Drs. and , both distinguished faculty members at the (COPH), were honored with the prestigious by the Public Health Student Association (PHSA) during the college鈥檚 National Public Health Week ceremony. The award, which is presented annually, recognizes faculty members who have made significant contributions to student development and the quality of education within their department and the college.
Dr. Joe Bohn: Engaging students with real-world experience
Dr. Joe Bohn with Dr. Ellen Daley and two PHSA students at the 2025 National Public Health Week Awards Ceremony. (Photo by Caitlin Keough)
Bohn, an associate professor at the COPH, has earned widespread admiration for his ability to connect students with real-world public health issues through practical experience. With a background in public health education, behavioral health and military operations, he brings a wealth of experience to the classroom. His expertise spans diverse areas, including community health initiatives addressing the opioid crisis and suicide prevention.
Since joining the COPH in 2018, Bohn has taught at the doctoral, master鈥檚 and undergraduate levels. His courses cover a wide array of topics, including systems, social and complexity science in the program, community health intervention planning at the master鈥檚 level and critical social issues at the undergraduate level.
鈥淚 always try to bring in real-world examples from my time as director of community engagement at the college to help students connect concepts to real practices,鈥� Bohn said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about creating a classroom environment where students feel respected and valued, and where they can apply what they鈥檙e learning to real-world issues.鈥�
Bohn's dedication to service learning has also provided students with opportunities to engage in community outreach projects. One memorable moment from his teaching career occurred in February 2020, when his Translating Public Health Practice class spontaneously sang along to Natasha Bedingfield鈥檚 鈥淯nwritten,鈥� which resonated deeply as the class faced the unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淭eaching public health is about giving back and helping students take their careers to the next level,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about helping them realize they are the authors of their own story.鈥�
Dr. Jason Salemi: Inspiring students with passion and purpose
Dr. Jason Salemi with Dr. Ellen Daley and two PHSA students at the 2025 National Public Health Week Awards Ceremony. (Photo by Caitlin Keough)
Dr. Jason Salemi, professor and interim chair of the Department of Epidemiology, is a proud USF alumnus whose work in epidemiology, particularly in birth defects surveillance, has earned him national recognition.
Salemi's teaching is characterized by his energy, passion and commitment to fostering student growth. His leadership in research, including the development of a statewide COVID-19 tracking dashboard, has inspired countless students to pursue careers in public health.
Known for his engaging and dynamic teaching style, Salemi has a reputation for creating an environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. He embraces humor and authenticity in his classroom, building trust with students and encouraging them to connect their learning to real-world impact.
鈥淭he best part of teaching public health is watching students connect their learning to real-world problems,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 coding, data management or epidemiology methods, I love seeing students become more confident in their skills and feel empowered to make a difference.鈥�
Salemi鈥檚 impact on students is evident through their growth. He recalled moments when students who initially struggled with coding or data analysis left his class feeling proud of their newfound skills and ready to tackle complex public health challenges. His ability to inspire students and create an engaging classroom environment has earned him a reputation as one of the department鈥檚 most beloved educators.
鈥淪tay curious and don鈥檛 be afraid to not have all the answers,鈥� Salemi advised his students. 鈥淕rowth isn鈥檛 a straight line, but you鈥檙e building something meaningful, one step at a time.鈥�
A shared commitment to student success
Both Bohn and Salemi are deeply committed to empowering the next generation of public health leaders. Their teaching styles, which blend passion, experience and a genuine investment in student success, make them standout educators in the COPH.
鈥淒r. Bohn provided excellent feedback to all my work and assignments. His level of engagement was exceptional. He wanted me to succeed and when I did reach a higher level he challenged me even further,鈥� said DrPH student Christopher Dinanzio. 鈥淗is keen interest in his students鈥� success cannot be measured. He has had a tremendous effect in my professional growth.鈥�
Dr. Salemi embodies the highest virtues of academia and is an advocate of all persons of all experience levels within public health research, practice and education. He lives to serve others and is generous in his service as a mentor to students, faculty and the wider USF community,鈥� said student Blake Barrett. 鈥淗e innovates constantly in his education and leverages a student-focused and person-centered approach that exemplifies excellence in teaching.鈥�
As Bohn reflected, 鈥淏eing recognized with the Excellence in Teaching Award is one of the best honors you can receive as a professor. The acknowledgment and appreciation from our student body is truly humbling.鈥�
The Excellence in Teaching Award reflects the lasting impact these two faculty members have had on the students they teach, mentor and inspire every day at the COPH.