Canyon Lohnas, a Ph.D. student at West Virginia University, has been named to the International Literacy Association’s 2025 30 Under 30 list, which highlights emerging leaders who are transforming literacy education and promoting equity in classrooms, communities and beyond.
This global cohort features changemakers from 12 countries, all under the age of 30, who are driving innovations and advocating for accessible, inclusive learning experiences. Lohnas, 28, was honored for his work in health literacy.
Originally from Frostburg, Md., Lohnas graduated from Frostburg State University in 2018 with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. After graduation he served as a kindergarten and first grade teacher in Maryland. Currently, Lohnas is the Program Specialist for the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative at West Virginia University where he is also pursuing his Ph.D. in the School of Education. His research interests include early literacy, health literacy, and the intersection of literacy, policy and philanthropy.
During his time at WVU, Lohnas collaborated with physicians at WVU Medicine to determine the readability of medical documentation associated with opioid prescriptions and offer suggestions for improving patient care for those with reading difficulties.
“It is an honor to be included on the International Literacy Association’s 2025 30 Under 30 list. Literacy is the key to living a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. I am proud that my work in health literacy is bringing awareness to a unique challenge,” Lohnas said. “I would like to thank my mentor, Dr. Aimee Morewood, and the rest of our research team at WVU Medicine for their collaboration on this important research effort.”
“Literacy is more than a skill; it’s a pathway to opportunity, equity and empowerment,” said ILA Executive Director Nicola Wedderburn. “The young leaders on our 2025 30 Under 30 list exemplify this belief through their groundbreaking work. They are the advocates, educators and innovators redefining what literacy means in an ever-changing world.”
“Our goal is to amplify their voices and support their efforts as they continue shaping the future of literacy,” Wedderburn added. “Through this program, we hope to inspire collaboration, innovation, and advocacy that transcends borders and creates lasting impact.”
Past 30 Under 30 honorees have included Patrick Harris, a humanities teacher in Michigan who helped transform his middle school English department into a social justice–oriented humanities program; Samantha Boateng, author and founder of Read 2 Lead in Ghana; Allister Chang, a civic engagement pioneer and founder of Civic Suds in Washington, D.C.; and Shiza Shahid, cofounder of the Malala Fund.
Profiles of the 2025 honorees are featured in the January/February/March 2025 issue of Literacy Today, ILA’s member magazine. The issue, released today, offers insights into the honorees’ impactful contributions and visions for the future of literacy. To explore their stories, visit literacyworldwide.org/30under30.