Introducing the 2026 Winokur Fellows
The Office of Field Education and Practice is delighted to introduce the 2026 awardees of the Winokur Fellowship in Public Health for the Mississippi Delta.
Moono Hansombo, DrPH ’28, will work with the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, alongside Sophie Hathaway (SM ’24), to advance healthy food systems and healthy communities in the Mississippi Delta. Moono will support evaluation and community engagement efforts with local food pantries, help design a policy and advocacy training for food system leaders, and contribute to a county needs assessment that will help identify local priorities and opportunities for action. Trained as a physician and public health practitioner, Moono brings more than 10 years of experience leading public health programs, with expertise in HIV testing and prevention, primary health care, and women’s and children’s health.
Twambo Nambao, DrPH ’28, will work with the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi on a community-engaged project examining the impact of social media on children and youth in Mississippi. Twambo will support policy review, community conversations, and evaluation efforts that will inform recommendations for families, communities, and leaders working to promote children’s health and well-being. Trained as a physician, Twambo brings more than 12 years of experience in health program management and health systems strengthening, with a strong commitment to improving maternal and child health.
Jake Wheeler, DrPH ’28, will partner with the DeSoto County Dream Center to support the organization’s approach to connecting children and families with community-based resources. Jake will help review and organize the resource guide, learn from staff and clients about the referral process, and develop a framework for thinking about resource navigation and community connections. With more than a decade of experience in global public health and humanitarian response, Jake brings deep expertise in health systems strengthening and community-centered implementation.
