Student Engagement

Hello! My name is Nico, and I am an undergraduate at Harvard College studying Environmental Science and Public Policy with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy. My passion for global health is deeply intertwined with my interest in climate justice, particularly in understanding how environmental change impacts vulnerable populations. My journey in global health began during the first year of the pandemic when I served as a community health worker in school-based health clinics. Witnessing firsthand the disparities in healthcare access, compounded by the worsening effects of climate change, solidified my commitment to addressing these interconnected challenges. My research interests focus on climate resilience in health systems, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. Coming from both Texas and Colombia, I have seen how extreme heat waves, worsening storms, and the rise of infectious diseases impact my communities. This inspired my work in farmworker policy and advocacy in Massachusetts, where I examined the effects of flooding on farmworker communities. Most recently, I conducted a mixed-methods thesis evaluating climate-health resilience in coastal fishing communities north of Toliara, Madagascar, supported by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) and the Center for African Studies.

On campus, I engage with global health through research and advocacy. I have been involved in projects examining the intersection of environmental change and public health, and I continue to explore how global health frameworks can be applied to climate justice efforts. Additionally, I have participated in research internships analyzing infectious disease patterns and health equity in Latin America.

Beyond global health, I am passionate about foreign policy and its role in shaping public health responses. As someone who envisions working at the intersection of policy and health, I hope to contribute to building more resilient and equitable health systems worldwide. My ultimate goal is to help governments prepare for and respond to polycrises—interconnected challenges like climate change, geopolitical security, and health inequities.

Areas of Interest in Global Health: Climate resilience in health systems, Health equity, Environmental health policy, Infectious disease and climate change, Farmworker health and advocacy

Global Health-Related Student Organizations: Research initiatives on climate and public health, farmworker health advocacy in Massachusetts

Research/Internships: Climate-health resilience research in Madagascar, infectious disease and health equity research in Latin America, policy analysis on farmworker health in Massachusetts

Recommended Programs: HGHI Internship Program, Global Health and Climate Speaker Series, Environmental Health and Policy Courses

Advice for Students Interested in Global Health: Seek interdisciplinary approaches—global health is deeply connected to environmental, economic, and political systems. Engage with faculty and research opportunities early, and don’t be afraid to explore unconventional intersections like climate and health. Most importantly, ground your work in community voices and lived experiences to create meaningful impact.

Hi! I’m Klara, a sophomore from Zagreb, Croatia, studying Statistics on the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology track. My passion for global health stems from my exposure to the field through my father’s work and my own academic interests. Initially drawn to medicine, I realized I preferred a path that combines mathematics, biology, and research—leading me to biomedical data science.

Last summer, I interned at the Virology Unit at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, working on an EU-funded One Health disease surveillance project. This experience deepened my interest in zoonotic diseases and confirmed my preference for computational research over lab work.

Outside academics, I’m on Harvard’s Track and Field team (high jump & javelin) and play the piano for fun. I love traveling (14 flights in one semester!), movies, theatre, and long coffee conversations—true to my Balkan roots.

Global Health Interests: Zoonotic diseases, Bioinformatics, Disease surveillance, Health policy
Other Work & Organizations: AI diplomacy startup, ACAP conference organizer
Research/Internships: Virology Unit, University of Zagreb (CROOH Project)

A Must-Take Global Health Course: GENED 1063: World Health: Challenges and Opportunities—an insightful, well-taught course by Professor Sue Goldie on global health issues and policy.
How HGHI Supported Me: HGHI supported my internship, which solidified my love for global health and redirected me toward bioinformatics in medical research. Next summer, I hope to apply my growing data science skills in a global health internship.

Hello! My name is Emefa, and I am an undergraduate at Harvard College studying Economics with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy. My passion for global health is deeply rooted in my interest in understanding how social, economic, and political factors influence health, particularly for marginalized populations. My journey in global health began with GENED 1093: Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Cares: Reimagining Global Health—a transformative course that reshaped my understanding of systemic inequities and their impact on health outcomes. Engaging with global health professionals through this class illuminated the tangible ways I could contribute to addressing disparities, ultimately solidifying my commitment to creating equitable health systems.

