In this episode, we meet Nene Uwaomah (MPH '25) and Haya Srour (MPH '25), who played key leadership roles in the Applied Global Public Health Initiative (AGPHI) during their time at NYU GPH. We track their academic and professional journeys, from their pre-public health backgrounds—Nene in pre-med and Haya as a dietician—to their hands-on work with communities around the globe. They discuss how AGPHI provides a platform to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects, shaping global research in places like Zambia and the Middle East. Learn about their impactful work, including Nene's efforts to increase early antenatal care uptake in Zambia and Haya's role in UNICEF's global education program. Nene and Haya both highlight the strong sense of community at GPH and how the faculty and students work together to solve problems. This episode is a powerful testament to how a public health degree can provide the opportunities, skills, and confidence to make a tangible difference in the world.

To learn more about the NYU School of Global Public Health, and how our innovative programs are training the next generation of public health leaders, visit http://www.publichealth.nyu.edu.

In this episode we speak with Dr. Jonathan Purtle, Associate Professor of Public Health Policy and Management at NYU GPH. Dr. Purtle discusses his career path from teaching second grade to becoming a mental health policy researcher. The episode explores mental health policy, implementation science, and the translation of research into effective policy. Specifically, it addresses the challenges of scaling up evidence-based practices and the importance of considering structural determinants like housing and education in mental health outcomes. Dr. Purtle also addresses the role of communication and writing in public health, emphasizing the need to effectively translate research for policymakers and the broader community, including through public health journalism.

To learn more about the NYU School of Global Public Health, and how our innovative programs are training the next generation of public health leaders, visit http://www.publichealth.nyu.edu.

In this episode we speak with Jean Bae, Clinical Associate Professor of Public Health Policy and Management. She shares her journey from Harvard Law to shaping public health policy, tackling critical issues like the impact of the Hyde Amendment and evidence-based laws on public health outcomes. Jean provides valuable insights on the intersection of law and public health, the challenges of translating legal frameworks into actionable policies, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. From firearm regulations to abortion laws, she unpacks how policy shapes lives and offers advice for aspiring public health professionals. Whether you're a student, a policy enthusiast, or curious about how laws influence daily life, this episode is filled with actionable insights and inspiration.

To learn more about the NYU School of Global Public Health, and how our innovative programs are training the next generation of public health leaders, visit http://www.publichealth.nyu.edu.

In this episode we explore the link between accessibility and public health with Spandita Sarmah (Tandon '23), a human-centered designer whose experience at Google, T-Mobile, and Deloitte focuses on creating a healthier world for everyone. This episode delves into Spandita's journey from software engineering, fine arts, and graphic design to her passion for user research and her advocacy for designing "with," not "for," users. Discover how her work, including the development of a hand gesture recognition system to aid individuals with fine motor impairments and her insights on tactile alternatives for those with vision impairment, challenges conventional design standards. Learn why inclusive design is essential for equitable access to health resources, promoting overall well-being, and fostering environments where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and fully participate in society. We'll discuss how accessibility impacts everything from digital experiences to physical spaces, ultimately contributing to a more just and healthy community.

To learn more about the NYU School of Global Public Health, and how our innovative programs are training the next generation of public health leaders, visit http://www.publichealth.nyu.edu.

In this episode, we speak with Natalia De La Viña, an MPH candidate specializing in global health at NYU GPH, and explore the critical topic of health equity for Latin and Indigenous communities. With a background that uniquely blends neuroscience and Spanish, Natalia shares her journey and her commitment to serving these communities, particularly in the transborder region. We'll discuss her experiences as a pre-diabetes educator, addressing chronic conditions like diabetes through patient education and resource provision, and her passion for tackling healthcare access disparities and social determinants of health. Natalia also shares her experiences as a medical interpreter, her initiative founding the LINEN (Latin and Indigenous Native Health Equity Network) club, and her vision for future work with surgical rotation clinics in Latin America.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliadelavi%C3%B1a/

To learn more about the NYU School of Global Public Health, and how our innovative programs are training the next generation of public health leaders, visit http://www.publichealth.nyu.edu.

