During last week’s 2026 ASPPH Annual Meeting, we were pleased to host the third annual Public Health Innovation Lab, a dynamic, week-long design sprint generously supported by the University of Memphis School of Public Health (Memphis). Bringing together ten teams of undergraduate and graduate students from across the country, the Innovation Lab provided an immersive opportunity to apply human-centered design principles to pressing public health challenges affecting college communities.

We are proud to recognize the first-place team from the University of Maryland School of Public Health—Ananth Kudaravalli, Maahe Kunvar, and Alia Mulbagal—for their project, Harmoney, aninnovative idea for an app that would link spending habits and financial goals to mental health trends in college-aged students. We also congratulate the second-place team from the George Washington University and the Audience Choice team from the University of Texas Medical Branch for their outstanding innovations.

Under the expert facilitation of Dr. Sarah Axelson, Professorial Lecturer at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, the students progressed from initial concepts to fully developed, testable prototypes, engaging end users, refining their ideas, and ultimately presenting thoughtful, innovative solutions. The quality of the work produced throughout the week was exceptional and a testament to the creativity and dedication of these emerging public health leaders.

ASPPH extends sincere appreciation to all participating students, Dr. Axelson, and Dean Ashish Joshi (Memphis) for making this year’s Innovation Lab a success.