My research interests focus on health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, particularly in their interactions with elderly individuals and those with disabilities. As an aspiring economist, I am particularly interested in the market for assistive resources—such as mobility aids and special education programs—and how economic policies shape their accessibility. My experience working with individuals with disabilities during high school sparked my curiosity about the availability of similar resources worldwide, a question that continues to drive my research and advocacy efforts.

On campus, I write about global health topics for the Harvard International Review, exploring key challenges in health equity and policy. Through the Harvard Global Health Institute, I participated in a research internship examining child development milestone attainment in Rwanda. Additionally, I have conducted research on Latin American migrant experiences and currently serve as a research intern at the Harvard Health Systems Innovation Lab, where I work on a global health data collaborative focused on cardiovascular diseases. As an Undergraduate Prize Fellow at the Harvard Center for History and Economics, I am conducting independent research on the market for assistive resources in Ghana following the passage of the 2006 Persons with Disability Act.

Beyond global health, I serve as the President of the Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association, where I facilitate discussions on health economics and expand access to the field for high school students. Additionally, as President of the Harvard Undergraduate Foreign Policy Initiative, I have worked on consulting projects with USAID Sudan, addressing child mental health and maternal and child food insecurity. These experiences have broadened my perspective on the intersection of economics, policy, and health, reinforcing my commitment to addressing global issues through a multidisciplinary approach.

Areas of Interest in Global Health: Health systems equity, Assistive resource accessibility, Health economics, Disability inclusion, Global health policy

Global Health-Related Student Organizations: Harvard International Review (Global Health Writer), Harvard Global Health Institute Research Internship Program

Research/Internships: Research intern at Harvard Health Systems Innovation Lab, Harvard Global Health Institute research on child development in Rwanda, Independent research on disability inclusion policies in Ghana

Recommended Programs: GHHP Foundational Courses, Speaker Events, Harvard Global Health Institute Internship Program

Advice for Students Interested in Global Health: Take advantage of foundational GHHP courses and speaker events to broaden your perspective. Seek out research opportunities that align with your interests, and don’t hesitate to engage with faculty and mentors who can guide you on your journey. Finding a niche where you can make a meaningful impact is key to contributing effectively to the field.

Hello! My name is Frank, and I am an undergraduate at Harvard College studying English and Molecular and Cellular Biology with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy. My passion for global health stems from my experiences conducting research at the Sabeti Lab (Broad Institute), where I have worked on projects that foreground equity, actionable change, and global health impact. Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Kenema Government Hospital in Sierra Leone with my lab team to work on the detection and sequencing of Lassa and other hemorrhagic fevers. Witnessing the intersection of patient care, research, and disease surveillance firsthand helped me envision the tangible impact of global health initiatives.

On campus, I serve as the president of The Harvard Advocate, fostering an inclusive creative space and contributing writing to every issue. I also work as a graphic designer for various campus projects, focusing on accessible and appealing ways to convey information. Additionally, I am involved in policy research at the Institute of Politics, where I have contributed to policy briefs on homelessness as a public health issue for the National Low Income Housing Coalition. I volunteer at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter and assist cancer patients in accessing essential resources at a hospital resource center.

My research interests in global health center around scientific research equity and low-cost disease detection and treatment. I am particularly interested in improving graphical and statistical representations of disease prevalence disparities to inform public health responses. I am also working on a project for rapid STI diagnostics that identifies antibiotic susceptibility, aiming to curb antimicrobial resistance. I aspire to pursue a career as a physician-scientist, navigating challenges in global health policy and technology.

Areas of Interest in Global Health: Scientific research equity, Low-cost disease detection and treatment, Global health policy, Antimicrobial resistance
Global Health-Related Student Organizations: Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) Internship Program, Institute of Politics Public Health Research Team
Research/Internships: Researcher at Sabeti Lab (Broad Institute), Harvard Square Homeless Shelter volunteer, Cancer patient resource center volunteer
Recommended Programs: HGHI Summer Internships, HGHI Wintersession

Hello! My name is Ian Lee, and I’m a graduate student at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, pursuing a Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences. My passion for global health stems from my experience working in Asunción, Paraguay, under the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where I witnessed firsthand the systemic health challenges faced by developing nations. This experience, coupled with the transformative lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired me to dedicate my career to advancing health equity through technology and innovation.

