GPH is proud to introduce its largest cohort of doctorates ever, having granted ten PhD degrees last week. After dedicating countless hours of research and field work to become experts on their topic, these scholars are poised for new endeavors that are only the beginning of the impact they will have, and we wish them the best. Scroll below to read a Q & A featuring happy PhD grads who share words of advice, public health aspirations, fun facts and fond memories of their GPH experience.
Gawon Cho, PhD in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Advisor: Virginia Chang
Dissertation Title: “Work Schedules, Sleep Variability, and Cognition"
Dr. Cho continues her research as a postdoctoral associate focusing on sleep and cognition at the Yale School of Medicine.
Q: Think back to your first day as a doctoral student; what advice would you give yourself?
A: I wouldn’t give her any advice and let her explore!
Q: If you could solve any public health challenge in the world, what would it be?
A: Pathological brain aging.
Q: What skill or characteristic was indispensable as you earned your degree?
A: Good writing skills and an analytical mind.
Q: Describe one of your favorite NYU memories.
A: Defending while being 36 weeks pregnant.
Q: What's your secret food/beverage/hangout spot in New York City?
A: There are a few: Ootoya; Yakitori Totto; Cafe Reggio; 108 Food Dried Hot Pot; Le Baobab; and The Halal Guys!
Margaux Grivel, PhD in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Advisor: Lawrence Yang
Dissertation Title: "Cognition in UntReated SchizophrEnia (COURSE): A cluster analysis of naturally occurring cognitive subtypes in never-treated individuals with late-stage schizophrenia"
Dr. Grivel continues her research in global mental health at GPH and received a University award for an outstanding dissertation.
Q: Think back to your first day as a doctoral student; what advice would you give yourself?
A: My advice is twofold: First, leave perfectionism at the door — it won't serve you or your research. Second, keep those self-limiting beliefs in check! Often, the most significant battles we face are within ourselves, so remember to be kind and patient with yourself.
I'd also like to share a valuable piece of wisdom from Dr. Danielle Ompad that resonated deeply with me: "The best dissertation is a done dissertation." This mantra carried me through the final months of my dissertation journey!
Q: If you could solve any public health challenge in the world, what would it be?
A: While my dissertation did not focus on stigma, I have been mentored by Dr. Lawrence Yang, renowned stigma expert, for more than eight years. Through my ongoing collaboration with him, I‘ve gained insights into the pervasive nature of stigma and its role as a significant barrier to care. As such, if I could tackle any public health challenge, it would be mental illness stigma, in all its varied forms — internalized, public and structural. Imagine a world where individuals can access appropriate care without hesitation, shame or fear of social repercussions, where health systems are designed and tailored to support and empower individuals facing mental health challenges, and where compassion and understanding are not just the ideal, but the standard?
Q: What skill or characteristic was indispensable as you earned your degree?
A: Persistence!
Q: Describe one of your favorite NYU memories.
A: I feel most nostalgic about my early days at GPH — days that were spent cooped up in the 12th floor grad student space in the old GPH building, studying with my cohort and fellow GPH peers, and being chronically over-caffeinated. Also, dancing to 'The Fitness Marshall' YouTube videos in Dr. Ompad's Epi classes -- a core NYU memory for sure!
Q: What's your secret food/beverage/hangout spot in New York City?
A: These might not be so secret, but my favorite spots are Empanada Mama in Midtown, and Lum Lum on 49th and Ninth — the chicken fried rice is exceptional!
Avni Gupta, PhD in Public Health Policy and Managment
Advisor: José Pagán
Dissertation Title: "Dental, Vision, and Hearing Supplemental Benefits in Medicare Advantage: Selection Value and Equity."
Dr. Gupta continues her work in health care coverage and access as a researcher at The Commonwealth Fund.
Q: Think back to your first day as a doctoral student; what advice would you give yourself?
A: Connect with other doctoral students and decide which career path you want to pursue.
Q: If you could solve any public health challenge in the world, what would it be?
A: To prevent civilian casualties and being denied access to food, healthcare and homes during wars.
Q: What skill or characteristic was indispensable as you earned your degree?
A: Networking, making connections, communication.
Q: Describe one of your favorite NYU memories.
A: An outing in Washington Square Park to take a headshot.
