The Lasting Contribution of Dr. Saba Masho on Youth Violence Prevention

Passionate, devoted, and inspirational. This is how colleagues described Saba Woldemichael Masho professionally. On the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Youth Violence Prevention Center (YVPC) team, we knew Masho in many ways: as the co-Principal Investigator (PI) for the current VCU-YVPC project, as mentor, as friend, and as colleague. Her positive outlook, caring ways, and enthusiasm for making a difference in the local community were experienced by all. Masho was the embodiment of VCU ideals¹ in her teaching, research, and service to the community. She touched countless lives and is remembered as a loving wife; a nurturing, dedicated, and wonderful mother; a caring advisor; and a compassionate, selfless human being.

Masho was a proficient grant writer and served as PI, co-PI, or coinvestigator of six major federal and international grants totaling $11 million. She contributed to more than 100 published peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, monographs, and surveillance reports. A popular speaker, Masho was invited to give more than 200 presentations at local and national levels.

FIGURE 1—

Saba Masho, Jordyn Wallenborn, and Josh Montgomery (left to right)

Youth violence prevention was an important research focus for Masho. She made vital contributions as a co-PI for the current VCU-YVPC and was integral to the success of three previous rounds of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)–funded center grants² focused on youth violence prevention. One of Masho’s lasting contributions was creation of the nationally recognized surveillance system used in evaluating violence outcomes in VCU-YVPC grants.³ She provided valuable technical assistance to CDC-funded sites in developing and tracking community outcome measures for youth violence prevention.

Masho advised or mentored more than 100 students, including MPH and PhD students, and served on 20 dissertation committees in different departments at VCU. She consistently received some of the highest teaching evaluations as rated by students and earned 12 awards for her teaching excellence. Masho served in several leadership roles in the department, including as Graduate Programs Director for the Division of Epidemiology, overseeing the MPH and PhD programs, and ultimately becoming the Epidemiology Division Chief.

Masho had an unwavering and genuine devotion to her students and the community in which she worked, but she placed her husband, Abraham Teklu, and daughters, Dellina and Helina, first.

Sabi was my love, my life, my friend, my confidant, my adviser, my comforter, my encouragement, and my selfless wife. With her love of her work and academic responsibilities, all her accomplishments, and many accolades, I knew that I and my daughters mattered to her the most.

—Abraham Teklu, MD, MPH

My mom was my best friend and biggest supporter and not a day goes by where she’s not in the forefront of my mind. She was a light in my life and without a doubt a light to all those who knew her. The love, caring nature, and strength she exuded every day will not be forgotten.

—Dellina Abraham

I strive to be like my mother in everything that I do, so that I may have a piece of her with me always. She truly was my best friend and my everything. I think about her all the time, but I know she is with me and watching over me.

—Helina Abraham

Although we dearly miss Masho, her positive impact continues through her family, friends, former students, and community, whom she continues to inspire.