Shawn Gerstenberger (Public Health) and Max Gakh (Environmental & Occupational Health) were recently recognized among Southern Nevada Health District's 2022 Public Health Heroes. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) defines a public health hero as an individual or organization that embodies one or more of the essential functions of public health and the SNHD recognizes those whose actions improve the health status of the community.

They were nominated by SNHD's Tobacco Control Program for their continued collaboration to put into place a smoke-free policy at UNLV. The policy prohibits the use of all tobacco, electronic, and vaping products on campus, in campus housing or at any school venues, which will begin in the fall 2022 semester. Gerstenberger and Gakh were recognized for their continued efforts to make this significant public health policy a reality, an effort that has been in process for approximately 20 years.