Two UW–Madison doctoral students in the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (ELPA) — Will French and Mark Moralez — have been selected to participate in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Health Policy Research Scholars (HPRS) program.
They will be members of the program’s eighth cohort, which also includes Taylan Stulting, a UW–Madison doctoral student in the School of Social Work.

With support from the HPRS program, French seeks to advance health and equity in PK-12 schools, specifically examining how deeply entrenched racism, cisgenderism, and heterosexism impact student health and well-being. His work explores how schools can serve both as safe havens for students of color and gender-expansive students, while at other times causing trauma or alienation.
“It’s a real honor to be selected for the HPRS program. While I know the value and urgency of my work, it’s meaningful to have that affirmed and supported by an organization like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,” French says.

Moralez’s research focuses on underrepresented graduate students’ experiences, including their development of community, belonging, and well-being while in graduate school. “I am particularly interested in the policies, practices, and norms within graduate education that impact graduate student experiences in these areas,” he explains.
“Receiving this award has been an incredible honor, and I’m thankful for the support from ELPA Professor Dr. Brian A. Burt and HPRS scholar Brittney Pemberton,” Moralez adds. “Not only am I gaining valuable insights into leadership, policy work, and advancing health equity, but I’m doing so alongside an incredible group of students in my cohort. With this opportunity, I plan to foster a culture of health within graduate education through scholarship and policy.”
Designed for doctoral students from historically marginalized backgrounds and populations underrepresented in certain disciplines, the Health Policy Research Scholars program helps participants apply their research to policies that advance equity and health. Fellows receive professional development, leadership training, and mentoring to support their academic and career goals.
“Mark and I are grateful to join this network of equity-driven scholars,” adds French. “We look forward to collaborating with others who share our commitment to justice and well-being for all.”
Learn more about the 2024 Health Policy Research Scholars program cohort.