INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health, in partnership with Eli Lilly and Company, has awarded the prestigious Eli Lilly Enhanced Epidemiological Fellowship to two outstanding Master of Public Health students. This highly competitive fellowship, designed to cultivate future leaders in pharmaceutical research and health outcomes, has been awarded to Krystapher Belton and Amos Adapalala Bugri.
The Eli Lilly Enhanced Epidemiological Fellowship provides recipients with full tuition and fee reimbursement, a $25,000 stipend, career coaching, business guidance in the pharmaceutical industry, and scientific mentorship from Lilly professionals. The fellowship equips students with the skills and experience necessary to examine population health in pharmaceutical drug development and commercialization while developing applied analytical skills.
A Passion for Public Health and Pharmaceutical Access
Krystapher Belton developed a keen interest in improving patient access to quality care while working in pharmacy settings and consulting on pharmaceutical market access strategies. His experience navigating insurance coverage restrictions and medication affordability challenges drove his decision to pursue an MPH degree with a focus on health outcomes research.
“My passion for resolving patient access issues led me to pursue my MPH to strengthen my foundation in data, value and patient access,” Belton said. “The Lilly Fellowship will assist me in learning how to align pharmaceutical industry initiatives with public health concerns, particularly in addressing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. By having a more well-rounded understanding of the inner workings of a pharmaceutical manufacturer, I can better leverage my skills and experience to ensure the public has the therapies they need.”
Belton’s background in pharmacies, market access and inpatient and ambulatory care settings positions him to make meaningful contributions to pharmaceutical research and health policy.
Amos Adapalala Bugri brings a wealth of clinical and regulatory experience to the fellowship. His work as a clinical pharmacist and his role in public health initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic ignited his passion for pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety.
“Growing up and working in a developing country such as Ghana has made me acutely aware of the difficulties posed by restricted access to healthcare, especially quality pharmaceuticals,” Bugri said. “I am eager to gain comprehensive insights into the research and manufacturing processes that enable medications to be available to patients. This fellowship offers an incredible opportunity to enhance my leadership and communication skills while contributing to the future of global pharmaceutical care.”
Bugri's background in drug safety assessment and regulatory affairs with the Food and Drugs Authority in Ghana laid a strong foundation in assessing drug reactions and analyzing data on drug safety. Through this fellowship, he aims to deepen his experience in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on regulatory aspects of drug development in the US as well as drug registration, while contributing to enhancing drug safety profiles, optimizing therapeutic interventions and improving patient outcomes.
Bridging Public Health and Pharmaceutical Innovation
The fellowship recipients will receive hands-on experience at Lilly through internship and capstone experiences, working alongside industry professionals to apply epidemiological research in pharmaceutical settings. Each student will be paired with a mentor from Lilly, gaining exposure to drug development, regulatory frameworks and data-driven decision-making in the industry.
“We are thrilled to support these talented students as they embark on careers that bridge public health and pharmaceutical innovation,” said Tom Duszynski, assistant professor of epidemiology and Master of Public Health program director at the Fairbanks School. “This fellowship strengthens the connection between academia and industry, allowing students to develop essential skills in research, leadership and policy while contributing to the future of healthcare.”
The Eli Lilly Enhanced Epidemiological Fellowship is awarded annually to two epidemiology students at the Fairbanks School. Eligible students must be enrolled in the epidemiology concentration of the MPH program and be physically located in Indianapolis to complete their internship and capstone experience at Lilly’s headquarters.