On campus, I am an active member of the AI in Healthcare Student Association, where I engage with peers to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare innovation. As a Graduate Research Assistant at the Harvard Global Health Institute, I have conducted an extensive review of over 800 academic publications to identify researchers working at the crossroads of AI, digital health, global health, and health equity. This effort culminated in a strategic report for the Harvard Digital Health Initiative, outlining key opportunities to promote equity through AI-driven healthcare solutions.

Beyond global health, my background in management consulting has significantly complemented my work. In this role, I specialized in optimizing operations and implementing data-driven decision-making for healthcare institutions, improving both patient outcomes and operational efficiency. In my free time, I enjoy weight training, boxing with friends, and strolling through Boston Common and the Public Garden, which I find refreshing and inspiring. Looking ahead, I envision myself in a leadership role that bridges technology and healthcare to address global health challenges. My goal is to create scalable and sustainable solutions that empower underserved communities and advance health equity.

Areas of Interest in Global Health: Health equity, Technology and innovation, AI-driven diagnostics, Telehealth, Health access in LMICs
Global Health-Related Student Organizations: AI in Healthcare Student Association
Research/Internships: Graduate Research Assistant (Harvard Global Health Institute); Management Consultant
Recommended Courses: HPM 539: Management Science for a New Era

If you have any questions about global health, AI in healthcare, or navigating graduate studies at Harvard, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Hello! My name is John Lin, and I’m a senior at Harvard University studying Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology with a minor in Global Health and Health Policy. I’m incredibly passionate about leveraging the intersection of health and policy to drive healthcare equity, inspired by my family’s personal challenges with the healthcare system.

On campus, I serve as a policy researcher for the IOP Health Policy Team, working on projects to increase accessibility to weatherization services, and I lead the IOP Policy’s Education Team while mentoring as part of PBHA’s BRYE Teen program. I also direct the Harvard Global Health Institute’s Student Advisory Committee, where I created the first Global Health Winter Session to expose students to diverse pathways in global health. Beyond policy, I contribute as a Magazine Executive for the Harvard Crimson, writing impactful stories ranging from disability advocacy to interviews with Nobel Laureates.

In the lab, I am a Research Intern at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, integrating experimental and computational methods to study misfolded protein trafficking in rare kidney diseases. My research efforts have earned me national recognition as both an Amgen Scholar and a Goldwater Scholar, and I’ve presented first-author posters at national and international conferences. Outside the lab, I’ve also conducted microbiology research as an intern at the Forsyth Institute.

This year, I am deeply honored to have been awarded the 2025 Marshall Scholarship. As a Marshall Scholar, I will spend my first year studying biological sciences at the Wellcome Sanger Institute for genomics research at the University of Cambridge, followed by a second year studying medical anthropology at the University of Oxford.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking new recipes with friends, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and training for my first triathlon. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a career as a physician-scientist, bridging clinical care, basic science, and storytelling to envision a future where all patients can access effective treatments and lead dignified lives. Please don’t hesitate to reach out about classes, internship opportunities, interests/global health ideas, or anything else!

• Areas of interest in Global Health: Health policy, Healthcare accessibility, Education, Healthcare economics, Immigrant healthcare management
• Global-Health Related Student Organizations: Global VISION
• Other Student Organizations: IOP Policy, HCURA, Harvard Science Review, PBHA BRYE Teen
• Research/Internships: Research Intern (Broad Institute); Microbiology Research Intern (Forsyth Institute)

Hi! I’m Ye Won Ham, and I’m passionate about improving access to healthcare and addressing social determinants of health through cross-cultural medicine. Growing up in Hawaii, a culturally diverse place, I developed a deep appreciation for patient-centered care and cultural competency, especially through exposure to traditional medicine through my father. These experiences led me to pursue global health, where I could understand and address the cultural nuances impacting healthcare delivery across populations.

Through HGHI, I serve as a global ambassador on the Student Advisory Committee (SAC). I was also part of the SURGH internship program, where I conducted research at the Global Enterics Lab on the pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, I conduct research at the Nett Lab in the MCB department, investigating medicinally-relevant plant compounds, including harmine and harmaline from Peganum harmala, a plant used in folk medicine. HGHI has been instrumental in nurturing my global health journey by offering interdisciplinary opportunities, internships, and independent research funding. It has helped me develop leadership skills, conduct meaningful research, and cultivate my passion for improving global health, especially in the context of cultural sensitivity and policy.

