I AM GPH

In this episode we speak with Wenqing (Sienna) Zhang (MPH '17), a trailblazer in public health and global healthcare innovation. Sienna shares how her passion for medical technology led her from studying pharmaceutical sciences to pursuing a master's in biostatistics and epidemiology at NYU. She recounts pivotal experiences, including internships at Pfizer and the NYC Department of Health, her rol...

In this episode we speak with Priya Kanayson (MPH '14) whose career has taken her from New York City to Abu Dhabi, where she is now a leader in global health policy. As Director of Advocacy and Communications at the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) and a founding member of the UAE's Women in Global Health organization, Priya works on innovative strategies to eliminate diseases like...

In this episode we speak with NYU Wasserman career coaches Meagan Dugan and Gabby Sanes about landing a public health internship, sharing unique, actionable strategies and tactics for students. They discuss how to tailor resumes and cover letters to align with specific job descriptions, including tips on highlighting even unconventional experience—like customer service roles—as transferable skills...

In this episode we speak with Dr. Yesim Tozan, Associate Professor of Global and Environmental Health at NYU GPH, whose work explores the intersection of climate change, infectious disease, and health policy. Dr. Tozan shares her unique path from engineering to public health and offers a deep dive into the world of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. She discusses the role of mosquitoes...

In this episode we speak with John Pateña, an implementation science specialist at Montefiore Health System and a DrPH candidate at NYU GPH. John discusses his groundbreaking work in global mental health, highlighting the use of task-sharing interventions to empower trusted community health workers in delivering mental health care, particularly in underserved regions. He shares insights from his i...

In this episode we explore how local data is reshaping public health at the community level. Sarah Taylor (GPH '24), a Local Health Outreach Coordinator at Maplewood Health Department in New Jersey, and Ben Spoer (GPH '19), Program Director at the NYU City Health Dashboard, share how data-driven insights are making a tangible impact in neighborhoods, addressing health disparities, and guiding effe...

In this episode we speak with Dr. Adolfo Cuevas about the hidden health crisis caused by everyday racism and chronic stress. Dr. Cuevas is a leading expert on discrimination and public health, an Assistant Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at NYU GPH. Drawing from his groundbreaking NIH-funded research, Dr. Cuevas reveals how discrimination accelerates aging, fuels obesity, and leads to...

In this episode we speak with Dr. Jack Caravanos, a renowned expert in environmental health, to uncover the hidden threats that pollution poses to public health. From lead and mercury contamination to the long-lasting effects of industrial waste, Dr. Caravanos reveals how these invisible toxins infiltrate our everyday lives and the global food chain. We explore the ongoing challenges of cleaning u...

Join us as we chat with Matilda Melkonian (GPH '24) and Issy Torney (MPH student), Health Promotion Assistants at NYU's Student Health Center. Discover the extensive resources available to students, including the innovative "Texts to Inspire" program, which offers confidential, motivational texts to support well-being. Matilda and Issy provide essential insights on navigating student health servic...

Join us as we speak with Leroy Akoto, an MPH student studying Public Health Policy and former personal trainer turned public health advocate. Leroy shares how his early experiences in fitness and nutrition sparked a deep passion for helping others, ultimately leading him to pursue sociology and public health. We explore his commitment to addressing social stratification, criminal justice reform, a...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Zoe-Marie Mongbet-Lamare, Master of Public Health student concentrating in Social and Behavioral Sciences. From her childhood dreams of becoming a pediatrician to leading medical drives in Cameroon, Zoe-Marie's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. Learn how she overcame learning disabilities, tackled imposter syndrome, and leveraged commun...

In this episode we explore the transformative journey of Master of Public Health students Natalia Ramon and Lee-Ann Lugg. They share their immersive experience in Nairobi, Kenya, where they partnered with UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) and Strathmore Business School (SBS) for a unique study abroad course called Behavioral Communication Strategies for Global Epidemics (B...

