Who are the directors and team leads of this lab? Is it faculty-advised, student-run, or both?
The lab is run by HealthRight International staff, including an Intern Coordinator and faculty-affiliated staff members:
- Dr. Peter Navario (New York University)
- Dr. Theresa Castillo (Bard College, Columbia University)
- Dr. Emma Sacks (Johns Hopkins University)
The lab is faculty-advised and operated by HealthRight staff.
What is the mission or primary focus of your lab's research, and how does it contribute to public health or interdisciplinary work?
HealthRight interns are integral members of the team, supporting the development and implementation of programs, promoting HealthRight’s mission, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, and assisting with special projects and daily operations.
Interns work independently and collaboratively, engaging with HealthRight staff as well as academic and NGO partners. The program emphasizes global health, human rights, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Successful interns bring a passion for global health, eagerness to learn, self-management skills, and strong writing abilities.
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?
Students are expected to have foundational skills, with opportunities to match roles based on their strengths and interests.
Valued skills include:
- Strong writing and copy-editing
- Independent work and self-management
- Openness to feedback
- Humility and open-mindedness when working with marginalized populations
Skills developed during the internship include:
- Data management
- Grant scanning and writing
- Literature review writing
- Understanding of NGO department operations and workflows
Can you share what you love most about your lab environment?
With a small, tight-knit team, students receive hands-on experience and direct involvement in meaningful projects. Many staff are also professors, which creates a strong culture of mentorship, continuous feedback, and support for student development and exploration of their interests.
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?
Students may engage in the following types of projects and roles:
- Grant scanning and writing
- Literature reviews and copy-editing manuscripts
- Administrative support (e.g., business development, programs)
- Management of nonprofit databases (project data, grant data, donor data)
Event planning and support - Development of organizational standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Social media content creation
How do you support student researchers in growing professionally and/or academically?
Students are encouraged to develop new skills by participating in guided projects under staff mentorship. They gain experience working with a global team—including staff in Kenya, Uganda, and Ukraine—and often take part in advanced projects that strengthen their resumes.
Many interns continue beyond their initial role to contribute to academic manuscripts, research projects, and conference presentations, and even publish papers in collaboration with the team.
Contact information for the lab if students are interested:
Email: intern.coordinator@healthright.org
How can students keep up to date with you and your lab?
Instagram: @healthright