The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois International Programs are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023-2024 International Achievement Awards. The International Achievement Awards recognize outstanding alumni, faculty, and students whose exceptional work, service, and/or scholarship has made a significant, global impact.
The recipients will be honored at a private awards ceremony on April 18, 2024. Additionally, the recipient of the Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement, Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman will give a lecture titled "From The Margins to Mainstream: Lessons On Leadership From A Small State" on April 18 at noon in the Illini Union. Registration is requested.
The 2023-2024 International Achievement Award recipients are:
Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman
Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Dr. Tara Powell
Sheth Distinguished Faculty Award for International Achievement
Annie Jones
Charles C. Stewart International Young Humanitarian Award
Thong Minh Trinh
Illinois International Graduate Achievement Award
Aaryaman Patel
Illinois International Undergraduate Achievement Award
Recipient Biographies
Dr. Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman,
Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman was elected a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Sembawang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in 2001 and 2006. He was elected as one of the MPs for the East Coast GRC in May 2011, September 2015 and July 2020.
Dr. Maliki served as Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Community Development Youth and Sports (MCYS) from August 2004 to June 2006 and the Ministry of Health (MOH) from August 2004 to October 2005. He moved on to become the Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of National Development (MND), and was promoted to Senior Parliamentary Secretary on 1 November 2010.
Following the 2011 General Elections, Dr. Maliki was re-appointed as the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development and was concurrently appointed as the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence. He was also appointed Mayor for the South East District. He was promoted to Minister of State for Defence and National Development on 1 September 2013. In the Ministry of National Development then, Dr. Maliki served as the Chairman of the Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC) and the Private Estates Upgrading Programme (EUP) as well as oversaw Singapore’s food security, including food safety and the development of our agriculture sector.
After his re-election as MP for the East Coast GRC in September 2015, Dr. Maliki was promoted to Senior Minister of State for Defence on 1 October 2015, and was concurrently appointed as Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. He continues as Mayor for the South East District till July 2020. As Mayor of the South East District then, Dr. Maliki championed interfaith engagement and appreciation through innovative programmes like the Common Senses for Common Spaces Interfaith (CSCS) Forum Series as well as facilitated stronger relations between the people, public and private sectors in developing social programmes to meet varying needs in the community.
Dr. Maliki was re-elected in July 2020 as MP for the East Coast GRC and was promoted to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). At MOE, Dr. Maliki oversees ITE and Polytechnic Education as well as Chairs the Uplifting Pupils in Life and Inspiring Families Taskforce (UPLIFT) and the Malay Language Learning and Promotion Committee (MLLPC). At MFA, Dr. Maliki continues to advance Singapore’s interest overseas in various regions including ASEAN, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Dr. Maliki has previously held the position of President of the Singapore Armed Forces Reservist Association (SAFRA) and Co-Chairman of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence or ACCORD in MINDEF.
At the community level, Dr. Maliki is also Advisor to the Centre for Promoting Alternative to Violence (PAVe) and the East Coast GRCs’ Grassroots Organisations.
Dr. Maliki graduated with his Bachelor and Masters Degrees from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Majoring in Social Work. He obtained his doctorate in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1998 and became an Assistant Professor at the NUS Department of Social Work and Psychology that year.
Dr. Maliki was born in Singapore in 1965. He is married with two children, a girl and a boy. He spends most of his leisure time with his wife and children, going out to the movies. He enjoys watching Korean drama series, exercises in the gym and plays badminton regularly to keep fit and healthy, and performs on the Guzheng to raise funds for charity.
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Dr. Tara Powell,
Sheth Distinguished Faculty Award for International Achievement Recipient
Dr. Tara Powell, an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work, is a researcher and advocate for behavioral health interventions in disaster-affected communities across the globe. She holds a dual master’s in social work and international public health from Tulane University, and a PhD in Social Work from the University of Texas.
Her research explores how to effectively support the mental health needs of disaster affected individuals, families, and communities both domestically and internationally. Drawing from her experience living in and working with disaster-affected communities, Dr. Powell has actively collaborated with local communities and global humanitarian organizations to develop, research, and distribute behavioral health interventions for individuals, families, and communities affected by collective traumas.
