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Dr. Melissa Watt has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 John G. Francis Prize for Undergraduate Student Mentoring


Melissa Watt Headshot

The University of Utah Honors College is thrilled to announce that Dr. Melissa Watt has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 John G. Francis Prize for Undergraduate Student Mentoring! This award is presented to a University of Utah faculty member who has shown exemplary work in mentoring students outside the classroom, and Dr. Watt is being honored for her exceptional mentorship within the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “Mentoring has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, and to be recognized in this way is both gratifying and inspiring.”

Dr. Watt is an expert in behavioral interventions and qualitative research focused on global health outcomes. She leads the MAMA Study in Moshi, Tanzania, working to reduce HIV stigma during childbirth, and collaborates with the School of Medicine on global health projects. She also teaches undergraduate courses, directs the Honors Integrated Minor in Health, co-leads the Health Equity Research Core at the Woman and Child Institute, and serves as the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Department of Population Health Sciences.

The Honors College is incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Watt as part of its faculty. Associate Dean Rachel Hayes-Harb praised her outstanding impact, stating, “Professor Melissa Watt’s teaching and mentorship exemplifies the Honors College’s commitment to providing students with hands-on, community-engaged, and deeply meaningful opportunities for learning and service. Her courses allow students to explore the health sciences in local and global contexts, providing transformational experiences that prepare them to lead their most meaningful and impactful lives.”

We look forward to celebrating Dr. Watt’s remarkable contributions at the OUR Awards ceremony on April 9th, 2025. Congratulations, Dr. Watt, on this well-deserved recognition!

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