Recognized for her service to Medicine and Science.

Dawn Whiting, a 1999 graduate of Colonie Central High School, has dedicated her career to serving in the field of Medicine and Science for the United States Navy.  

Throughout her years of service, she has displayed dedication to personal and professional growth as evidenced by her continuous learning and acceptance of varying roles with increasing responsibility.  Whiting has even spent time overseas working as a department head for both Preventative Medicine and Health Promotion and Wellness Departments in the U.S. Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan.

In 2006, Whiting earned the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal presented to her for performing commendably in routine duties or exceptional achievements. In 2012, she went on to earn her Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (X2) for performing an exceedingly heroic act, exceptional achievement, or commendable service. In addition, in 2017 Whiting was awarded the Allied Health Leadership Excellence Award which acknowledges and honors military allied health professionals in the field at the tactical and operational level through their demonstrated exemplary leadership skills.

For the past 16 months, Whiting has been working in the San Diego area supporting COVID prevention and mitigation efforts for the San Diego naval fleet, including development of a response toolkit, data analysis that drove policy for Navy Medicine, and the planning and execution of mass COVID testing. She has also furthered her knowledge and experience in global health with the completion of a post-graduate certificate in global health engagement and selection as the public health planner for Pacific Partnership 2021.