Emily H. Ho, PhD, Selected for NU-LEAP: Advancing Leadership

June 17, 2025

Emilyho

Emily H. Ho, PhD, has been named to the 2025–2026 cohort of Northwestern University’s Leadership Education Advancement Program (NU-LEAP), a prestigious initiative designed to support emerging leaders among early and mid-career faculty at Feinberg School of Medicine. For Ho, a scientist at the forefront of academic leadership and cutting-edge research, the honor is both a recognition of her contributions and an opportunity to grow even further.

“I am honored to be selected, along with my colleague and collaborator Eileen Graham, PhD, for NU-LEAP,” said Ho. “Professionally, this gives me the chance to build leadership skills while learning more about the governance and strategic position of Feinberg as an academic medical center. Personally, it’s incredibly meaningful to be seen and supported as someone with potential to help lead our institution forward.”

Ho’s selection follows years of leadership and scientific excellence. She currently serves as President-Elect of the Medical Faculty Council (will assume Presidency for the 2025-2026 academic year) and as co-chair of the Women’s Faculty Organization, where she previously was Chair of the Paula Stern Award and Mentor of the Year Award committees. Beyond service to FSM and the university, she is the lead scientist of a major NIA-funded U24 research project focused on advancing measurement tools for cognitive aging and decision-making—a five-year, $10.7 million initiative.

These diverse experiences, from managing large-scale grants to shaping faculty recognition programs, have fueled Ho’s drive to be an effective steward of the people and missions she serves. “Whether it’s my research team, my department, or the wider Feinberg community, I see leadership as an act of responsibility and service,” she said.

Throughout her journey, Ho credits the unwavering support of her Feinberg community. “From the start of my faculty career, I’ve felt championed by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the Department of Medical Social Sciences,” she reflected. Ho especially thanked Judith Moskowitz, PhD, Vice Chair of Faculty Development, and Department Chair Rinad Beidas, PhD, for nominating her, as well as her longtime mentor and Division Chief, Richard Gershon, PhD. She also acknowledged Courtney McGrosso of the Dean’s Office, whose behind-the-scenes coordination has helped Ho successfully navigate and execute Feinberg’s many faculty development initiatives.

Looking ahead, Ho sees NU-LEAP as a catalyst. “I hope to emerge from this program with new tools and networks that allow me to support exceptional teams and foster institutional excellence,” she said. “Ultimately, my goal is to help create an environment where transformative research and collaboration can flourish.”

Congratulations, Emily Ho!