Get to know your 2026 Staff Council Representatives
Katherine Puskarz and Nicole Davidson are excited about representing GWSPH staff this coming year as the 2026 Staff Council Representatives. Feel free to send either a note, or drop by their offices on the second floor.
Katherine Puskarz
As the Director of Academic Planning & Accreditation, I am responsible for directing our school’s accreditation processes, requirements, and compliance. I also oversee the school’s program/department assessments, manage curricular and other related academic affairs functions, and ensure that our website accurately describes our programs. I’m very proud to say that our school is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health and three of our programs are further accredited by other professional accreditors. I sit on several committees including our school’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee, Staff Council’s Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Committee, and the Faculty Senate Libraries Committee. This year, I have the honor of being the Staff Council’s inaugural Staff Representative Relations Officer, which means I support Representatives as they advocate on behalf of their constituents.
Prior to joining GW, I worked at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for almost 10 years. My final role was as Assistant Director of the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program at the Jefferson College of Population Health. Like at GW, I was responsible for accreditation, curricular improvements, and academic planning. I also sat on the school's DEI Committee.
I have a Bachelor of Science in genetics from the University of Georgia, an MPH from Thomas Jefferson University, and I am currently enrolled in the Doctor of Education (EdD) in higher education administration at GW. I passed my comps in the fall and I’m working on my dissertation which (hopefully) will be on public health training for physicians. I am looking forward to an amazing year!
Nicole Davidson
I serve as the Manager of Student Services, overseeing the operations of the GWSPH Student Records Office. The work of the Records Office supports GWSPH students throughout their entire academic journey, assisting with course registrations, interpreting academic policies, tracking degree progress, maintaining the accuracy of student records, and clearing students for degree conferral. We are also lead planners for new student orientation and the annual GWSPH School Celebration. This comprehensive involvement gives us a unique opportunity to engage with students at every stage of their academic journey which I find both meaningful and professionally rewarding. Our office is deeply committed to helping each student navigate their path successfully and to make every interaction a positive one.
Before joining GWSPH, I served as Manager of Doctoral Student Services in Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at GW. Earlier in my career, I worked at New York University in several roles across multiple school divisions, where I also earned my master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Stony Brook University, and I am proud to be a career higher education professional and a New York transplant.
In my role as the GWSPH Staff Council Staff Representative, I hope to be both a voice and an advocate for staff, as well as a thoughtful listener. Just as my daily work is centered on improving the student experience, I am committed to supporting my colleagues to enhance their professional experience. I look forward to connecting with you.