Four Institute for Health Members Receive Rutgers Health Chancellor Awards

The Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research celebrates four members of its community who have been selected to receive 2026 Rutgers Health Chancellor Awards, one of the institution’s highest recognitions for faculty and staff achievement and service.

The annual awards, established in 2020, recognize the extraordinary contributions of Rutgers Health faculty and staff. Nominated by their peers, recipients are selected by the Chancellor Awards Committee following a comprehensive review process.

This year, IFH award recipients are:

• Elizabeth Suarez, recipient of the Excellence in Clinical or Health Sciences Research Award (Early Career)
• Natalia Herman, recipient of the Emerging Leader Award
• Jennifer Farnham, recipient of the Sustained Service Award
• Jonathan Thompson, recipient of the Sustained Service Award

“Having four members of our Institute recognized among the 2026 award recipients reflects the depth of talent, dedication and impact across our research and administrative teams,” said Tobias Gerhard, Institute Director. “Their contributions advance our mission every day and strengthen Rutgers Health through innovative research and exceptional service.”

Elizabeth Suarez, a core member of the Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science at IFH and an assistant professor in the Rutgers School of Public Health, was recognized with the Excellence in Clinical or Health Sciences Research Award for early career investigators. Her research focuses on the use and safety of medications during pregnancy, with expertise in pharmacoepidemiology, perinatal epidemiology and maternal mental health. Elizabeth’s work helps inform clinical decision-making and improve health outcomes for pregnant individuals and their children.

Natalia Herman, the associate director of organizational management and strategy for the Center for Health Services Research at IFH, received the Emerging Leader Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential through significant contributions to Rutgers Health. Natalia provides leadership and oversight of the center’s operational, administrative and financial functions while helping guide strategic planning initiatives for the Institute. Her work supports the infrastructure needed for impactful health services research and fosters organizational effectiveness across the center.

Jennifer Farnham, a research manager for the Center for State Health Policy at IFH, was recognized with a Sustained Service Award. Jennifer’s work applies both qualitative and quantitative research methods to address complex health policy issues affecting New Jersey residents. Her work has included studies examining the experiences of New Jersey families following the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid beneficiary outcomes, healthcare workforce policies, care for people with chronic conditions and community-based services that support older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Jonathan Thompson, associate director of information technology at IFH, also received a Sustained Service Award in recognition of more than two decades of dedicated service to the Institute and Rutgers Health. Throughout his career, Jonathan has provided technology support to faculty, staff, researchers and students, helping ensure the secure and reliable systems that underpin the Institute’s research, policy and educational activities. Known for his collaborative approach and commitment to solving complex challenges, Jonathan’s contributions have been integral to the Institute’s success.

These awards underscore the breadth of expertise and commitment that drives the Institute’s mission to improve health and health care through research, policy, education and collaboration. The Institute congratulates Elizabeth, Natalia, Jennifer and Jonathan on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their continued contributions to Rutgers.