Hudson MPH Student Receives Joan K. Leavitt, MD Award of Excellence

The Hudson College of Public Health is proud to celebrate Toby Clampitt, an MPH student in Epidemiology, who was named the 2024 recipient of the Joan K. Leavitt, MD Award of Excellence at the Oklahoma Public Health Association (OPHA) Conference on November 9. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional students who excel academically, demonstrate outstanding leadership, and show great promise for a career in public health. Toby exemplifies these qualities and more, making him a standout recipient of this honor.

Toby’s journey to public health began in Rush Springs, Oklahoma, where he grew up as a first-generation college student. He attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), earning dual bachelor’s degrees in Biological Sciences and Public Health and graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2022. During his undergraduate studies, Toby became a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and worked in emergency services from 2020 to 2024. His time as an EMT exposed him to diverse patient needs and circumstances, inspiring his desire to pursue a Master of Public Health degree and make a broader impact on community health.

In his first semester as an MPH student, Toby’s exceptional abilities quickly garnered attention. His professor, Dr. Terrell, recruited him as a Graduate Research Assistant for the Oklahoma Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) Registry project, a rare opportunity for a first-semester student. Toby took on critical responsibilities, including managing regulatory activities, recruiting participants, collecting data, and developing a new scheduling system for patient visits. His meticulous work has advanced the project while providing him with valuable hands-on experience in research and public health practice.

Toby’s contributions have extended far beyond campus. In collaboration with Baylor University, he analyzed data for a study on barriers to advanced therapies like CAR-T. When Baylor needed high-quality data visuals and presentation slides for an international conference, Toby delivered impressive results, working late hours and providing detailed explanations of his analysis to the principal investigator. His work was praised as inspiring and spurred discussions on interdisciplinary collaboration.

In addition to his academic and research achievements, Toby is an active leader within the Hudson College of Public Health. He serves as the Treasurer for both the Biostatistics and Epidemiology Student Association and the HCOPH Student Association, where he plays a key role in organizing student initiatives. He was also part of the Leadership HSC Class of 2024 and took the lead in planning this year’s World Field Epidemiology Day, an event that brought together students, faculty, and staff from across the college to celebrate and explore the field of epidemiology.

Toby’s focus on infectious diseases has driven his practicum with the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Acute Disease Services, where he is gaining vital real-world experience. His goal is to join the CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship Program after graduation and continue his work in combating infectious diseases. As someone who brings a unique perspective shaped by his rural upbringing and first-generation college background, Toby is poised to make meaningful contributions to the field of public health.

This award reflects the spirit and legacy of Dr. Joan K. Leavitt, who served as Oklahoma State Commissioner of Health from 1977 to 1993. Toby’s dedication to public health, combined with his exceptional academic performance, leadership, and work ethic, makes him a deserving recipient of this honor. His story is an inspiration to all of us at the Hudson College of Public Health, and we look forward to seeing the remarkable impact he will have in the years to come.

Congratulations, Toby, on this well-deserved recognition!