In my free time, I love playing golf (I’ve been playing since I was 8!), taking ceramics workshops, and relaxing with music and Korean reality shows and dramas.

• Areas of Interest in Global Health: Cross-cultural medicine, healthcare access, social determinants of health
• Research/Internships: Global Enterics Lab (SURGH), Nett Lab (medicinal plants research)
• Role Model: My parents, whose determination and compassion have shaped my aspirations.

Hi! I’m Pradish Poudel, and I’m passionate about global health, especially addressing disparities in underserved communities. My journey began as a student physician witnessing health inequities during community outreach, which inspired my commitment to creating accessible and affordable healthcare systems.

I focus on building capacity, recruiting, and retaining primary care physicians in rural areas to strengthen healthcare in low-resource settings. As the founder of Nepal Health Corps, I’ve led initiatives connecting young professionals with underserved populations. My thesis research explores how to improve primary care physician retention in rural Nepal. Serving as the Health Minister’s Special Envoy for Global Health has also allowed me to shape healthcare policies and advance sustainable health initiatives.

At Harvard, my involvement with the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) has been transformative. As a Student Engagement Advisor, I’ve mentored peers, collaborated on projects, and connected with inspiring professionals who motivate me to pursue innovative global health solutions.

• Areas of Interest in Global Health: Rural healthcare capacity building, Health equity and access, and Workforce development for primary care
• Research/Internships: Founder and President, Nepal Health Corps; Thesis research on physician retention in rural Nepal; Teaching Fellow at HMS
• Role model: Dr. Joia S. Mukherjee inspires me with her dedication to global health and her ability to empower future leaders.
• Interesting fact: I’m the first Nepalese national to do the Global Health Delivery program in the history of Harvard University.

Izumi Vázquez is a senior studying History of Science (Medicine and Society track) with a secondary in GHHP on the pre-med track. She was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Izumi is interested in advancing health equity (particularly that affecting Latino communities) as both a physician and health policy advocate. She is also interested in the intersection of art and healthcare — she has previously created and is currently working on art pieces for a major hospital in her hometown. A few other things she loves: pottery, dogs, and backpacking!

• Areas of Interest in Global Health: Health equity, Health policy, Migrant health, Mental health advocacy, Social determinants of health
• Other Student Organizations: First-Year Outdoor Program, Harvard Consulting on Business and the Environment
• Research/Internships: Getting to Zero Massachusetts Coalition Activist Academy Fellow, Advocating Success for Kids (ASK) Clinic Patient Advocate, research intern (Lee Lab @ UT Health San Antonio), summer business analyst (healthcare consulting @ McKinsey)

Hey everyone! My name is Amiel Katz and I am from Houston, Texas. I love the global health sphere. I’m particularly interested in medical anthropology, as well as the impact of community on health outcomes. I spent the past couple years on an independent research project, where I analyzed current and historical socio-political structures that affect the lives of people with rare diseases in Latin America. My research has been published in The Lancet Regional Health: Americas under the title “Advancing Rare Disease Policy in Latin America: A Call to Action.” Currently, I’m working on researching the revolving door effect on homeless psychiatric hospitalized patients and generating policy improvements to mental healthcare with Professor Basilico.

Hi! I’m Princess Magor Agbozo, and I’m passionate about global health, particularly health systems and the role of religion in improving community well-being. Having lived in different parts of the world, I have experienced firsthand how healthcare systems vary across regions. In some places, robust systems and resources uplift communities, while in others, significant gaps exist. These experiences shaped my desire to pursue studies in global health, with a focus on improving access to quality care for everyone.

I’m especially passionate about designing health systems that respond to the needs of diverse populations. The health of a population is tied to how well its healthcare system functions. In addition, I find the role of religion in public health fascinating. Often overlooked, religious leaders play a critical role in supporting communities. Recognizing their contributions and providing them with the necessary resources can strengthen their impact on community health.

My time at HGHI has allowed me to connect with inspiring faculty and develop my skills in programming and communication. I’ve also been able to engage deeply with faculty members who share my research interests, enhancing my journey as a global health professional. I definitely recommend attending HGHI’s Global Health Symposium as well as the Africa Health Conference, both of which take place in the Spring semester!