Her work spans various global crises, including complex emergencies, pandemics, and climate-related disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Dr. Powell has significantly contributed to developing and researching contextually tailored mental health interventions for children, families, and communities in conflict-affected regions such as in Lebanon and Jordan, as well as those hit by climate disasters, such as the Nepal earthquake, typhoons in the Philippines, and Hurricanes Maria and Irma in Puerto Rico.
Her research has garnered support from institutions, such as United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.
Among her notable achievements, Dr. Powell played a pivotal role developing the “Journey of Hope” intervention in collaboration with the global humanitarian organization, Save the Children, following Hurricane Katrina. The Journey of Hope has since been adopted as one of the organization’s hallmark programs, reaching over 80,000 children worldwide. In Jordan, Dr. Powell collaborated with local partners to develop and research the impact of an integrated mental health awareness and non-communicable disease prevention program for Syrians and Jordanians. Her research in Jordan significantly influenced the country’s mental health policy, leading to the adoption of this program by the Ministry of Health. It is now being implemented in community-based health clinics throughout Jordan. She has also played a crucial role in the development of USAID's global mental health policy.
Currently, Dr. Powell is working with local agencies in Ukraine, studying the dissemination and implementation of an intervention designed to support the mental health of children and teachers amidst the ongoing conflict. She is also the principal investigator on a multi-site randomized control trial examining the impact and implementation of the Journey of Hope intervention. Additionally, Dr. Powell is a co-investigator on the “Reducing Disparities in Disaster-Related Mental Health Burden” study that uses a community-based participatory research approach to adapt and test the efficacy of a community-based mental health intervention in disaster affected communities in the Gulf Coast.
Dr. Tara Powell's commitment to advancing the field of disaster mental health is reflected in her extensive research and active involvement in global crisis response. Her work not only advances academic understanding but also translates into tangible, life-changing interventions for those most affected by disasters. Her leadership and expertise continue to shape the field of disaster mental health, embodying a blend of academic rigor and humanitarian service.
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Annie Jones,
Charles C. Stewart International Young Humanitarian Award Recipient
Annie is the Partnerships Specialist at No Means No Worldwide (NMNW), an international nonprofit that partners with over 80 community health organizations around the world to implement the evidence based “No Means No” sexual violence prevention program.
Annie leads the technical assistance activities that NMNW conducts with all global partner organizations. She also designs technical support tools and liaises with partners to ensure they have the support they need to implement the No Means No program with youth in their communities. During her 4.5 years with NMNW, Annie has played many pivotal roles, from curriculum design, to leading trainings for new No Means No Instructors in the field. Recently Annie led NMNW’s inaugural comprehensive program quality assessment and technical support initiative with various partner organizations across Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. This involved visits to schools and community centers where the No Means No program is implemented, engaging with youth beneficiaries, and facilitating workshops with partner personnel to enhance program quality. Subsequently, this methodology has been standardized and extended to No Means No partners in Mexico, Uganda, and South Africa.
Annie received bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Illinois in 2017. During her time at UIUC, she was a proud facilitator of the “First Year Campus Rape Education (FYCARE)” program, which educated incoming students about sexual assault prevention and resources available on campus. She also spent a transformative semester abroad in Tanzania where she completed a month of field research examining the impacts of climate change on indigenous pastoralists. Upon graduation from UIUC, she joined the Peace Corps as an education volunteer in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.
She is passionate and dedicated to fostering a world where everyone can live without the fear of violence or discrimination.
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Thong Minh Trinh,
Illinois International Graduate Achievement Award Recipient
Thong Trinh, a distinguished Edwin J. O'Leary Fellow at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has made remarkable contributions to international higher education policy research. Born and raised in Vietnam, Thong embarked on his academic journey at the Banking Academy of Vietnam, where he excelled and earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business with distinction in 2019. His academic prowess and leadership were recognized early on, as the Mayor of Hai Phong awarded him the Certificate for the graduate valedictorian.
Continuing his pursuit of excellence, Thong moved to the United Kingdom to further his education at the University of Strathclyde, where he received an MSc in Business Analysis and Consulting in 2022 under the auspices of the Strathclyde Business School Dean's Excellence Scholarship. His time in the UK was marked by deepening his understanding of business and policy analysis, setting the stage for future research endeavors.
