Student Engagement

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

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 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 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