They were among nine students honored with the Distinguished Future Maker Awards, aligning with Lehigh University’s Inspiring the Future Makers strategy, which celebrated 96 seniors for their exceptional impact in research and innovation.

Research and Innovation in Community and Global Health

Wright and Hooper’s connection began at Lehigh Fest, an event for admitted students. “We met at the [Lehigh Fest] Merit Scholarship dinner and chatted about becoming community and global health majors,” Hooper shared. She recalled Wright’s follow-up text, “You committed to Lehigh, right?”

Since then, their academic support for one another has been a highlight. Hooper expressed admiration for Wright’s confidence, while Wright praised Hooper for her dedication to everything she undertakes.

Hooper was awarded the Global Changemakers Award for her work in advancing global well-being through innovative and cross-cultural collaboration. Her research, which examined harmful cobalt mining practices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was inspired by a podcast on child labor and exploitation. “I thought about Gen Z; we eat, sleep and breathe technology yet are unaware of who’s at the bottom of the supply chain,” she said.

Her project, which spanned three years, involved collaboration with professors Gabrielle String, Kate Jackson, and Krista Liguori. Hooper presented her findings at the United Nations Academic Impact commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights.

Wright received the Civic Catalyst Award for her leadership and advocacy in community initiatives. Her involvement with Creative Inquiry’s Lehigh Valley Social Impact Fellowship led to a deeper exploration of permaculture as political action. This culminated in her first academic paper, mentored by Jackson. Transitioning to graduate studies, Wright worked with Professor Austin Duncan on research regarding disability and urban accessibility in Bethlehem, which they presented at prominent anthropology conferences.

Global Engagement and Support

Both Hooper and Wright credit their success to the support from Lehigh faculty, including Khanjan Mehta and Bill Whitney. “I knew Lehigh was the place for me because I had the freedom to create anything that I wanted from scratch,” Hooper stated, with Wright appreciating the extensive support network at Lehigh.

Under the guidance of Krista Liguori, the students traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, for the Global Model World Health Organization course. Participating in the World Federation of United Nations Associations Global Model WHO, they engaged in a mock World Health Assembly at the WHO headquarters. “The beauty of that trip is that our contrasting personalities and approaches showed up. You don’t have to have the same background or personality to love someone through life,” Hooper reflected.

From their beginnings in different parts of the U.S. to their shared experiences in Bethlehem and Switzerland, the Lehigh community continues to be a significant part of Wright and Hooper’s journey, wherever it may lead next.