Who are the directors and team leads of this lab? Is it faculty-advised, student-run, or both?
- Lab Faculty Advisor: Jo Ivey Boufford
- Lab Director: Helen Trinh
The GAUH Lab is currently a faculty-advised lab.
What is the mission or primary focus of your lab's research, and how does it contribute to public health or interdisciplinary work?
Urban health is an evolving area of research, education, practice, and policymaking. The GAUH Lab provides students with opportunities to contribute to developing activities that advance the evidence base in urban health, including research, implementation, and evaluation efforts.
What types of skill sets do you typically look for in student researchers? Are these skills taught within or outside the lab? What other skills have your students developed during their time with you?
The lab values students who are eager to take initiative and think critically about urban health issues. Students often gain experience in consulting, research, policy writing, and project development. Many of these skills are taught through lab projects and mentorship, while others are strengthened through hands-on practice and collaboration with client organizations.
Can you share what you love most about your lab environment?
The GAUH Lab encourages students to take on a consulting role when working with client organizations. Students gain exposure to different project types and lab environments. Whether through mentorship, collaboration, or hands-on opportunities, the lab supports a culture of learning, adaptability, and professional growth.
What’s one piece of advice or insight you received as a student researcher that continues to guide your work or approach today?
(Answer not provided.)
What types of projects or roles are typically available for undergraduate and graduate students in your lab? Are there any upcoming opportunities for students to know about?
The lab offers opportunities for students to work on domestic and international urban health projects. Roles often involve research, consulting, and policy development.
Upcoming Opportunity:
The Fall 2025 lab application is currently open. Interested students can apply here:
How do you support student researchers in growing professionally and/or academically?
The lab supports student growth through:
- Research exposure
- Development of new technical and analytical skills
- Opportunities for publishing and presenting
- Networking with client organizations in both domestic and international settings
Are there any recent projects or accomplishments from your lab that you’re particularly proud of?
During the 2024 – 2025 academic year, several student teams produced impactful deliverables, including authored publications and foreign policy briefs that will inform the development of global urban health initiatives.
Contact information for the lab if students are interested:
Contact Lab Director Helen Trinh at: helen.trinh@nyu.edu