Q: What's your secret food/beverage/hangout spot in New York City?
A: Dominique Ansel Bakery. It’s not a secret, but I love it!
Vivian Wang, PhD in Public Health Policy and Management
Advisor: José Pagán
Dissertation Title: "Health-Related Social Needs and Patterns of Health Services Use: A Population Health Perspective with the All of Us Research Program."
Dr. Wang will begin a postdoctoral fellowship with the Center for Population Health and Health Services Research at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine.
Q: Think back to your first day as a doctoral student; what advice would you give yourself?
A: I hardly recall the first day! However, the general principle I lived by was to be open-minded while staying true to my personal values.
Q: If you could solve any public health challenge in the world, what would it be?
A: Communication with empathy—at both individual and organizational levels.
Q: What skill or characteristic was indispensable as you earned your degree?
A: Appreciating different opinions and approaches to the same public health and health care challenges.
Q: Describe one of your favorite NYU memories.
A: Developing friendships of a lifetime.
Q: What's your secret food/beverage/hangout spot in New York City?
A: It wouldn't be a secret if I said it out loud ;)
Kelley Akiya, PhD in Public Health Policy and Management
Advisor: José Pagán
Dissertation Title: "Applications of Trajectory and Transition Modeling Methods to Improve Understanding of Food Insecurity, Health, and Health Care Use Among Low-Income Late Middle Age and Older Adults in the United States."
After graduation, Dr. Akiya will begin a postdoctoral fellowship with the Institute for Health Policy Studies at the University of California San Francisco.
Q: Think back to your first day as a doctoral student; what advice would you give yourself?
A: Have more fun!
Q: If you could solve any public health challenge in the world, what would it be?
A: To achieve health equity. People assume that health disparities are inevitable, but they're a reflection of social and political values. If we changed our values, we could eliminate the problem.
Q: What skill or characteristic was indispensable as you earned your degree?
A: Kindness. It's very easy for me to become hyper-focused on my own flaws and failures that I get unmotivated or stuck. Being kind with myself and remembering to connect with others to show them support is one of the best ways to move forward. I owe my success to the moments of kindness from mentors and colleagues and hope to show more kindness to others in the future.
Q: Describe your favorite NYU memory.
A: Taking time off in the middle of the day on a weekday to celebrate a fellow student. That's one of those things I could do as a student that was hard to do when I worked a 9-5 job while also being a parent.
Q: What's your favorite food/beverage/hangout spot in New York City?
A: Not very secret, but eating, drinking, and hanging-out in Prospect Park near my apartment. Especially during the pandemic, having access to that space was a real refuge.
Mahathi Vojjala, PhD in Epidemiology
Advisor: Raymond Niaura
Dissertation Title: "Beyond the Clouds: Exploring The Relationship Between Electronic Cigarettes and Gastric Disease and Cancer Through Biomarkers Of Exposure and Potential Harm In U.S. Adults Using the PATH Study, Waves 1 and 5."
After graduation Dr. Vojjala will be working as a Research Scientist at NYU Langone Health in the Department of Population Health.
Q: Think back to your first day as a doctoral student; what advice would you give yourself?
A: Have fun, network, and find a topic you're passionate about!
Q: If you could solve any public health challenge in the world, what would it be?
A: The early detection and prevention of gastric cancer, particularly among young adults, by focusing on eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. This contagious bacterial infection, prevalent in many countries, significantly increases the risk of gastric cancer if left untreated. Implementing screening guidelines and effective treatment protocols targeting H. pylori could potentially reduce global gastric cancer cases, emphasizing the importance of prevention over treatment for better public health outcomes.
Q: What skill or characteristic was indispensable as you earned your degree?
A: I found that time management and statistical analysis skills were indispensable, as well as leadership skills, particularly managing projects and working with different individuals of varying levels and backgrounds.
Q: Describe one of your favorite NYU memories.
A: There are many, since I attended GPH for my MPH as well as my PhD! But I'd say my most favorite memory is my dissertation defense in March of 2024. The room was packed with so many people who were all there to support and cheer me on, that all my nerves were dissipated.
Q: What's your secret food/beverage/hangout spot in New York City?
A: Ippudo during lunch time — no lines and super quick!
