Asuka Koda, a Yale College student majoring in Mathematics and Philosophy, has been honored with the 2026 Truman Scholarship, a prestigious award for future public service leaders in the United States. Selected from a competitive pool of 781 candidates, Koda is recognized for her leadership potential and dedication to democratizing scientific knowledge. As a Global Health Scholar, she has made significant contributions as a journalist, covering science and health issues for CNN, including national vaccination policies and NASA’s Artemis missions. Koda's commitment to public service is reflected in her previous roles, including her work as an executive member of the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council for the New York City Department of Education, where she represented 1.1 million students. She also conducted cancer immunology research at Yale School of Medicine, which has influenced her policy ambitions. Koda plans to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai through the Donald and Vera Blinken FlexMed program, aspiring to become a physician-journalist focused on reforming health communication policies. The Truman Scholarship, established in 1975, honors the legacy of President Harry S. Truman and supports scholars in their pursuit of impactful public service careers.