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