Elizabeth Rhodes Receives Provost’s Distinguished Teaching Award

“I am grateful for the mentors who have poured into me throughout my career. Paying that forward by teaching and mentoring the next generation of public health researchers and practitioners is one of the greatest joys and privileges.” 

Elizabeth Rhodes, PhD, assistant professor of global health, was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Provost’s Distinguished Teaching Award for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Education for Rollins School of Public Health.

This award is given annually to one faculty member in each of Emory University’s seven graduate and professional schools to recognize outstanding scholars and educators. Recipients are faculty members who excel in teaching, mentoring, and curriculum innovation, advancing the university through their efforts. Rhodes exemplifies these criteria.

About Elizabeth Rhodes

Rhodes is an implementation scientist focused on translating research into impactful interventions for maternal and child health and nutrition. She is known across the school for her empathy, patience, mentorship, and ability to foster confidence and independence in her students. 

“I start by listening and understanding what excites each student,” she says of her approach to teaching and mentoring. “From there, I can support them in pursuing the things that light them up — whether that means offering guidance as they develop their own project proposals, bringing them into our research team, or connecting them with other faculty and community partners.”

Training the Next Generation of Implementation Scientists

Rhodes also has a noted ability to meet students where they are, making complex course material accessible. In her nomination letter, Dean Daniele Fallin, PhD, writes that Rhodes “weaves theoretical foundations with practical application, creating an environment where students feel both supported and intellectually stretched.” 

“A lot of what we teach in implementation science clicks once you see it applied,” says Rhodes. “I use real cases and case-based discussions so students can work through how implementation science concepts and methods can be applied when you're embedded in a health system or working with a community partner to generate evidence that is actionable and timely.”

Rhodes’ impact on the school stretches far beyond her students and mentees. She used her expertise to help shape curriculum for the school’s new DrPH in Implementation and Evaluation Science and has mentored new instructors and teaching assistants to help them develop their skills.

“I am grateful for the mentors who have poured into me throughout my career,” says Rhodes. “Paying that forward by teaching and mentoring the next generation of public health researchers and practitioners is one of the greatest joys and privileges.”