Two DLSPH doctoral students recognized as 2025 UTAA Graduate Scholars
April 10/2025
Otuto Amarauche Chukwu and Nicholas Grubic are recognized as 2025 UTAA Graduate Scholars by the University of Toronto for their academic and leadership achievements.
By Bonnie O’Sullivan and Sadia Akbar
Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME) student Otuto Amarauche Chukwu and Public Health Sciences (PHS) student Nicholas Grubic have earned the title of 2025 UTAA Graduate Scholars, as part of the University of Toronto’s Awards of Excellence program. This honour recognizes doctoral students who have shown outstanding academic and extracurricular leadership.
IHPME UTAA Graduate Scholar pairs academics with community action
Otuto Amarauche Chukwu is a licensed pharmacist with more than 10 years of experience in health systems and policy research. Having published several research papers in reputable academic journals, Chukwu’s efforts have the potential for making community-based impacts on health system challenges including cancer control, health workforce shortages, and access to care.
In addition to being named a Vanier Scholar, Chukwu attained candidacy status less than two years after starting his IHPME doctoral program, maintaining a cumulative GPA equivalent to an A grade. He was named one of the top 40 under 40 Public Health Catalyst Awardees by Boston Congress of Public Health USA, among many other notable accomplishments.
Apart from his lengthy list of academic achievements, Chukwu co-founded El Echad Foundation, a non-governmental organization that focuses on improving marginalized communities in Nigeria. “I support causes that aim at improving education, economic opportunities, and social inclusion for marginalized groups such as people living with disabilities, and young women and girls in marginalized communities in Nigeria,” explains Chukwu.
The doctoral student says that his charitable work provides opportunities where he can mix the theoretical with the practical. “I have always envisaged supporting the communities I work with instead of just getting data from them to support my work.” Adding, “I see it as an avenue to help me translate evidence into on-the-ground action.”
While being named a 2025 UTAA Graduate Scholar has encouraged Chukwu’s path forward, he is grateful for those who have supported him thus far, including those from DLSPH, Massey College, and CIHR’s Institute of Health Services and Policy Research. “My supervisor, Prof. Beverley Essue, has been the most supportive supervisor I could ever ask for and I cannot thank her enough.”
PHS 2025 UTAA Graduate Scholar’s drive to improve cardiovascular outcomes
Nicholas Grubic, who was named a Vanier Scholar in the first year of his PhD, has focused his academic studies on cardiovascular epidemiology, social determinants of health, sports medicine, mental health, and sudden cardiac arrest. His doctoral research aims to evaluate the patterns, dynamics, and mechanisms underlying socioeconomic inequalities in cardiovascular health among children and adolescents, under the supervision of Prof. Katerina Maximova.
“This award is not just about recognition – it serves as a reminder of the responsibility I have to use my research to drive meaningful change,” explains Grubic.
Having been a varsity rower and triathlete in his undergraduate and graduate education, Grubic has combined his interests by studying cardiovascular health in young and athletic populations, while addressing health inequalities.
“…I loved the competitive edge of sport. I never imagined being able to blend that passion with my research, but I found a way by staying open to opportunities,” says Grubic. “Things always have a way of working out when you focus on what truly excites you!”
Grubic’s research focuses were ignited years ago when he met a family mourning the loss of their son. “My drive to make a difference comes from a deeply personal place. Several years ago, I got to know a family who lost their 16-year-old son to sudden cardiac arrest during hockey practice. Seeing the ripple effect of that tragedy on their lives and their community shaped my commitment to this field.”
His experience with the family inspired his work with national societies such as the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Canadian Cardiovascular Research Collaboratory and he is a volunteer with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. This past year, Grubic participated as a member of the Heart and Stroke Young Leaders Committee to raise more than $40,000 with his team toward life-saving research.