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 role at Medtronic's first innovation accelerator in China, and her current work at Illumina, where she is driving advancements in gene sequencing worldwide. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Sienna offers candid insights into her cross-cultural career, her strategies for connecting innovation with business, and how she overcame challenges to lead in multinational settings.

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 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 malaria, polio, and neglected tropical diseases. She discusses the unique challenges of building a global health hub outside the traditional centers in the U.S. and Europe, highlights the importance of addressing vector-borne diseases due to climate change, and offers insights into navigating cultural and professional dynamics across borders. Priya's story of embracing risk, expanding her policy expertise, and advocating for health equity on a global scale is a powerful inspiration for aspiring public health professionals.

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 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. The coaches also cover tools like Big Interview, which helps students optimize their resumes for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Listeners will learn how to strategically search for roles on Handshake and LinkedIn, create saved searches to stay ahead of new postings, and leverage alumni networks for informational interviews and referrals. This episode offers a complete guide to navigating the public health internship search, from resume prep to networking, with thoughtful advice on balancing the process with self-care and finding the routine that best supports a successful search.

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. 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 as disease vectors, the rising public health risks due to climate change, and how temperature and rainfall impact disease transmission. Dr. Tozan also explains her groundbreaking work in developing early warning systems and mosquito surveillance projects, emphasizing the critical role of multidisciplinary teams and local partnerships. Join us for an enlightening discussion on combating infectious diseases through innovative science and community-centered approaches in a rapidly changing climate.

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 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 involvement in the Friendship Bench initiative, which started in Zimbabwe and has been successfully scaled across multiple countries. John also discusses his current research on applying these interventions to support sickle cell patients in Nigeria and his work with the NIH Fogarty International Center. Tune in to learn how implementation science bridges the gap between research and practice to make mental health care more accessible worldwide.

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 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 effective public health interventions. From improving chronic disease management to enhancing community well-being, discover how local data is powering change and why it's key to creating healthier communities with global implications.

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. 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 chronic diseases like hypertension. He breaks down the science behind how racism gets under the skin and shares actionable strategies for addressing racial health disparities. Join us to learn about the silent dangers of discrimination and the path toward a healthier, more equitable society.

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. 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 up the environment, the unexpected risks in consumer products, and what we can do to protect our health and the planet. Join us for a compelling discussion on the urgent environmental health crises shaping our world and future.

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.

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 services, overcoming insurance complexities, and fostering community. Perfect for new students and those seeking to enhance their wellness journey, this episode is your guide to thriving at NYU.

Links and Resources:

• Health Promotion Office Website: https://www.nyu.edu/students/health-and-wellness/services/healthy-living.html
• HPO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello_hpo/
• HPO Email: [email protected]
• Texts to Inspire Information: https://www.nyu.edu/students/health-and-wellness/services/healthy-living/texts-to-inspire.html
• Wellness Exchange: https://www.nyu.edu/students/health-and-wellness/wellness-exchange.html
• Student Health Center Homepage: https://www.nyu.edu/students/health-and-wellness.html

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.

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, and mental health, particularly within marginalized communities. Leroy also discusses his creative side and how he uses storytelling to challenge societal perceptions.

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.