Thong's academic journey led him to the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education, focusing on Higher Education Policy with an emphasis on finance. As an Edwin J. O'Leary Fellow and an active participant in the Forum on the Future of Public Education, he engages deeply in his research under the guidance of his advisors, leading scholars Dr. Paul Bruno and Dr. Jennifer Delaney, exploring significant issues in higher education financing and policy.
Thong's research is characterized by its innovative approach to addressing contemporary challenges in higher education, particularly in finance, student loans, and university budgeting. His work includes pivotal studies on student willingness to pay for higher education, direct admissions policies' impact, and Vietnamese public universities' financial sustainability. His publications span peer-reviewed journals, op-ed articles, and conference presentations, reflecting a commitment to improving higher education policy and practice. His research on the financial health of higher education institutions and student loan debt crisis showcases his ability to blend rigorous academic inquiry with policy relevance, contributing to debates on sustainable student finance models and equitable access to higher education. Thong continues to expand the scope of his research through active collaborations with scholars from diverse institutions and countries, including the University of California Berkeley, University of Arizona, Pennsylvania State University, Western Sydney University, South Korea, China, and Vietnam. These partnerships reflect his commitment to conducting research that advances academic discourse and contributes to building a better society.
Moreover, Thong's dedication to his field and outstanding academic contributions have been recognized through his certification as a STAR Scholar. This prestigious designation underscores his commitment to excellence in research and scholarship, further highlighting his leadership role in the international educational policy research community.
Beyond his research, Thong has demonstrated leadership in academic service and outreach activities. He serves on the editorial boards of several journals in education field. In addition to these roles, he is an active peer reviewer, offering his insights and evaluations for various academic journals and conferences. His involvement covers prestigious journals and organizations such as the Journal of Student Financial Aid, Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education, American Educational Research Association, and Association for the Study of Higher Education. His involvement in the Graduate Student Advisory Committee at the EPOL Department, College of Education, highlights his dedication to enhancing graduate student experiences and shaping departmental policies. Thong's participation as a delegate at the WFUNA International Model United Nations Conference and his presidency of the International Business Club at the Banking Academy of Vietnam exemplify his leadership skills and commitment to fostering educational and professional student opportunities.
His work, rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in financing higher education, is a testament to his innovative research and its potential to impact societal change. As he continues his academic and professional journey, Thong Trinh remains dedicated to advancing the discourse on higher education policy and finance, striving towards a future where quality education is accessible and sustainable for all.
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Aaryaman Patel,
Illinois International Undergraduate Achievement Award Recipient
Aaryaman Patel is a curious and driven individual who has woven together diverse passions in arts and sciences to positively impact his community and beyond. At the heart of his journey lies an unwavering commitment to leveraging his multifaceted talents in service of the greater good.
As an undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering, Aaryaman approaches problem-solving with a unique blend of technical expertise and creative expression. His work on the Solar Desalination project exemplifies this harmonious fusion, where he applies engineering ingenuity to address global water scarcity, while also harnessing the power of filmmaking to raise awareness and inspire action for the problem.
Beyond the confines of the classroom, Aaryaman has fostered crucial dialogues on campus through his role as the co-founder and host of 'The UIUC Talkshow.' This platform has become a beacon of inclusivity, amplifying diverse voices and perspectives and cultivating a greater sense of cultural understanding within the university community.
Aaryaman's thirst for knowledge extends to a variety of artistic pursuits. From composing and playing the piano to capturing the world through photography and weaving compelling narratives on film, these creative outlets serve as a wellspring of inspiration, infusing his problem-solving approach with a distinct artistic flair. Additionally, he also writes and shares his thoughts online through his Substack
Aaryaman's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is further exemplified by his work for the Illini Solar Car team and collaboration with the Contextual Engineering Research Group for a project in Guatemala, where he seamlessly integrates technical skills with a deep understanding of cultural contexts.
As Aaryaman looks to the future, his aspirations are not defined by personal accolades, but rather by a steadfast desire to leverage his diverse talents in service of the greater good. Whether through pioneering technological innovations, captivating storytelling, or fostering cross-cultural understanding, he remains driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a conviction that the most meaningful impact often arises from a harmonious fusion of disciplines and perspectives.
Aaryaman's journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to transcend boundaries. By embracing his multifaceted passions and channeling them towards positive change, he has become a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all that true greatness lies not in the pursuit of acclaim, but in the humble and tireless pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of society.
