New PHHP scholarship supports students who have overcome significant challenges

When Laura J. Artale was born in 1976 with cystic fibrosis, the average lifespan of someone with the disease was just 16 years.

With encouragement from her parents to follow her medical regimen and dream big, Laura Artale went on to receive three degrees from the University of Florida: a bachelor’s in health science and a master’s in rehabilitation counseling from the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions, and a doctorate in education from the UF College of Education.

As she finished up her doctoral dissertation in higher ed leadership, Laura Artale’s health worsened and she received a double lung transplant. The organ transplant allowed Laura Artale, who is described by loved ones as “small but mighty,” to live a full life for nearly 20 years, including work, travel, marriage and even competitive tennis before her health deteriorated. She passed away in 2021 at age 45.