The 2025 Distinguished Service Award, given to those who have provided outstanding service to the school in the advancement of health professions education or practice, was awarded to May Chan-Liston.

May Chan Liston, 2025 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Chan-Liston serves as an adjunct professor in the Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety track of the Department of Health Informatics while working full time in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In both roles, Chan-Liston exceeds the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, with a commitment to advancing both Rutgers SHP and the broader field of clinical research and drug safety. She uses her real-world experience to bridge the gap between education and application in the field.

“Throughout her tenure at Rutgers, May Chan-Liston has been an outstanding educator and mentor, bringing her extensive industry and government experience into the classroom,” said Barbara Tafuto, assistant professor in clinical research management in her nomination letter.

“She has played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of professionals, ensuring that they not only understand pharmacovigilance but are also instilled with the values of public service and patient advocacy.’’

Outside of her professional endeavors, Chan-Liston, a Rutgers alumna, directed her passion for public health into action by establishing the Chan and Liston Families Student Emergency Fund at Rutgers. The fund provides emergency aid and support for students experiencing unexpected hardships, such as medical emergencies, housing loss, bereavement or other events that may disrupt their education.

Her leadership and dedication to access and equity in education inspires contributions and furthers the goal of uplifting future public health leaders. Combined with her role in shaping the next generation of health professionals with the values of public service, patient advocacy and ethical responsibility, Chan-Liston represents the highest ideals of service.