Who are the directors and team leads of this lab?
The Applied Global Public Health Initiative (AGPHI) is both faculty-advised and student-run.
Faculty Advisors:
- Christopher Dickey
- Kiera Bloch
Executive Board Members:
- Ami Fall — Operations Manager
- Maya Moukarzel — Program Manager
- Deena Ayesh — Program Manager
- Gurvir Sidhu — Program Manager
- Sneha D’Andrea — VIP Manager
What is the mission or primary focus of your lab’s research, and how does it contribute to public health or interdisciplinary work?
AGPHI provides consultation to health and development projects around the world in partnership with local leaders, Ministries of Health, WHO, PAHO, UNICEF, and others.
Our mission is to innovate systems-based, needs-driven, and equitable solutions by pairing consultants from our lab with local experts to co-create community-centered initiatives.
We support a wide range of projects aligned with the following pillars:
- Human-Centered Design
- Social and Behavioral Change
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Entrepreneurship
- Systems Thinking
- Rural Health (Globally and Nationally)
By bridging academic, policy, and practice-based approaches, we contribute to interdisciplinary public health by centering partnership and capacity-building across diverse global contexts.
What types of skill sets do you typically look for in student researchers? Are these skills taught within or outside the lab?
We look for students who are self-propelled, curious, and passionate about applying global health principles in real-world contexts. While students bring a wide range of backgrounds, we value passion, adaptability, and a strong commitment to equity.
Skills are developed through hands-on opportunities, including:
Technical Skills:
- Data Visualization & Analysis (Tableau, R, STATA, REDCap, SQL)
- Writing & Communication (academic manuscripts, policy briefs, grant writing)
- Graphics & Media (Canva, Adobe Suite, social media strategy)
- Applied Public Health Competencies (bottleneck analysis, systems mapping, needs assessments, project management, community health worker training)
- Multilingual Communication (over 20 languages spoken across our team)
These skills are taught and refined through lab projects, workshops, and peer mentorship. Students also strengthen soft skills such as problem-solving, leadership, and systems thinking.
What do you love most about your lab environment?
AGPHI’s environment is collaborative, interdisciplinary, and mission-driven. Students often find a strong sense of community and purpose, grounded in the desire to create real-world impact.
The lab attracts students who are eager to move beyond the classroom and tackle complex global health challenges. Weekly Friday lab meetings provide space for hands-on consulting, expert engagement, skill development, and reflection.
AGPHI empowers students to grow into well-rounded public health professionals with the confidence to lead in diverse settings.
What’s one piece of advice that continues to guide your work today?
"Start where the community starts."
Begin by listening to what the community identifies as the core problem. Then, dig deeper to uncover root causes. This approach ensures solutions are sustainable and grounded in the realities of those directly impacted. It reflects our commitment to human-centered design as the foundation for all our work.
What types of projects or roles are available for students? Any upcoming opportunities?
AGPHI currently leads nine interdisciplinary projects through the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) program and other initiatives.
Available roles include:
- Junior Consultants – Ideal for undergraduates seeking hands-on learning
- Senior Consultants – For experienced students looking to take on leadership and mentorship roles
Opportunities are open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
How do you support student researchers in professional and academic growth?
We support our students through a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Active research experience across our thematic focus areas
- Technical skill-building aligned with our core pillars
- Opportunities to publish and present work in academic and community forums
- Networking with global universities, NGOs, and multilateral organizations
- Cross-cultural collaboration through interdisciplinary teams
Our students graduate with strong portfolios, meaningful networks, and real-world experience that prepares them to thrive in public health careers.
Are there any recent projects or accomplishments you're proud of?
Recent highlights include:
- MENA – Certification program
- AFYA – Presentation at the Harvard Global Health Conference
- NGO – Featured at the New York Public Health Partnership Conference
- Mycetoma – Presentation at the World NTD WHO Conference
- Highland Project – Featured in an article based on a competitive grant award (Link: https://manor-ink.org/august-2025-story-1)
Contact Information
Email: gphinitiative@gmail.com
Stay Connected
LinkedIn: NYU Applied Global Public Health Initiative
Instagram: @nyuagphi