Reynolds School of Journalism Presents Abdulmalik Lawal with Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Abdulmalik Adetola Lawal has received the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno. The award highlights exceptional academic performance, leadership, and contributions to the school’s teaching and research mission. Lawal, who is completing his graduate degree in Journalism and Media Innovation, has distinguished himself as both a scholar and educator.

His academic work focuses on how health messages are crafted and received in low-resource communities, particularly in relation to mental health and antimicrobial resistance. He has also served as a teaching assistant for the Media Writing Lab, where he guided undergraduates in developing news stories rooted in ethical reporting and real-world impact.

“I have always believed that communication is not just about relaying information—it’s about saving lives, especially when public health is involved,” Lawal said. “Being recognized by a community that values research and storytelling means a lot to me.”

Beyond the classroom, Lawal serves as anAmbassador for the Public Health Communication Collaborative in the U.S., where he supports innovative public health storytelling. He has also collaborated with researchers at James Madison University on a healthcare stigma project that addresses communication barriers in marginalized communities.

Lawal’s work has not only earned academic recognition but has also created meaningful change. In Nigeria, he led a local advocacy initiative focused on ending open defecation, linking environmental issues with public health awareness and is also currently contributing to the research on the Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for sexual and Reproductive Health. His ability to translate communication theory into tangible social impact continues to define his scholarly approach.

As he moves forward in his career, Lawal says his goal is to deepen his research on behavioral health messaging and crisis communication. With a growing portfolio of publications and international collaborations, he is poised to become one of the next generation’s most influential voices in health and science communication.