In this episode we explore the transformative experiences of Abena Dinizulu and Stephanie Perez, two distinguished participants of the Pathways into Quantitative Aging Research (PQAR) program. They share their journeys through this rigorous six-week program, discussing how it equipped them with vital research skills, fostered professional growth, and created new opportunities in public health. Abe...

Join us as we welcome Dr. Mark Jit, the new chair of the Department of Global and Environmental Health at NYU GPH. Dr. Jit, a leader in infectious disease modeling and vaccine policy, shares his vision for the department's future. In this episode, Dr. Jit discusses the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global health challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and emergi...

In this episode we speak with Gilwoo Lee, an innovative entrepreneur and founder of Zordi, a company revolutionizing agriculture with autonomous greenhouses. With an impressive academic background in AI, robotics, and computer science, Gilwoo shares her journey from working in the movie industry to founding a startup that addresses public health and nutrition challenges through sustainable, tech-d...

In this episode we speak with Cat Hartwell MPH '21, a former film and television professional who transitioned to a career in public health. Cat discusses her fascinating journey from producing documentaries for VH1, National Geographic, and Netflix, to earning her Master of Public Health at NYU. Now a research coordinator at the University of Washington, she shares how she leverages her media ski...

In this episode we explore John Meade's journey as a passionate public health advocate. An adjunct professor at NYU GPH, John discusses his career trajectory from working in HIV clinics in South Africa to engaging in community health initiatives with the Peace Corps in Peru. John discusses the societal impacts of health, the challenges of HIV stigma, and his ongoing commitment to health equity. Wo...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Brennan Rhodes-Bratton, a researcher focused on health inequities at the intersection of gentrification, food systems, and maternal child health. She shares how her childhood diet influenced her interest in nutrition and details her research on how societal structures, such as structural racism, gentrification, and food stigma, impede healthful eating attitudes,...

We speak with Nura Anwar (MPH 2020), Director of Diabetes Prevention and Pediatric Initiatives at NYC Health + Hospitals. Nura's journey from psychology and dance to leading public health initiatives showcases her innovative approach to tackling health disparities. Through her advocacy work, she highlights the critical role of policy in shaping equitable health outcomes and emphasizes the importan...

In this episode we speak with PhuongThao (PT) Le, a public health researcher with a focus on improving the wellbeing of marginalized communities globally. Born in Vietnam and later moving to the United States, PT's unique background has significantly influenced her approach to public health. PT discusses her journey from a childhood in post-war Vietnam to becoming a public health professional, emp...

In this special episode brought to you by the NYU Wasserman Career Center, join Meagan Dugan and Gabby Sanes as they tackle real career questions submitted by public health undergraduate and graduate students. With their extensive experience in career coaching, they provide practical advice on job search tactics, networking methods, interview preparation, crafting impactful resumes, salary negotia...

In this episode, we speak with Hsin-Yi Chang (MPH Student) and Jordan Neisler (MPH '23), discussing their fieldwork studying lead contamination, focusing on its detection, health impacts, and prevention strategies. They share insights from their time in the field working with Professor Jack Caravanos to use a portable tool called X-ray fluorescence to test hundreds of soil samples below overhead c...

In this episode, we spoke with MPH students Liz Carr, Dhriti Gaur, and Jahnavi Munagala about their study-abroad experiences in Kodaikanal, India. Our guests share their journeys of learning and growth in Kodaikanal's unique setting. They discuss academic challenges, making new connections, and immersion in local traditions, revealing the impact of a meaningful studying abroad experience. Whether...

In this episode we speak with Francesca Mendez, MPH 2020, who shares her journey from Spanish Harlem to leading healthcare innovation at CVS Health. Francesca discusses managing chronic diseases, health equity, and the impact of technology in healthcare. Her work at CVS Health and her background in public health from NYU have fueled her commitment to improving health outcomes. This episode delves...

In this episode we speak with Rachel Ryan, a Visiting Assistant Professor at GPH, about her journey from an Air Force linguist to a public health nutritionist. Rachel discusses her transition from military intelligence to nutrition advocacy, underscoring the role of discipline and strategic planning in public health. Her story illustrates the impact of life transitions on career paths and the valu...