Faatihat Adebayo-Tijani
she/her/hers
Country of origin: Nigeria
Degree(s): MBBS, University of Ibadan, 2015
Global health experience:
Delivered primary care treatments to patients at Ajofeebo Primary HealthCare Center, Ibadan, Nigeria; Engaged Ajofeebo community to promote and advocate for increased health insurance coverage; Organized and participated in community health outreaches in Ibadan, Nigeria
Global health interests:
Infectious disease management and prevention; Healthcare access for underserved communities; Global oncology research
Janan AlKhaja
she/her/hers
Country of origin: United Arab Emirates
Degree(s): BA, Global Health, University of California, San Diego, 2019; BS, Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 2019; Masters in Public Health, Public Health- Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, 2021
Global health experience:
Led the development, research, writing, and execution of the content, and outcome pieces for the People and Planet events for the Women’s Pavilion, at the World Expo 2020 Dubai; Coordinated fundraising efforts through the Meena Project, which focuses on funding microfinance projects that promote women’s autonomy in Pakistan; Conducted and evaluated community needs-based assessments as a fellow at the Food and Water Security Minister’s Office in an effort to expand the nation’s agricultural technology initiatives
Global health interests:
Food and Water Security; Global Health Diplomacy; Adverse Childhood Experiences in Underserved and Minority Populations
Michael Baliton
he/him/his
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior at UC Davis (2016)
Global health experience:
Awarded the Robinson-Durst Global Health Scholarship to design a research study in collaboration with the University of the Philippines and Philippine General Hospital to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perception of colorectal cancer screening among Filipinos. Served patients through several safety net clinics including Ashland Free Medical Clinic, Bayanihan Clinic, and Mabuhay Health Center.
Global health interests:
Global oncology, quality improvement, strengthening partnerships and capacity building in LMICs
Atousa Bonyani
she/her/hers
Country of origin: Iran
Degree(s): Pharm. D., Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 2017
Global health experience:
Contributed in improving access to quality-assured medicines, vaccines, and health technology in Iran by supporting regulatory systems strengthening, revision of essential medicines list, enhancing local production, and supporting procurement and supply chain system.
Global health interests:
Health Systems, Health Policy, Health Financing
Christopher (Chris) Campbell
he/him/his
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): B.S, Health Science, Sacramento State, 2023
Global health experience:
Sonoma County Public Health Laboratory Volunteer, Hospice by the Bay Volunteer, Administrative Assistant for a UCSF research project
Global health interests:
Healthcare Quality Improvement, Preventative Health, Health Equity
Charlotte Celikyol
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): BA, Marine Science Major, Biology Minor, Pre-med tract, Boston University, 2023
Global health experience:
Organized and lead a trip to Guatemala as an E-board member of Global Medical Brigades at Boston University in which we aided doctors with varying aspects of healthcare including triage, consulting, optometry, gynecology, dentistry, prescriptions and informative presentations regarding chronic diseases and mental health; Engaged with underserved populations in a clinical research setting of Chronic Kidney Disease identifying biomarkers and exploring possible diagnostic tests.
Global health interests:
I am committed to identifying and removing the effects of racism in healthcare within the US and beyond. I am also interested in bringing high quality medical care to underserved populations globally such as those living in extreme poverty. Additionally I am interested in repairing the gaps in the quality of medical care based on unequal wealth distribution as a product of intersecting prejudices like racism, misogyny, homophobia and movements against the unhoused populations.
Ethan Chen
he/him/his
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): BS, Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, 2022
Global health experience:
Volunteered as tutor and mentor for underserved youth in San Jose, Fundraised and advocated for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, Translated Mandarin and Spanish as hospital volunteer
Global health interests:
Mental Health, Child Development, Underserved populations
Mayar Dahmani
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, UCLA, 2023
Global health experience:
Worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for 3+ years, examining and aiding patients, conducting assessments, and facilitating/documenting tasks and activities; Interned at Kaiser Permanente shadowing medical specialists, observing numerous critical care management procedures and processes (sepsis, cardiac and respiratory failure, sedation practices, hemodynamic monitoring, etc.); Conducted research on concordance in patient-physician relationships, and its effect on chronic pain
Global health interests:
Infectious diseases, maternal and child health, neurological and mental disorders and diseases.
