I recently earned my master’s degree in chemistry from UCLA. Throughout my training, I have worked at the National Cancer Institute, Stanford, UCSF, and UCLA, integrating chemical biology with public health research. My work has ranged from developing small molecules and studying mechanisms of disease to leading HIV projects focused on investigating syndemic interactions between HIV and co-occurring social and environmental conditions, examining HIV epidemiology in the MENA region, and studying factors that influence the sustainability of HIV interventions across New York State, with an emphasis on how healthcare systems, funding structures, and community engagement can influence long term success.
Within the lab, I am very interested in examining the ethical and policy implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare, particularly how algorithmic systems influence access, bias, and accountability in clinical decision making. I also study the syndemic interactions between infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and mental health in resource constrained settings, with the goal of designing interventions that reflect the social and structural experiences that patients face.
I decided to become an SGPHF mentor because mentorship has been central to my own journey. The guidance I received, especially through the ISEE Lab, paved the way for my professional path. I have learned that meaningful success is measured not only by personal milestones, but by the opportunities we create for others and how we help them reach their own. As a mentor in the ISEE lab, I hope to give back to the community by supporting prospective students as they navigate their own academic and professional paths.