About Us

The Applied Global Public Health Initiative (AGPHI) is a student run, service-based initiative working to create better health circumstances in New York City and beyond through collaborating with outside organizations to find innovative solutions to public health problems.

Composed of undergraduate and graduate students, this lab is overseen by Dr. Chris Dickey and focuses on project-based global public health research in partnership with industry sponsors and frequently hosts renowned guest speakers to discuss creative solutions to public health issues around the world. By working with small, up-and-coming NGOs to ministries of health to larger UN agencies, the lab seeks to develop and nurture applicable, thoughtful and practical skills for our future careers. In doing so, we work to expand our understanding of what it means to be public health practitioners. Overarching research initiatives focus on global public health challenges that require an applied approach to problem solving. During our all-lab weekly meetings, we exchange ideas, discuss current events through a global health lens, and share opportunities for growth on our various projects.

Our Mission

Collaborating to develop innovative, systems-based competencies to apply needs-driven, equitable solutions for sustainable global public health development.

>Meet the Team

Call to Action heading for Thematic Focus Areas
Thematic Focus Areas
Call to Action description
We are committed to advancing global public health through research, innovation, and advocacy. Our work is guided by six foundational pillars that address the most pressing health challenges of our time. These pillars reflect our dedication to equity, inclusivity, and sustainability in public health interventions worldwide.

Our Thematic Focus Areas

water reservoir

Climate Change

Climate change disproportionately impacts those who contribute least to it. From infectious disease risks to environmental displacement, we investigate its direct and indirect health effects and advocate for evidence-based policies prioritizing vulnerable populations. Our work implements sustainable, data-driven solutions to mitigate climate change's effects on health and well-being.

farmers in agriculture field

Decolonization

Global health must center the knowledge and leadership of communities historically excluded from decision-making. We partner with local experts to co-create equitable research, redistribute resources and decision-making power, and support community-driven solutions that honor diverse ways of knowing. Together, we're building a more just future rooted in community self-determination and mutual respect.

doctors and scientists with hands together

Health Systems Strengthening

Strong health systems are an essential public health infrastructure. Climate change and COVID-19 have exposed systemic weaknesses, deepening inequities for marginalized communities. We build resilient health systems prioritizing equity, accessibility, and sustainability through inclusive, resourceful frameworks, ensuring no community is left behind.

nurse with pregnant patient

Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (RMNCH)

RMNCH strengthens public health systems and communities while reducing long-term healthcare burdens. Evidence shows well-designed interventions significantly reduce maternal and child mortality across diverse contexts. We advance RMNCH through research, advocacy, and sustainability, prioritizing equity, access, and culturally responsive care.

nurse checking blood pressure

Non-Communicable Diseases

NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and mental health disorders, account for most global disease burden. Driven by genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, they require comprehensive prevention and management. We promote evidence-based interventions addressing root causes and advocate for improved access to detection, treatment, and care.

health works handing out masks

Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases are infectious illnesses spread through pathogens, disproportionately impacting low-resource communities. We investigate emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, vaccine-preventable illnesses, and antimicrobial resistance to develop effective prevention and response strategies.

Skills Resume

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • CINAHL
  • Covidence
  • Dedoose
  • EndNote
  • Gapminder
  • IHME
  • Kumu
  • Microsoft Office
  • Nexis Uni
  • Ovid
  • Qualtrics
  • R
  • SAS
  • SQL
  • SR-Accelerator
  • STATA
  • Rayyan
  • REDCap
  • Tableau
  • Taguette
  • Academic Manuscripts
  • Concept Notes
  • Disaster Planning
  • Grant Writing
  • Investment Cases
  • Journalism
  • Literature Reviews
  • Media & Television
  • Memos
  • MOUs
  • Op-eds
  • Policy Briefs
  • Qualitative Analysis
  • Scientific Papers
  • SOPs
  • Microsoft Suite
  • Canva
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Google Workspace
  • ASL
  • Amharic
  • Arabic
  • Armenian
  • Bosnian
  • Chinese
  • English
  • Farsi
  • French
  • Fulani
  • Hindi
  • Italian
  • Punjabi
  • Urdu
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Tamazight
  • Wolof
  • Yoruba
  • Bottleneck Analysis
  • Community Health
  • Worker Training & Education
  • IRB Application Management
  • Needs Assessments
  • Project Management
  • Video Production
  • Social Media Management
  • Systems Mapping
  • Video Production

Data & Analytics

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • CINAHL
  • Covidence
  • Dedoose
  • EndNote
  • Gapminder
  • IHME
  • Kumu
  • Microsoft Office
  • Nexis Uni
  • Ovid
  • Qualtrics
  • R
  • SAS
  • SQL
  • SR-Accelerator
  • STATA
  • Rayyan
  • REDCap
  • Tableau
  • Taguette