Hofstra School of Health Sciences’ Professor Honored at Harmony Healthcare’s 15th Anniversary Celebration

Sep 26, 2024

2 min

At a gala event for Harmony Healthcare Long Island (HHLI), Martine Hackett, chair and associate professor of the Department of Population Health, School of Health Sciences (SHS), received the Mission Driven Award for her long-standing dedication to improving public health and advocating for underserved communities. The event honored community leaders who have made significant contributions to advancing healthcare access and equity.

Hackett has been a tireless advocate for maternal and child health and health equity. Over the years, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at addressing racial disparities in healthcare, particularly in minority and low-income communities. Hackett’s leadership and passion for public health have left a lasting impact on the communities she serves.

Corinne Kyriacou, vice dean for administration, SHS, associate professor of population health, a longtime colleague and member of the HHLI Gala Planning Committee, praised Hackett’s contributions. “Martine has always been driven by a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others. Her work goes beyond the classroom and touches the hearts of the communities she works with. She truly embodies the spirit of service and dedication,” Kyriacou said.

Reginald Alston, dean of SHS, echoed these sentiments. “Martine’s impact on the field of public health and the students she mentors is immeasurable. She is a model of what it means to use education and research for the betterment of society. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of our Hofstra family,” Alston said.

The gala, which celebrated HHLI’s growth and accomplishments over the past 15 years, highlighted Hackett’s numerous community partnerships and her ongoing work to promote health equity.

Connect with:

Martine Hackett

Associate Professor of Population Health

Dr. Hackett's research focuses on public health and health inequities, particularly in the American suburbs and minority communities.

Public HealthHealth CommunicationResearch MethodsMaternal-Child HealthInfant Injury

Find Experts

Aug 17, 2026

1 min

Can President’s Visit Sway LI Voters in Governor’s Race?

Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of Hofstra University’s National Center for Suburban Studies, was interviewed by Newsday about President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Long Island on August 14 to show support for local law enforcement and boost Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s gubernatorial campaign. “Nothing has been more damaging to Blakeman’s campaign, especially to his ability to attract moderate suburbanites, ubiquitous on Long Island, than President Trump’s plunging approval ratings,” Levy said. “So unless the president comes with bags of money for Blakeman’s underfunded campaign, it’s hard to imagine how the visit will be a net positive. If Blakeman doesn’t have his MAGA base already secure, he’s in more trouble than even the polls suggest.”

Aug 13, 2026

1 min

Why Flash Flooding Is of Increased Local Concern

Jase Bernhardt, associate professor of geology, environment, and sustainability, was interviewed by Newsday about the increased risk of flash flooding on Long Island. The article explains that flash flooding is caused by heavy rainfall in a short period. It’s often caused by thunderstorms in the summer, when there’s more moisture in the air than in cooler months. It can happen anywhere across the region, as opposed to storm surge flooding, which mostly impacts low-lying coastal areas. Any change in the frequency of flash flooding on Long Island is also a function of the way water moves on the ground and ultimately of urbanization, Dr. Bernhardt said. “Poor drainage, sewer systems” and impervious surfaces like “parkways, parking lots” and other types of development all play a role.

Aug 11, 2026

1 min

Could President Trump’s Approval Ratings Rebound?

Newsweek interviewed Meena Bose, professor of political science, executive dean of the Public Policy and Public Service program, the Kalikow Chair in Presidential Studies and director of the Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency, about President Donald Trump’s falling approval ratings due to voter frustration over the economy and inflation. Dr. Bose told Newsweek that the long-term consequences of a president’s leadership and policies are “most significant” in determining their legacy. “A president’s long-term legacy for leadership and policy making is most important for determining historic favorability. The passage of time and the assessment of the totality of a presidency also can lead to more favorable ratings, or at least split ones in different policy or political areas, but this is no guarantee,” she said.