Kristen Fu
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): BS, Cognitive Science, University of California, Los Angeles, 2023
Global health experience:
Worked as a research assistant on studies related to women’s health and led a study on reproductive health knowledge in the Sex, Gender, and Evolution Lab at UCLA; Assisted on longitudinal studies analyzing prosocial behavior during childhood and adolescence as a part of the UCLA PRO & GIV Studies; Volunteered at a Los Angeles community center, helping with the after school program for Koreatown youth
Global health interests:
Reproductive Health, Women’s Health, Immigrant and Migrant Health
Shakiba Ghasemi Assl
Country of origin: Iran
Degree(s): Doctor of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, 2021
Global health experience:
Managed and conducted various workshops with the focus on educating special populations in the field of STDs, vaccination and drug abuse. Supervised campaigns to raise awareness about screening programs including breast and colorectal cancers. Volunteered as the COVID-19 vaccination team physician and supervisor in remote locations in Iran.
Global health interests:
HPV vaccination, STDs, Drug abuse
Emily Hamerton
she/her/hers
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Degree(s): Bachelor’s of Science, Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology 2021
Global health experience:
Clinical Research Coordinator; Leading data analysis for a future publication on HIV and HCV; Executing in depth research on proteomic data associated with aortic valve calcification for future publication; Collecting and analyzing data from 14 sites across the US for the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study
Global health interests:
Infectious diseases, underserved populations, access to medical treatment
Sara (Nadia) Hemmat
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts, Human Biology, Stanford University, 2023
Global health experience:
Synthesize data and create eight infographics with crucial health information for new mothers with Digital Medic in Cape Town, South Africa. Translate educational infographics into 13 different languages to be used in clinical settings in Malawi, South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana. Collaborate with local elementary schools to promote children’s health and well-being through athletics and nutritional services in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Distribute and install water filters to over 50 families in rural villages in San José, Costa Rica. Coordinate with local community leaders in Spanish to identify regions in need of clean water.
Global health interests:
Maternal health promotion, child health education
Sydney Howell
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): BS, Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, 2022
Global health experience:
Clinical Research Coordinator in the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant department at the University of Utah; Volunteer work with Planned Parenthood to promote sexual education and reproductive rights; Administrative work with a Home Health and Hospice agency to maintain medical records and schedule clinicians with patients.
Global health interests:
Mental Health; Women’s Health; Preventative Health
Isabella (Izzy) Jacques
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science, General Biology, University of California, San Diego, 2022
Global health experience:
Volunteered with Maya Health Alliance, an NGO serving indigenous populations in rural Guatemala, assisting with research data collection, anthropometric measurements, nutrient/food delivery, and translation of materials; Worked in a fertility laboratory in San Diego, CA, assisting those struggling to conceive through procedures such as IUI, IVF, and analysis of male infertility factors; Shadowed and participated in resident classes under two OB/GYNs at Centro Médico Militar and Hospital Herrera Llerandi in Guatemala City
Global health interests:
Women’s reproductive health and family planning; Population health in Central and South America; Health care systems and policy
Tanmayi Jadhav
she/her/hers
Country of origin: India
Degree(s): Bachelors of Arts, Psychology, CMR University, 2023
Global health experience:
I discovered my served the special needs population with their domestic and academic goals. I’ve worked closely with the special Ed teachers and got some experience to work with populations coming from low socioeconomic background. Since that internship, I was keen to help the disadvantaged section of society who didn’t have many resources to support their needs. I currently working as a shadow teacher/assistant psychologist at insighte which is an organisation working towards the goal of inclusivity in a classroom setting. I’m helping a child with ASD to reach his academic and social goals with a carefully curated IEP. Through this experience I learnt how inclusivity enhances diversity of classrooms inspire of a pre-existing normative culture.
Global health interests:
I’m passionate about counseling young adults and couples in every step of their lives. I like to learn about different experiences and help people who are going through life’s difficulties. I believe in a humanistic approach to counseling where each individual can access mental health and makes it as one of their priorities in their future goals; Making art has always been my passion and proved to be a rewarding experience for me throughout. I believe to incorporate art into my approaches to self healing as well. I wish to remain creative and insightful in my professional life with the help of art and all its media; Couples/ family counselling is an area of interest I developed over the recent years. With my personal life experiences, learning of attachment styles and witnessing bonding in the family, I realised how supportive relationships can boost confidence, love and personal growth. I wish to help people achieve the same and learn some more about my own self along the way.
