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Meet the Fellows
Meet this year's class of John D. Solomon Fellows:
Elizabeth (Liz) Bekerman is pursuing a Master of Public Health at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health studying Health Policy & Management and Biostatistics. Liz received her undergraduate degree from Binghamton University in 2022, where she was involved with the volunteer ambulance service, Harpur’s Ferry. Liz became interested in emergency management while serving in several leadership roles for Harpur’s Ferry including Executive Director, Operations Director, and Field Training Officer. Liz also works as a per-diem EMT for Northwell Health. Liz is excited to start her fellowship with the NYC Fire Department where she will work in the departments of Intergovernmental Affairs and Community Affairs. She is eager to put her experience to practice and improve the health and safety of all New Yorkers.
Dylan Campana is a native New Yorker from Brooklyn. Dylan graduated from NYU with a degree in Public Policy and Sociology. He is a Bloomberg Public Service Fellow pursuing a Master in Public Administration at NYU Wagner. Dylan intends to focus on urban policy and advocacy at Wagner, aligning with his career aspirations to forge climate-resilient infrastructure and housing in NYC. He is drawn to John D. Solomon Fellowship for the opportunity to work with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Dylan is eager to learn how the NYC government will engage communities in addressing inequality in access to healthcare. In particular, he is excited to develop strategies with community groups to deepen resiliency against public health issues.
Catherine Davis is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College, with a concentration in urban development and sustainability. Catherine worked in media in New York City for over 20 years, mostly as a managing editor for print and online magazines. During the 2022–23 academic year, she was a community planning fellow with the Fund for the City of New York, and this past summer, she was communications fellow at the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. She is interested in the development and implementation of policies that focus on growth, sustainability, resilience, and equity in New York City. Catherine is looking forward to serving as the fellow for NYC Emergency Management’s Government Relations Unit.
Mary Ford is a candidate to receive her Master of Public Health at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in May 2024. Prior to pursing her Child, Youth and Family health certificate at Columbia, Mary was a fifth-grade English teacher in Teach For America’s 2019 New Jersey Corps. She also worked in the Hudson County child welfare system as a case supervisor and volunteer for Court Appointed Special Advocates. Mary’s interest in emergency interventions and upstream preparations for disasters led her to John Solomon’s blog, and then to the fellowship in his name. She is thrilled to join the NYC Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center Unit and is looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in assistance with crises, especially the ongoing migrant crisis.
Emily Heard is a graduate student at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, where she is pursuing a Master of Public Health in Population & Family Health, with a certificate in humanitarian action. Emily has worked in a variety of early childhood development settings, local government emergency management, and in psychosocial disaster research. While supporting in these roles, she has had a personal focus on childhood trauma interventions, cycles of violence, and disaster behavioral health. She is particularly interested in the role of children in disasters and how their unique vulnerabilities and capacities can promote more equitable emergency preparedness and response. As a fellow with American Red Cross of Greater New York, she hopes to continue her commitment to public service and further integrate the fields of public health, child psychology, and emergency management.
Judy Huynh is a Master of Urban Planning student at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. She worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the Planning and Regional Development department, exploring technologies for enhancing residents' quality of life, including autonomous vehicles and clean fleet solutions. As a Research and Design Assistant for Rebuild By Design, Judy contributed to disaster risk reduction efforts, working on the Atlas of Disaster report and advocating for vulnerable communities. Judy is thrilled to be part of the NYC Emergency Management’s Risk Reduction and Recovery Unit as the John D. Solomon Fellowship Program. She looks forward to learning from experienced professionals and making a positive impact on New York City's emergency preparedness and response strategies.
Connor McCann is pursuing a Master of Science in Emergency Management at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Montclair State University in 2019 and currently works as a Career Firefighter and Fire Investigator in New Jersey. Additionally, Connor serves as a Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for a township in New Jersey. Throughout Connor’s career, he has pursued his passion for fire suppression, fire safety, and emergency management partnerships through inter-agency coordination. He is excited to begin his fellowship at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and learn more about the agency’s role in NYC’s emergency response and infrastructure management.
Avni Patel is a dedicated student pursuing her passion for Emergency and Disaster Management at Metropolitan College of New York. With a keen interest in public safety and disaster response, Avni aims to make a meaningful impact in the field of emergency management. In the pursuit of practical experience, Avni is eager to start her fellowship opportunity at the New York City Police Department. This prestigious fellowship presents an invaluable opportunity for Avni to collaborate with seasoned professionals and gain firsthand exposure to real-life emergency situations. Avni aspires to enhance her skills in coordinating emergency response efforts, crisis communication, and resource allocation through the fellowship. She hopes to learn from the diverse experiences of the department’s experts and contribute her knowledge and dedication to bolster the city’s resilience against various disasters.
Alisha Sukhram is a graduate student at the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at CUNY Baruch College. She is pursuing a Master of Public Administration with anticipated graduation in the Spring of 2024. Prior to attending Baruch College, Alisha received her bachelor’s at St. John’s University in Queens. She is looking forward to her time as a Fellow with the New York City Housing Authority. As a lifelong New Yorker, she loves contributing to her city and taking part in its betterment in ways that incorporate her fascination with public policy.
John D. Solomon Fellows: Where Are They Now?
Find out what endeavors program alumni pursued after their fellowship