UC Davis Public Health Sciences Education Programs

Graduate Student Spotlight ✨🎓

Meet Bozhidar Chakalov, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate! A big congratulations for being awarded a scholarship to attend the AcademyHealth ARM 2026! 👏

We asked him a few question about his experience and advice for fellow students:

What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

Receiving this scholarship is incredibly meaningful—it’s both an honor and an affirmation of the importance of equity-focused research. It provides an opportunity to engage with a community of researchers who are committed to improving healthcare access and outcomes, and it supports my ability to share my work, receive feedback, and continue developing as a scholar. It also represents an investment in the kinds of questions I care deeply about addressing.

What are you most looking forward to at AcademyHealth ARM 2026?

I’m especially looking forward to connecting with researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of health policy, data, and equity. I’m excited to get feedback on my dissertation work, learn new methodological approaches—particularly in geospatial and causal inference—and explore opportunities for collaboration. Being in a space that emphasizes both rigorous research and real-world impact is something I really value.

Any advice for fellow students?

Follow questions that feel meaningful to you, even if they are complex or not easily captured by existing data. Seek mentorship and collaboration, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback early and often. At the same time, take care to stay grounded—this work can be challenging, but it’s also deeply rewarding when it contributes to something larger than yourself.