Kristina Jiang
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences, UC Santa Barbara, 2022
Global health experience:
Coalition Engaged in Smoke-Free Effort (CEASE); Advocated for Santa Barbara County community mobilization and policy development on smoking and tobacco use
Global health interests:
noncommunicable diseases, infectious diseases, health financing
Jose (Nico) Johnson
he/him/his
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): BA, Environmental Studies, Minor in Global Information and Social Enterprise Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, 2021
Global health experience:
Educated high school students on the global water crisis and guided them in creating educational fundraisers for water filtration systems intended for sister schools, Worked as a Microbiology Tutor for community college students preparing for nursing, physician assistant, and dental hygiene programs, Volunteered in a childcare center and as a program facilitator in Guatemala, promoting community empowerment, health, and education
Global health interests:
Health Promotion in BIPOC communities, Immigrant and Rural Health, Increasing Healthcare access in underserved communities
Irene Kunga
she/her/hers
Country of origin: Kenya
Degree(s): BS, Business Management, University of New Orleans, 2001
Global health experience:
Volunteer work with homeless communities in San Francisco.
Global health interests:
Mental Health with a focus on minority women.
Paige Laver
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): BA, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of San Francisco, 2021
Global health experience:
Working in a lab for neurodiversity in BIPOC individuals, supporting global foster care
Global health interests:
Mental health, Global neurodiversity, Disease and prevention
Kaitlin (Kait) Linne
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): B.S in Animal Science, minor in Public Health. UC Davis 2023
Global health experience:
Head Undergraduate Coordinator: Mercer Veterinary Clinic: For the Pets of Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Provided direction and organization to the undergraduate organization to run monthly free veterinary clinics to provide free veterinary care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness: Student Assistant: Echocardiographic Effects of Oral Trazodone on Left Ventricular Function in Healthy Dogs – Cardiology at UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Aided in a STAR research project involving Cardiology and Behavior to determine the physiological and behavioral effects of Trazodone on healthy dogs. Lead Veterinary Assistant – Yolo Veterinary Clinic Redesigned appointment scheduling system to improve appointment flow and maximize efficiency. Converted paper chart system to Electronic Medical Record system transitioning data and training staff.
Global health interests:
One-Health, Accessible Veterinary / Medical Care
Sara Malakzay
she/her/hers
Country of origin: Afghanistan
Degree(s): BA, Microbiology, UC Davis, 2018
Global health experience:
Worked as a CRC for COVID19 trials, both for vaccines and treatment. Helped local Afghan immigrants and refugees settle in their new homes and navigate the American healthcare system
Global health interests:
Women’s health and pediatric health. Mental health for refugees, particularly South Asian population. Nutrition and healthcare access for all.
Olivia Mendoza
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): B.S. Human Biology, Stanford University, Class of 2023
Global health experience:
Interned with Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital on a clinical research project investigating PTSD screening efficacy amongst pediatric populations; Researched air pollution as a potential predictor of high blood pressure and future CVD amongst pediatric populations
Global health interests:
Women’s/Maternal & Children’s Health, Mental Health as informed by cultural psychology, Sociocultural Determinants of Health
Samuel (Sam) O’Brien
he/him/his
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): BA, Government, Dartmouth College, 2022
Global health experience:
Conducted field research in rural Indonesia as part of a Fulbright Research grant to determine how to effectively integrate CHWs into mitigating the effects of stunting and other infant/maternal health issues; Worked with the Lancet Commission on Arctic and Northern Health as part of an internship at Dartmouth’s Center for Health Equity; Published an article in the Indonesian global affairs journal, Strategic Review, examining policy steps to decrease Indonesia’s stunting rate
Global health interests:
Infant/Maternal Health, Refugee Health, Health Systems
Sierra Olsen
Country of Origin: USA
Degree(s): Bachelor, Physiology, SFSU, 2022
Minor, Chemistry, SFSU, 2022
Global health experience:
Experience working with families transitioning out of homelessness and with connecting them to resources. Health promotion with access to education and resources is a top priority of mine.
