By Carrie Noxon
Special to Rice News
The Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies hosted its annual Recognition and Awards Breakfast, honoring the 2026 graduates of Rice University’s global health technologies minor program May 8. Yvette Mirabal, Rice360 executive director, opened the ceremony by welcoming the students, their families and guests.
This year’s ceremony recognized Dr. Roxana Daneshjou and Dr. Gordon Schutze for their leadership and impact in improving health care access.
Alumni Leadership Award: Dr. Roxana Daneshjou
Rice360 co-director Maria Oden presented the Rice360 Alumni Leadership Award to Daneshjou. The award recognizes alumni of Rice360’s global health technologies minor who exemplify leadership, commitment and innovation. Since graduating from Rice, Daneshjou has become a leading voice for fairness and transparency in the implementation of medical technology and AI.
Now an assistant professor at Stanford School of Medicine, Daneshjou focuses on developing trustworthy AI tools for clinical care. During her acceptance, she shared her dedication to advancing health care through equitable technology. And she shared with the graduates the impact Rice360 had on her research.
Reflecting on her journey from Rice to Stanford, Daneshjou addressed the graduates as peers: “I am honored to address this room of future leaders and changemakers. The people-focused work we do as global health technology alums is the best part of what we bring to the world. I see the brilliance in this room and can’t wait to have you as colleagues.”
Global Champion Award: Dr. Gordon E. Schutze
Rice360 co-director Rebecca Richards-Kortum presented the 2026 Global Champion Award to Schutze, celebrating his transformative leadership within the Texas Children’s Global Health Network and the Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative.
Schutze’s career has been defined by the pursuit of health equity. Under his guidance, these global health networks have provided a vital lifeline to the delivery of critical care for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malnutrition to more than 8 million people across Africa, Eastern Europe and South America.
In his address to the graduates, Schutze expanded the traditional definition of “global” health. He noted to the graduates that while their training prepares them to solve problems across the world, the same expertise and empathy are equally needed closer to home.
Schutze encouraged the Class of 2026, “Continue your interest in projects that are good for people wherever you find those needs.” He concluded with a simple but powerful charge: “Go forth and do good.”
Honoring student innovation and service
Kiara Lee, Rice360 director of education strategy, presented the student achievement awards and recognized graduates of the global health technologies minor who have demonstrated exceptional technical innovation to improve global health equity.
Rice Distinction in Research and Creative Work Award
Meghan Paral and Suran Somawardana each received the Rice Distinction in Research and Creative Work award, recognizing their exceptional contributions and achievements in the global health technologies minor.
Rice360 Impact Award
The Rice360 Impact Award was presented to Paral for her contributions to NEST360’s use of data for action during her internship, which will have a lasting impact on global health.
Rice360 Service and Advocacy Award
The Service and Advocacy Award, which recognizes students who have demonstrated advocacy and service for equity in global health, was awarded to Rohan Palavali and Ansh Rai for their work on the patient discharge initiative at Ben Taub Hospital and other efforts advancing local equality.
Rice360 Innovation Award
The Rice360 Innovation Award, presented to students who exemplify creativity and ingenuity that lead to innovations in global health technologies, was awarded to Team Drip-AID: Azari Gurley, Navya Nanda, Jacey Denny, Somawardana, Adam Vuong and Priyanka Patel. Their innovative project simplifies IV fluid monitoring in low-resource settings.
Closing remarks
Michelle Nodskov, assistant director of global health technologies education programs, concluded the morning’s celebration, offering closing remarks. She congratulated the Class of 2026 and asked that, as they move forward, they carry their experiences in global health technologies with them and continue their commitment to building a more equitable world.