University of Minnesota School of Public Health Assistant Professor Hannah Neprash has been recognized with the McKnight Presidential Fellow Award, one of the University’s highest honors. A health economist, Neprash’s research focuses on the delivery and financing of health care at a time when the complexity of the American health care system continues to grow.

The McKnight Presidential Fellows Program is a three-year award given to exceptional UMN faculty to recognize their accomplishments and support their ongoing research and scholarship. Neprash is one of nine tenured faculty members across the University of Minnesota to receive the award.

“Dr. Neprash is an outstanding scholar and I am thrilled that she received  this honor,” said Melinda Pettigrew, dean and Mayo Chair in the School of Public Health. “As a leading health economist, her work has national impact. Dr. Neprash’s research expands our understanding of health care and, in turn, helps improve health for all members of our community.”

Neprash’s work leverages novel data sources to examine how clinicians respond to both financial and non-financial incentives arising from policy changes and technological advances in the U.S. health system. She has also explored how health care providers’ increasing reliance on information technology leaves them vulnerable to ransomware attacks.

Neprash’s work frequently receives local and national news coverage, in addition to attention from policymakers. She recently served on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Hospital Pilot Resiliency Project. She also serves as an editor for a leading health policy journal, Health Services Research.