Global health interests:
Interest in helping underprivileged communities specifically working with children. Also interested in doing research on the impact our skin has on our health in certain environments. Lastly, I would like to learn more about my ability to change policies, etc
Jemzi Ortiz
she/her/hers
Country of origin: Northern Cheyenne tribal citizen, USA
Degree(s): B.S., Human Biology, UC Santa Cruz, 2019
Global health experience:
Investigated human rights issues using open-source investigative tools at the UCSC Dolores Huerta Research Center for the Americas Human Rights Investigation Lab; Coordinated programs with student interns, campus departments, community nonprofit organizations, faculty, and Native guest speakers among others to bring awareness and aid in the visibility of Native Americans and to center Indigenous knowledge and culture at the UCSC American Indian Resource Center; Created educational materials regarding trauma-informed care, local resources, and rules of conduct at houseless adult shelter in Santa Cruz, CA
Global health interests:
Health education and promotion with decolonial emphasis for youth and adolescents; Increasing healthcare access and community engagement in addressing health disparities, specifically in Native American urban and reservation communities; Sustainable health equity
Shradha Ranganath
she/her/hers
Country of origin: India
Degree(s): MA, English Language and Literature, English and Foreign Languages University, 2018
Global health experience:
Designed and deployed large scale public health interventions across Africa and Asia within TB, HIV and mental health contexts; Here, I liaised with the NTPs, NACPs, MoH and key stakeholders to design programs based on data driven solutions to achieve predefined program metrics; Co-produced (with the forest department, Karnataka, India) a public awareness short film that addresses the issue of human-animal conflict with a focus on snakebites as a public health challenge in. This film helped spread awareness about snakebites as a health concern and means by which the safety of humans as well as ecology can be balanced; At a Singapore based leadership firm, I studied multiple aspects of healthcare and prevalent health issues faced by developed nations like Singapore. My work focused on advocating for better lifestyle choices, improving dietary choices and ensuring that the mind, body and soul are addressed in equilibrium.
Global health interests:
Infectious diseases (TB, HIV, Malaria); Program/Intervention Designing, Monitoring and Evaluation; Evidence generation
Nandita Sachdev
she/her/hers
Country of origin: India
Degree(s): MS Clinical Counseling, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 2014
Global health experience:
Conducted mental health assessment and triage, diagnosis, treatment, and crisis intervention service for children and families. Navigated Medi-Cal requirements including mental health assessments and individual treatment plans. Collaborated with community systems to facilitate linkage, referral, crisis management, advocacy, and follow-up, focusing on attaining treatment goals.
Global health interests:
Mental health awareness and advocacy; Women & children healthcare; Clinical and Community-based Health research
Janesca Seif
Country of origin: Germany
Degree(s): BS, Nursing, Catholic University of Applied Social Sciences of Munich, 2023
Global health experience:
Accompanied the clinical trial phase of a digital-robotic system integration on a nuclear ward as a study nurse at the University Hospital of Munich; Provided care for premature and sick infants during a practical semester abroad at the Department of Neonatology of the Rigshospitalet Copenhagen, a highly specialized hospital in Denmark; Supported a clinical nursing research team as a student assistant in transcribing and analyzing qualitative research data on barriers and facilitators in the implementation of robotic systems in hospitals
Global health interests:
Newborn, child and maternal health; Socioeconomic and cultural determinants of health; Global health equity, advocacy and diplomacy
Ujala Shafiq
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): BA, Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, 2022
Global health experience:
Worked on a research team aiming to revolutionize (coronary artery disease) CAD treatment and assessment by creating virtual 3D models representing patent stenosis and blood flow from globally provided CT scans; Worked as a medical assistant in the fields of ophthalmology and immunology at Bay Area based clinics serving diverse demographic groups; Lead projects around and provided patient care for rural and medically underserved populations at Coastside Rotacare as a clinical assistant.
Global health interests:
Child and adolescent mental health; The neurological and cognitive impact of internet/social media usage on the developing brain
Henna Shaghasi
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): BS, Biochemistry, Minor in Psychology, Saint Mary’s College of California, 2021
Global health experience:
Launched a mentorship program that aims to guide high school students through the college application process. Worked as a board-certified autism technician providing direct behavior-analytic services to children with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental differences in both 1:1 and group settings. Worked on a research project aimed to increase the use of smart/connected insulin pens, in an equitable way, in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Global health interests:
Maternal trauma exposure on infants. Women’s mental health. Access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Umedjon (John) Sharifov
Country of origin: Tajikistan
Degree(s): BA, Linguistics and English-Persian Translation, Kulob State University, Tajikistan, 2011
Global health experience:
Taught leadership and self-confidence skills to children with disabilities
Global health interests:
Mental health
Juliette Sierra
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): BS, Biological Sciences, Minor in Educational Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2023
Global health experience:
Worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with adults with mental and developmental disabilities in a non-profit residential facility in Santa Barbara; Volunteered as a tutor for School on Wheels, a non-profit organization that supports children experiencing homelessness in California
Global health interests:
Health equity and access in impoverished and rural populations; Educational access and its role in health equity; Immigrant health and disparities within the healthcare system created through cultural and language barriers
Nicole Skehan
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): BA, English Literature, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, 2016
Global health experience:
Worked as a health education and communications specialist with the California Department of Public Health’s CalConnected program during the COVID-19 pandemic; Served as the public engagement and marketing strategy lead for CA Notify, California’s digital exposure notification system; Volunteered as a copywriter and content strategist for a non-profit organization focused on providing community-based healthcare facilities with verified and affordable PPE; Researched the migration and invasion patterns of toxicant-treated trophoblastic cells
Global health interests:
Health education; Emerging zoonotic diseases
Sarah Solomon
she/her/hers
Country of Origin: Ethiopia
Degree(s): BS Biology, Howard University, 2022
Global health experience:
Facilitated global health discussions through seminars and raised money for global health causes working as ghu coordinator of Howard University’s Globemed; Conducted bioinformatics research on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) as a APHL/CDC fellow at the California Department of Public Health.