Areas of interest in Global Health: Health Systems Strengthening, Role of Religion in Community Health, Health Equity and Well-being
Research/Internships: Harvard Chan Africa Health Students Forum (HCAHSF)
Suggested Harvard Courses for Other Students: GHP 569-Decolonizing Global Health

Hi! I’m Lami, and I’m passionate about global health, particularly women’s health and health equity. My interest in global health was sparked by witnessing firsthand the stark differences between health systems in China and the United States. Growing up in China, getting a doctor’s appointment often meant waking up at 4 am, lining up outside the hospital, and paying in cash to secure a spot. In contrast, accessing specialized care in the U.S. can take months and involves navigating a complex network of insurance and reimbursement processes. Despite being situated in vastly different contexts, this highlighted for me that marginalized communities in both places face similar barriers to care and discrimination. I am deeply passionate about women’s health, particularly in ensuring equitable access to reproductive and maternal care.  While working at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, I organized the annual Women, Equity, and Development Forum and contributed to research on effective gender policy, deepening my commitment to advancing equitable access to reproductive and maternal care.

Working at HGHI has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to connect with passionate peers and experts committed to health equity. This dynamic environment has empowered me to explore new ways of thinking and engage in impactful global health work. One piece of advice I value from my economics professors is to “diversify your portfolio”—not just financially, but in what you learn, the perspectives you embrace, and the communities you engage with.

Areas of interest in Global Health: Women’s Health, Reproductive and Maternal Care, Global Health Equity
Research/Internships: Chicago Council on Global Affairs—Annual Women, Equity, and Development Forum
Suggested Harvard Courses for Other Students: GHP 569-Decolonizing Global Health

Hi! I’m Alice Ferguson, a senior concentrating in study both History and Government with a focus on U.S. diplomatic history. The COVID-19 pandemic showed me how interconnected health systems, governance, and security are, which sparked my passion for understanding how global health impacts national stability. As the Strategic Projects Intern on the Programs Team, I’ve worked on the PAPHA Reauthorization Act, which gave me firsthand experience in how legislation and policy strengthen public health systems. This opportunity deepened my belief that tackling global health challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach and sustained international collaboration.

I’m particularly interested in the intersection of climate change, health, and security, as these complex and dynamic fields offer opportunities for innovative solutions. Engaging with HGHI has expanded my understanding of how global health professionals, researchers, and policymakers work together to create meaningful change. My role model is my mother, who has worked in public health my whole life and inspired my passion for health equity.

• Areas of interest in Global Health: Climate and Health and National Security and Global Health
• Research/Internships: Research Assistant to Professor Fredrik Logevall at Harvard’s Belfer Center

Hi! I’m Jessica Zhuo, a sophomore concentrating in Neuroscience. I’m passionate about health equity, especially addressing health illiteracy and educational inequity in underserved communities. Growing up in an immigrant community, I saw firsthand how language barriers and limited access to education impact healthcare access. I’m currently the Outreach Chair and former Research Fellow for the Health Disparities Think Tank, working to address health inequities in immigrant populations. Beyond my work in health, I’m working on a neuroscience education platform designed to make complex scientific topics accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. This work stems from my belief that education is a critical determinant of health, and by improving educational access and quality, we can create lasting positive change in global health outcomes.

As the Communications Intern at HGHI, I’ve had the opportunity to help organize newsletters and publicize their events, expanding my knowledge of global health opportunities on campus while simultaneously sharpening my communication and organizational skills, which are essential for any global health professional. I would encourage anyone interested in global health to get involved with HGHI, as it’s a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and make a tangible impact in the field. HGHI is an incredible platform for students passionate about global health to engage with leading professionals, researchers, and policymakers. As someone with minimal global health experience coming into college, I was able to attend a number of health related events, hold meaningful conversations with global health researchers, and learn from leaders in the field after joining this past year.

• Areas of interest in Global Health: Healthcare equity, Health illiteracy, Educational inequity, Neurological health in underserved populations
• Global Health-Related Student Organizations: Health Disparities Think Tank (HDTT)
• Research/Internships: Harvard Research Fellow, Neuroendocrinology Lab