Jennifer Lucarelli, associate professor and chair of the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program at Oakland University, has been named to the Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 Class of 2018. The initiative honors exceptional individuals under the age of 40 who excel in their field and improve the quality of life in Oakland County.
An Oakland faculty member since 2009, Lucarelli has made a positive impact on campus and in the community. She serves as the Community Chairperson of the Healthy Pontiac, We Can! Coalition, which strives to increase healthy eating, physical activity and tobacco-free living in the Pontiac community.
Since its formation in 2011, Healthy Pontiac has grown to include more than 40 non-profit organizations, government agencies, health care institutions and educational establishments. Lucarelli currently leads a $2.4 million Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant that has increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables and improved walkability and bikeability throughout Pontiac.
In 2017, Lucarelli presented on Healthy Pontiac at Oakland’s inaugural Healthology Symposium. The event brought together aspiring professionals, alumni and health care leaders to explore contemporary health challenges and potential solutions.
Additionally, Lucarelli is on the Executive Board of the Oakland County Sheriff Police Athletic League (PAL), which served more than 500 local youth through sports and mentoring programs since 2016. These collaborations help connect Oakland University students and faculty to community-based education and experiences.
Along with Lucarelli, this year’s 40 Under 40 class includes six Oakland alumni:
- Alexander Ayar, Attorney, McDonald Hopkins, SBA ‘03
- Cheryl (Bartlebaugh) Boodram, Marketing and Development Manager, Chief Financial Credit Union, SBA ‘17
- Jennifer (MacDonald) Meier, Owner, Green Hippo Gifts, SEHS ’03, ‘09
- Kyle Nieporte, Administrative Manager, Surgical Services, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, SON ’11.
- Sarah Pazur, Principal, FlexTech High School, SEHS ‘16
- Maria Willett, Chief Assistant to the Mayor, City of Rochester Hills, CAS ’13 and ‘15
The Elite 40 Under 40 program was launched in 2012 by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. This year’s class will be recognized during Patterson’s 2018 State of the County Address on February 7.