Global health interests:
Maternal health; Health systems
Maria (Cristina) Soto Alvarez
she/her/hers
Country of origin: Peru
Degree(s): BS, Psychobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, 2019
Global health experience:
Applied technologies to mental health research as a data analyst and research coordinator; Monitored special needs children’s behaviors, focused on their triggers to facilitate a balanced learning environment as a behavioral therapist; Designed and implemented case management programs for Medicare patients in underserved communities across Northern and Southern California.
Global health interests:
Health promotion in immigrant populations and underserved locations; Mental healthcare access and awareness in developing countries.
Isabelle Thapar
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): Bachelors in Integrative Human Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 2023
Global health experience:
Currently working as a research intern for the Innovations for Choice and Autonomy (ICAN) UCSF research team that aims to increase reproductive healthcare autonomy, family planning resources, and contraceptive resources for women in lower and middle income countries; Participated as a healthcare navigator on UCSF’s COVID-19 Hotline to make COVID-19 testing and treatment options and information more accessible to patients, as well as acted as an advocate for patients; Scribed patient-physician encounters while volunteering with an orthopedic surgery team in Vietnam that focused on the treatment plans for a wide range of conditions such as occupational injuries, trauma, and chronic infections
Global health interests:
Reproductive health, Healthy aging of populations, Healthcare accessibility in rural and underserved populations
Dongxue (Snow) Wang
she/her/hers
Country of origin: China
Degree(s): BS, Journalism, Southwest University for Nationalities, 2003; MS. Social Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, 2014; MBA, University of California, Berkeley, 2021
Global health experience:
Assisted with medical research for stroke prevention at Professor Rona Giffard’s lab at Stanford University, specializing in technical sectioning and staining of mice brains for experimental use; Initiated and led venture financing strategies and executions for BioPharmaX Inc. (NYSE: BPMX, a dermatology and cosmetic focused pharmaceutical company) through the pre-IPO to post-IPO stage as an IR specialist; Led corporate venture funds at GUDU MEDICAL PTE.LTD., conducting the entire venture investment cycle until exit. Experienced board member specializing in corporate venture investment in the MedTech industry.
Global health interests:
Health economics valuation and healthcare venture financing, with a specific emphasis on the economic value of rare diseases and orphan drug development; Bridging the current venture investment gap in rare diseases and orphan drug development fields by utilizing cost-benefit analysis and assessment methods to reduce regulatory costs, especially in the clinical trials stage; Initiating health economics and venture financial models through broadening and expanding multiple clinical applications. For example, Botox (botulinum toxin type A) was initially invented for a specific medical purpose, treating trigeminal neuralgia (TN), but ended up with broader applications in dermatology and aesthetics.
Madeleine (Maddie) Wong
she/her/hers
Country of origin: USA
Degree(s): BS, Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 2023
Global health experience:
Conducted research on the ways in which health care policy reforms affect immigrant populations in the Boston Area; Conducted qualitative research evaluating birthing experiences for patients at Massachusetts General Hospital who had an unplanned Cesarean section; Mentored high school students participating in an after-school program at the Boston Public Health Commission aiming to get first-generation students of color interested in health related fields by providing class-room instruction and educational opportunities.
Global health interests:
sociocultural determinants of disease, global health ethics and sustainability, reproductive health and social justice
Qianya (Thea) Zhang
she/they
Country of origin: China
Degree(s): BS, Clinical Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 2022
Global health experience:
Engaged as an undergraduate research assistant at UCSD Research Lab, conducting investigations into facets of sexual health. Engaged in medical ethics and anthropology research, conducting observations to unveil diverse connections between cultural dynamics and global mental health. Worked as a tutor at City College, facilitating students’ understanding of philosophy and symbolic logic.
Global health interests:
Mental Health, Health Disparities, Universal Healthcare Implementation