Master's Programs
Date May 19, 2025
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Master of public health student, Mikaela Byers honored with professional excellence award

From organizing Brown's first Recovery and Substance-Free Film Festival to developing innovative ally training programs and building vibrant substance-free communities, Mikaela Byers embodies professional excellence with compassion and purpose.

PROVIDENCE, RI [Brown University] — Behind every successful collegiate recovery program stands dedicated individuals who understand that building community without substances requires creativity, empathy and unwavering commitment.

Mikaela Byers ’25 MPH (they/she), a master of public health student, has demonstrated all these qualities and more in their transformative work with the Donovan Program for Recovery and Substance-Free Initiatives, earning the 2025 Master’s Award for Professional Excellence.

As the oldest collegiate recovery program in the nation, the Donovan Program provides social and emotional support, community meetings, educational events and advocacy for students, faculty, staff, alumni and families who identify as being in recovery, practicing harm reduction strategies or embracing substance-free living for any reason. Since joining as Program Assistant in August 2024, Byers has amplified their mission with remarkable dedication.

"Mikaela has brought her MPH lens into many areas of her position, including engaging 1:1, in small groups and in large public events," notes Lindsay Garcia, associate dean of the college for junior/senior studies and recovery & substance-free student initiatives. “They have gone above and beyond at their job responsibilities and brought ample additional skills, interests and networks to our program.”

One of Byers' primary responsibilities involves overseeing social and event support for the Substance-Free Thematic House at 219 Bowen Street, a historic home housing 17 substance-free students. Through innovative programming — including goat hiking expeditions, interactive gaming experiences at Level 99, pottery workshops and community dinners — Byers has cultivated a vibrant community that challenges stereotypes about collegiate social life.

Perhaps Byers' most significant achievement was spearheading the Donovan Program's first Recovery and Substance-Free Film Festival, which became the most successful event in the program's history. Drawing over 100 attendees, the festival connected local, national and international films with advocates and experts from the School of Public Health and local recovery organizations.

Taking initiative on multiple fronts, Byers also organized a campus talk titled "Bridging Lived Experience and Professional Response: Rethinking Overdose and Recovery," featuring Stephen Murray, director of SafeSpot Overdose Hotline at Brown Medical Center. Additionally, Byers developed a comprehensive Recovery Ally Training program by connecting with peer institutions and identifying best practices.

“ At a time when health justice is increasingly attacked on a national scale, receiving the Master's Award for Professional Excellence is an affirmation of the value and necessity of efforts to affirm the dignity and autonomy of every person. ”

Mikaela Byers '25 MPH

"At a time when health justice is increasingly attacked on a national scale, receiving the Master's Award for Professional Excellence is an affirmation of the value and necessity of efforts to affirm the dignity and autonomy of every person," Byers’ reflected. “This award is a testament to the power of the social movements, advocates and organizers who have defined my devotion to public health. My work and values are the result of generations of radical frontline organizers who have given their lives to fight for the survival of their communities in the face of marginalization.”

Byers also expressed gratitude for mentorship that has shaped their approach, “I'm so grateful to Dean Lindsay Garcia for her incredible mentorship and support. She has shown me how to lead in this work with authenticity and heart.”

Garcia predicts a bright future for Byers in public health leadership: “Mikaela continues to teach me areas of public health and harm reduction awareness that makes the Donovan Program into a better place. I foresee Mikaela being a strong leader in the recovery and harm reduction area of public health for many years to come.”

 

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Byers and the other master's award winners will be honored at the Master’s Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025 during Brown University’s 257th Commencement and Reunion Weekend.

Master's Award for Professional Excellence

This award recognizes outstanding contributions by a Brown University master's student that influence or contribute to the field or profession.

View Past Recipients

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