Morgan Doctoral Student Selected as Pfizer Fellow Advancing Vaccine Innovation

Hailee Hutcherson Joins Pioneering Public Health Fellowship Shaping the Future of Immunization

Morgan State University’s longstanding commitment to developing public health leaders has gained new momentum with the selection of Hailee Hutcherson, a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) student in the School of Community Health and Policy, as the University’s newest Pfizer Fellow in Vaccines Medical Development. The competitive fellowship—born out of a landmark partnership between Morgan and Pfizer—offers an unprecedented pathway for emerging public health professionals seeking to make an impact at the intersection of science, policy, and population health.

Hutcherson, an experienced public health research specialist with a focus on epidemiological research, said she is eager to immerse herself in the multilayered process of translating science into meaningful, real-world interventions.

“Through my DrPH fellowship with Pfizer in U.S. Vaccine Medical Affairs, I expect to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of science, policy, and public health implementation,” Hutcherson said. “I look forward to deepening my understanding of how evidence-based strategies are translated into vaccine education, communication, and access initiatives that drive a global impact… and to contribute meaningfully to efforts that strengthen vaccine confidence and equity across diverse communities.”

Launched in 2022, the Pfizer–Morgan State Doctor of Public Health Fellowship in Vaccines Medical Development was the first program of its kind in partnership with an HBCU. The two-year immersive fellowship provides predoctoral public health professionals with specialized training designed to prepare them for leadership roles in the biopharmaceutical industry.

According to Ronika Alexander-Parrish, U.S. Medical Director of Population Health Equity and Innovation at Pfizer and founding director of the fellowship, Morgan’s program represents a transformative partnership.

“This landmark partnership with Maryland’s preeminent public urban research university is the seminal public health fellowship within the Pfizer organization,” Alexander-Parrish said. “DrPH training meets the moment as it prepares leader-practitioners to address complex public health problems… These are critical skills in an organization like Pfizer where patient-centricity is foundational.”

With only three HBCUs nationwide offering DrPH programs, the collaboration underscores both entities’ shared commitment to diversifying the pipeline of professionals shaping vaccine research, medical strategy, and global health initiatives.

As part of the fellowship, Hutcherson joins a cohort of fellows gaining high-impact experience in strategic, clinical, and scientific domains within Pfizer’s vaccine division. The fellowship’s leadership structure—including executive sponsors, program directors, and preceptors—ensures robust mentorship and expansive networking across the company.

Fellows strengthen competencies including:

• Strategy, Leadership, and Systems Thinking: Applying health systems and digital medicine knowledge to inform vaccine strategy and medical planning.
• Evidence Generation: Acquiring and interpreting clinical and scientific data to advance research objectives.
• Scientific Communications: Developing digital and scientific messaging to support accurate and equitable vaccine information dissemination.
• Interdisciplinary Integration: Bridging diverse professional disciplines to address complex, vaccine-related public health challenges.

Participants contribute directly to vaccine medical, clinical, and scientific affairs while engaging with thought leaders, professional societies, and advocacy groups to identify unmet medical needs and co-develop solutions. The experience positions fellows for impactful careers in medical affairs, evidence generation, public health innovation, and beyond.

As the world continues to navigate evolving infectious disease landscapes, Morgan State’s partnership with Pfizer stands as an example of how academic–industry collaboration can elevate public health expertise—while opening doors for more diverse leadership in the science of immunization.

Hutcherson’s selection reflects both her academic excellence and Morgan State University’s mission to prepare graduates who lead with purpose, innovation, and service.