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The inaugural Dean of George Mason University’s College of Public Health Melissa Perry has been named an honorary member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania for her contribution to increasing public and occupational health awareness in Albania and the Balkans. She is the first woman and the first public health professional to be awarded this recognition.
“It is a profound honor to be welcomed as an honorary member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania,” said Perry. “I am inspired by Albania’s commitment to advancing public health and deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this journey. Strengthening the ties between Albanian and U.S. public health communities is a privilege, and I remain dedicated to fostering collaboration that uplifts health and well-being across borders.”
Perry has presented at conferences in over 17 countries in her prolific career and her expertise in occupational and environmental epidemiology has garnered international recognition. As dean of the College of Public Health, Perry has advanced the college’s mission to educate future public health professionals by leading the college to Council on Education for Public Health accreditation, championing the Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation, spearheading global education programs, and forging long-lasting connections with fellow public health institutes and community partners.
This year, Perry led the third International Conference on Public Health and Environment at the Academy of Sciences, platforming international research on environmental and occupational health. She has guided study abroad trips to Albania, where undergraduate and graduate students immersed themselves in Albania’s public health sector and gained new insights about international public health infrastructure.
Established in 1972, the Academy of Sciences of Albania is the most prestigious scientific institution in Albania. Akin to the United States’ National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicines, the Academy of Sciences of Albania elevates outstanding scientific research and breakthroughs in the country.
This global recognition acknowledges Perry’s outstanding contributions as well as the College of Public Health’s position as an emerging voice in international collaboration between public health organizations to improve health and well-being globally.