APIC Honors Award Recipients at Annual Conference

Infection prevention leaders recognized for excellence, innovation, and lifetime achievement at APIC26 in Nashville

Nashville, TN., June 17, 2026 - The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) presented awards to distinguished leaders in infection prevention and control at the APIC26 Annual Conference & Expo, held June 15-17 at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Ann Marie Pettis, RN, BSN, CIC, FAPIC, is the 2026 Carole DeMille Achievement Award recipient. APIC's highest honor, this award celebrates a lifetime of achievements and honors an APIC infection preventionist member who has advanced the practice and profession of infection prevention and control.

"Ann Marie embodies everything the Carole DeMille Achievement Award stands for," said 2026 APIC Board President Kathy Ward, RN, BSN, MPH, FAPIC, CIC. "Throughout her career, she has elevated the practice of infection prevention, mentored countless IPs, and led with clarity and conviction when our field needed it most. Her impact will be felt for generations, and we are proud to recognize her with APIC's highest honor."

The following individuals also received awards:

Emerging Leader in Infection Prevention Award

Randy R. Persaud, MPH, CIC, is the 2026 recipient of the Emerging Leader in Infection Prevention Award. The award recognizes a new infection preventionist who has demonstrated commitment to the field and their professional growth.

Elaine Larson Distinguished Scientist Award

Monika Pogorzelska-Maziarz, PhD, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA, FACE, is the recipient of the 2026 Elaine Larson Distinguished Scientist Award. This award recognizes prominent researchers and scholars whose work has resulted in contributions toward APIC's vision to create a safer world through the prevention of infection.

APIC Graduate Student Research Scholarship
Mustapha Aliyu Muhammad, MBBS, MSc, MHE, DrPHc is the recipient of the 2026 APIC Graduate Student Research Scholarship from East Tennessee State University for Antimicrobial Resistance Prediction: Machine Learning for ESBL-Positive Cultures Using Time-Series Electronic Health Record Data

The scholarship supports research and quality improvement efforts that advance infection prevention and evidence-based implementation science.

About APIC

Founded in 1972, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is the leading association for infection preventionists and epidemiologists. With more than 15,000 members, APIC advances the science and practice of infection prevention and control. APIC carries out its mission through research, advocacy, and patient safety; education, credentialing, and certification; and fostering development of the infection prevention and control workforce of the future. Together with our members and partners, we are working toward a safer world through the prevention of infection. Join us and learn more at apic.org.

Media Contact: Malina Jacobowitz or Jackie Amato at [email protected]