Sashti Balasundaram, MSPH '08, is this year's recipient of the Bernard Challenor Spirit Prize.

The award is presented in memory of Professor Bernard Challenor MD, MPH, who was affiliated with the Mailman School of Public Health from 1978 until his death in 2000. He served as interim dean from 1978-1980.

MSPH says the award is given to a student who exemplifies Professor Challenor's spirit. "He was the only faculty member who, at one time or another, taught in every department of the school," according to MSPH. "He continually made concerted efforts to create a sense of community for students and faculty that transcended departmental boundaries."

Balasundaram, a candidate for a Masters in Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences, has worked tirelessly to generate awareness and action around environmental issues among faculty, students and staffers across departments on the Columbia University Medical School campus.

The formation of Students for Environmental Action, recognized this year as an official group at CUMC, is largely the result of Balasundaram's vision and efforts.