SPH Professor Receives Awards for Community Collaboration & Public Engagement

Janine and Natasha hold a circular glass award and stand in front of a sign that says The Food Pantries.

Janine Jurkowski and Natasha Pernicka, executive director for The Food Pantries for the Capital District. Photo by Kerensa Rybak Photography.

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 4, 2023) – UAlbany School of Public Health’s Janine Jurkowski was recently awarded the Dinnie Shanley Award from the Food Pantries for the Capital District, an award that is dedicated to Shanley’s spirit of collaboration and support in the fight against food insecurity.

Jurkowski received the award during the Food Pantries’ 2023 Coffee and CommuniTea event, which celebrates community leaders and advocates.

“We thank Janine for her dedication to collaboration, which has brought The Food Pantries many vital relationships and cross sector initiatives to build our capacity to help those in need,” says the Food Pantries.

Jurkowski was also awarded a 2023 President’s Award for Exemplary Public Engagement in late April, which honors UAlbany community members for significant contributions to addressing a societal need and enhancing public well-being through publicly engaged research, academic study, teaching, experiential learning, creative activity and/or public service.

“Dr. Jurkowski’s research and service has promoted mutually beneficial community engagement initiatives among our school, community organizations, government, and individuals who historically have had little voice in factors that affect their lives,” says Mary Gallant, Interim Dean of the School of Public Health. “Collaborations like this are not just beneficial for public health work—they are essential, and I applaud Dr. Jurkowski for her dedication and passion to a community-focused approach.”