Annenberg School doctoral candidate Kate Okker-Edging has been named the recipient of the 2025 James D. Woods Award.

Given in memory of Annenberg graduate student James D. Woods, the award is granted to outstanding graduate teaching assistants.

As a teaching fellow for COMM 3370: Public Health Communication in the Digital Age, Ms. Okker-Edging’s passion for teaching and dedication to student success led Annenberg professor Andy Tan to nominate her for the award.

Dr. Tan was impressed by Ms. Okker-Edging’s ability to weave real-world examples from her own research into her teaching, her exceptional attention to detail, and her willingness to go above and beyond to make sure students understood class materials and excelled in their own research projects.

“Kate was not just a teaching fellow, but a true educational catalyst who transformed the learning experience for our 27 students,” Dr. Tan said. 

In her own research, Ms. Okker-Edging focuses on improving mental health and well-being for youth and LGBTQ+ people through digital health interventions.