Anamaria Penagos, a second-year master of public health (MPH) student at USF’s College of Public Health (COPH) was recently awarded the prestigious John P. McGovern National Scholarship from Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG), the national health education honorary society.
Presented each spring, the McGovern Scholarship recognizes a graduate student who demonstrates academic excellence, active involvement in ESG and a strong commitment to advancing the health education profession. Penagos, who is pursuing a concentration in health promotion and behavior, learned about applying for the award through her academic advisor, Dr. Rita Debate through the Delta Kappa chapter of ESG at USF.
“I was really humbled and grateful for the recognition,” said Penagos. “Especially during such a critical time for public health, I’m thankful for opportunities that help inspire others to become health educators and show them that they can make a real impact at the local level.”
Anamaria Penagos (left) and Diego Dulanto Falcon raising awareness on tobacco cessation services in partnership with the USF Area Health Education Center in celebration of the Great American Smokeout. (Photo courtesy of Penagos)
Penagos, who grew up in the Florida Keys, earned her undergraduate degree in public health studies from Johns Hopkins University and has worked in the public health field for several years, most notably in tobacco control and prevention. Her passion for this area stems from personal experience with her father’s struggles with tobacco use, and from her own time as a youth participant in Florida’s Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) program.
“Now that I’ve come full circle and worked as a SWAT coordinator, I’m pursuing my MPH so I can strengthen my skills and continue to championing against the tobacco industry,” she said. “I want to empower youth to make healthy choices and help build healthier communities.”
Penagos credits USF’s ESG chapter with helping her grow both personally and professionally. She joined the student organization in September 2023 and took on the role of chapter president in January 2024. Under her leadership, ESG has grown from five members to more than 40, expanding to welcome all graduate and undergraduate public health students—not just those studying health promotion.
ESG student organization members educating on the dangers of marijuana use at Walk Like MADD Tampa Bay, from left to right Odelia Asher, Rianshi Jindal, Anamaria Penagos, and Ce’Mya Brooks. (Photo courtesy of Penagos)
“We really want to get students excited about the many opportunities in health education,” she said. “Even if someone has no experience, ESG gives them a chance to practice public speaking, promote public health and discover what they’re passionate about.”
Through ESG, Penagos has helped lead several initiatives, including a virtual lunch-and-learn on nutrition, tabling events focused on marijuana prevention and survivor support and participation in awareness walks.
In addition to the national recognition, the McGovern Scholarship includes a $750 award, which Penagos will apply to her tuition. That financial support, she says, allows her to continue focusing on her studies while preparing for the next stage of her public health journey.
Anamaria Penagos (far right) along with ESG members Naomy Itacy and Madisen Phonnathong supporting the dissemination of research at the 8th Interdisciplinary Symposium on Qualitative Methodologies organized and hosted by the Student Organization for Qualitative Methodologies. (Photo courtesy of Penagos)
Currently, she’s conducting research with the Center for Social Marketing for a project which examines attitudes around tobacco and nicotine use among college students.
“I’ve learned that tobacco control is such a multifaceted area of public health,” she said. “There’s so much misinformation out there—especially from the tobacco industry. But, we have the tools and passion to push back, and I’m committed to doing just that.”