Assistant Professor Cody L. McDonald, PhD, MPH, L/CPO, received this year’s Excellence in Departmental Impact Award – Early Career. The award recognizes early-career faculty at the instructor or assistant professor level who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the department’s mission and culture.
Dr. McDonald is recognized for outstanding contributions to mentoring, education, and committee service, with a particular emphasis on building meaningful, sustained professional relationships.
“I am very honored to receive this award. Our department is full of people doing amazing work to improve the lives of people with disabilities, and I just feel fortunate to be counted among them,” Dr. McDonald said.
Throughout her work, Dr. McDonald has fostered an inclusive environment at the University of Washington through cross-disciplinary research and service.
Beyond her work at the University, Dr. McDonald played a key role in the passage of Washington House Bill 1669, titled “So Every Body Can Move,” which expanded access to essential prosthetic and orthotic care for residents across Washington state. Her collaborative approach and support for colleagues have strengthened the community.
This marks the inaugural presentation of the Excellence in Departmental Impact Award – Early Career. Dr. McDonald received the award at the 2026 Justus F. Lehmann Symposium on May 7, 2026.