The USF (COPH) has a new accomplishment to brag about: a Telly Award, an annual showcase of the best work created across all video streaming platforms.
The Activist Lab's Telly Award (Photo courtesy of Dr. Karen Liller)
According to the , they receive more than 13,000 entries globally from six continents and all 50 states. Winners represent work from advertising agencies, television stations, production companies and publishers from around the world.
The recent Silver Award in the general student category for the Activist Lab comes courtesy of their short film, “Under the Florida Sun,” which examined the rising dangers of the climate crisis in Florida, particularly for outdoor laborers. 
“The documentary began after we were brainstorming ideas for a funding application. We had already done podcasts, webinars and built educational curricula around heat and climate change, so we were looking for something new,” said , director of the Activist Lab.
The Activist Lab is no stranger to handling topics of environmental health and climate change.
“Climate change is a public health issue. If you look at the health and quality of life effects, it clearly falls into the public health lane. It directly affects human well-being and survival,” said Liller when asked about the connection between these topics.
The Activist Lab’s Student Advisory Board (Photo courtesy of the Activist Lab)
The issue of occupational health in relation to farm workers is also particularly relevant in Florida, where the USDA estimates over 28,000 people work as agricultural laborers.
“I hope the audience learns about the dangers of heat and climate. They need to be aware of these issues and we invite them to work with us to support farmworkers and outdoor workers. Ideally, work and health policies are implemented that protect these populations at all times,” Liller said.
When asked about the significance of video as a format for sharing public health information, Liller emphasized the importance of social media.
“The way to reach people today has been largely enhanced through the use of social media. The video, I believe, is very well done and engaging,” she said. “I cannot overstate how important social media is for public health in getting across our messages, stories and advocacy pursuits.” 
The process of creating the video involved a long period of literature reviews, interviews with experts and meetings with coalitions in the Tampa area. Liller partially lends their success to the Activist Lab’s various connections to community members who would eventually be highlighted as speakers. Despite facing hurricanes, drone issues and scheduling conflicts, the team is proud of their work and particularly proud to have it recognized.
The lab also received a helping hand in the form of COPH videographer Oddi Diaz, who helped with filming and editing the project.
“The documentary was truly a collaborative effort among all of us,” Liller said.
“There were definitely several moments that left a lasting impression on us throughout the preparation of "Under the Florida Sun," said Manisha Katwal, a BSPH alumna and research assistant for the Activist Lab.
As part of the project, the Activist Lab students interviewed farmworkers from a range of backgrounds and were moved by each participant's willingness to share their experience and expertise.
“Hearing directly from farmworkers about the challenges they face and their determination to fight for change was equally moving,” Katawal said. “The dedication and concern shown by everyone involved made us realize even more how important this topic is and that impression has stayed with us--pushing us to keep working and advocating on it.”
In addition to the Telly Award recognition, “Under the Florida Sun” was nominated for a 30th Annual Webby Award in the video and film/public service and activism/media and entertainment category. The documentary was recognized among the top 11% of more than 13,000 entries submitted from around the world.
Liller hopes to continue finding new ways to bring the Activist Lab’s advocacy work to new audiences. To those interested in what the Activist Lab does, she says: “Join us! Bring your skills and let’s see what we can create together. None of us in the lab had great experience in filmmaking but working with the right experts, such as Oddi Diaz, it is amazing what we all can do.”
Of the Lab’s future endeavors, Liller said she may see another film in the group’s future. As of right now, the Activist Lab plans on holding their annual bootcamp on the topic of immigrant health in January. 
"Keep listening to our , come to our events, work with us on our research and educational outreach and get involved!” Liller said.
Read more about the Activist Lab’s “Under the Florida Sun”:
COPH community shows out at 2026 USF Health Student Awards Ceremony