SHEA is proud to offer several scholarships to support training and professional development in healthcare epidemiology, infection prevention, antibiotic stewardship, and public health. Applications open October 1, 2025, and the deadline to apply is December 12, 2025.
**All scholarship recipients will receive complimentary registration for the full conference and tracks at SHEA Spring 2026.
The Jonathan Freeman Scholarship was established to support the training of exceptional infectious disease fellows with a demonstrated interest in healthcare epidemiology. The scholarship honors Jonathan Freeman, MD, MPH, a dedicated teacher and researcher who advanced healthcare delivery through the prevention of hospital-acquired infections. Dr. Freeman was also a founding faculty member who taught the epidemiology and statistics track of the Training Course for more than a decade.
The Gina Pugliese Scholarship was created to support the training of non-physician infection preventionists (IPs) who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the field or work in resource-limited settings. The scholarship honors Gina Pugliese, RN, MS, a distinguished IP and leader in healthcare epidemiology. Ms. Pugliese was a founding faculty member and long-time co-chair of the SHEA/CDC Training Course. Thanks to generous contributions from her family and friends, multiple scholarships are awarded each year in her memory.
The William Rutala Scholarship was established to support the training of non-physicians engaged in research on healthcare-associated infections. The scholarship honors William (Bill) Rutala, MS, MPH, PhD, a prominent SHEA leader and 2012 SHEA Lectureship Award recipient. Dr. Rutala has devoted his career to research on disinfection, sterilization, cross-infection, healthcare-associated infections, outbreaks, and antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
The SHEA Foundation established the Public Health Scholarship in 2018 to advance the training of public health professionals working in infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship. These scholarships strengthen connections between SHEA members—who serve as leaders in infection prevention and stewardship—and professionals working in public health systems. The program reflects the Foundation’s commitment to improving awareness, expertise, and practice related to infection prevention, healthcare-associated infections, and antibiotic stewardship at the public health level.
Please note: Submission of an application does not constitute enrollment in the conference.