In this episode, we explore the collaboration between Rimsha Minhaz, an MPH student with a background in dentistry, and Dr. Wilson Wang, a pediatrician, health professional, and founder of WD Home and CEO of World Doctors. Driven by a desire to address disparities in healthcare access—a passion ignited by her experiences in outreach programs in South India—Rimsha pursued a Master of Public Health degree at NYU GPH. It was at NYU GPH that Rimsha's path intersected with Dr. Wang's when she took his course on data-driven decision making. Inspired by Dr. Wang's dedication to public health, including his work during the Ebola outbreak, Rimsha is now working with him through WD Home on a project focused on older person care management. This is a story of how passion meets purpose, and how a new generation of public health leaders is shaping a healthier future.

Read Balancing Action and Reflection, a perspective piece by Rimsha Minhaz:  https://publichealth.nyu.edu/events-news/news/2024/12/02/balancing-action-and-reflection

WD-Home: https://wd-home.co

To learn more about the NYU School of Global Public Health, and how our innovative programs are training the next generation of public health leaders, visit http://www.publichealth.nyu.edu.

In this episode we speak with Toluwalase Akinluyi, known as LA, an MPH student studying Public Health Management. We explore her journey from physiotherapy in Nigeria to public health leadership at New York University. LA shares how she transitioned from clinical practice to policy and advocacy, her passion for healthcare management, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. As Vice President of the African Graduate Student Association at NYU, she discusses mentorship, community-building, and championing diversity in global health. We also dive into her experiences as an international student navigating NYU, her perspective on health equity, and how she is leveraging public health policy to create lasting change. Join us for an inspiring conversation on breaking barriers, leading with impact, and transforming public health from the ground up.

Connect with Toluwalase Akinluyi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toluwalaseakinluyi/

To learn more about the NYU School of Global Public Health, and how our innovative programs are training the next generation of public health leaders, visit http://www.publichealth.nyu.edu.

In this episode we speak with Dr. Stephanie Cook, Associate Professor and Director of the Attachment and Health Disparities Research Lab, about the science behind minority stress and resilience. She explains how stress manifests biologically through cortisol regulation, why chronic exposure to social discrimination dysregulates the body’s stress response, and how public health research is using biomarkers like saliva and hair samples to measure these effects. Dr. Cook also highlights the power of close relationships in buffering stress, discusses her ongoing 30-day stress tracking study, and reveals how policymakers can use physiological data to drive systemic change.

Connect with Dr. Stephanie Cook: https://publichealth.nyu.edu/faculty/stephanie-cook

To learn more about the NYU School of Global Public Health, and how our innovative programs are training the next generation of public health leaders, visit http://www.publichealth.nyu.edu.

We speak with Emeka Iloegbu, a DrPH student and global health leader with over 15 years of experience in tackling infectious diseases and strengthening health systems. From his early days volunteering with the Red Cross in New York City to playing critical roles in pandemic responses for H1N1, Zika, Ebola, COVID-19, and monkeypox, Emeka has worked at the intersection of laboratory science, public health, and policy. As an assistant professor at CUNY and a United Nations representative, he is engaged in HIV research, antimicrobial resistance, and the integration of molecular diagnostics into public health strategies. He discusses his transition from analyzing cells under a microscope at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital to influencing policy decisions at the UN and Department of Health, emphasizing the importance of adaptive leadership, community-based surveillance, and strengthening global health infrastructure. We also dive into his research in implementation science, his role in advancing sickle cell disease interventions, and how he is using his vast experience to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact.

To learn more about the NYU School of Global Public Health, and how our innovative programs are training the next generation of public health leaders, visit http://www.publichealth.nyu.edu.

In this episode we speak with Dr. Claudia Passos-Ferreira, Assistant Professor of Bioethics, as she explores the mysteries of infant consciousness. Discover how philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience intersect to answer profound questions: Do newborns experience the world like we do? When does consciousness begin? From her groundbreaking research to the ethical implications of her findings, Dr. Passos-Ferreira delves into the early stages of human awareness and its connection to bioethics, public health, and even AI. Packed with insights on morality, self-awareness, and the evolving technology shaping this field, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the science of consciousness and its real-world impact.

To learn more about the NYU School of Global Public Health, and how our innovative programs are training the next generation of public health leaders, visit http://www.publichealth.nyu.edu.