Nequiel “Nikki” Reyes, a fourth‑year doctoral candidate in the Division of Prevention Science and Community Health, has been named the University of Miami Toppel Student of the Year, an honor recognizing exceptional leadership, service, academic excellence, and engagement across the university community.
“I’m so honored to win this award and represent our Department and Division,” Reyes said.
Reyes received the distinction for her outstanding contributions to research, mentorship, and public health engagement, as well as her commitment to advancing health equity through community‑focused scholarship.
About the Award
Each year, the University of Miami Toppel Career Center honors students who demonstrate excellence in:
- Leadership within student or departmental initiatives
- Service to the university or broader community
- Strong academic performance
- Engagement in career and professional development
- Contributions that reflect the university’s mission of transforming lives
Reyes’ record of achievement in research, service, and mentorship made her a standout nominee for the 2026 recognition.
Advancing HIV Prevention Research Through Scholarship and Mentorship
Reyes’ research centers on improving HIV service engagement among Latino sexual minority men in South Florida. She is mentored by Audrey Harkness, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Nursing and Health Studies, and is a pre‑doctoral trainee in the CHANGE (Culturally‑focused HIV Advancements through the Next Generation for Equity) T32 program.
As a graduate research assistant on Dr. Harkness’s REACH (Research Engagement and Community Health) Equity team, Reyes has built a reputation for exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and mentorship. She oversees data systems, supports the development of digital health tools, and provides individualized support to trainees, helping them identify opportunities aligned with their long‑term goals.
Her contributions extend to scholarship and scientific communication. In 2025, Reyes published her first first‑author article, co‑authored five additional publications, and presented at multiple national conferences, including her first oral presentation. She also supported research efforts that contributed to a $3.8 million NIH R01 award for the REACH Equity team.
Leadership and Professional Impact
At the National Hispanic Science Network Conference, Reyes was the only student among senior investigators selected to present, sharing insights on collaboration with Institutional Review Boards when conducting Latino health research. She also presented at CHARM’s executive advisory board meeting, discussing how federal research priorities influence training pathways and career development for graduate students.
Her leadership, paired with her ability to translate research into practice, has made a meaningful impact across the REACH Equity team and the broader research community.
Faculty and Leadership Celebrate the Achievement
Faculty across the department praised Reyes’ dedication.
“Thanks for representing us so well, Nikki,” said Eric C. Brown, Ph.D., professor of professional practice and director of the Ph.D. Program in Prevention Science and Community Health.
Viviana E. Horigian, M.D., M.H.A., vice chair for education, shared the announcement with departmental leadership. “I am thrilled to share that Nikki Reyes is the Toppel Student of the Year Awardee. We are celebrating with her,” she wrote, noting that Reyes’ accomplishments reflect the strength of the division’s training environment.
Additional faculty, including Dr. Harkness, expressed pride in her recognition and its significance for both Reyes and the department.
A Model of Leadership in Public Health Research
Reyes’ selection as Toppel Student of the Year reflects the depth of her scholarship, her leadership within the REACH Equity team, and her commitment to advancing HIV prevention through community‑engaged research. Her achievements highlight the impact of rigorous training, meaningful mentorship, and dedication to public health.
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on February 25, 2026.
