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, ministries of health, and 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
Our Thematic Focus Areas
Climate Change
From infectious disease risks to environmental displacement, we investigate the direct and indirect health effects and advocate for evidence-based policies that prioritize vulnerable populations. Our work implements sustainable, data-driven solutions to mitigate climate change's effects on health and well-being.
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.
Decolonization
Advancing global health equity requires centering the knowledge and leadership of communities historically excluded from decision-making. We partner with local experts to co-create research, strengthen community leadership, and redistribute resources and decision-making power. Through community-driven solutions that honor diverse ways of knowing, we are contributing to a more just future rooted in self-determination and mutual respect.
Health Systems Strengthening
Strong health systems are essential to effective public health infrastructure. Climate change and COVID-19 have exposed critical systemic weaknesses, exacerbating inequities for marginalized communities. We partner to strengthen resilient, equitable, and sustainable health systems through inclusive and resource-conscious frameworks—ensuring access and leaving no community behind.
Non-Communicable Diseases
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and mental health disorders—account for the largest share of the global disease burden. Driven by genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, they require comprehensive prevention and management. We advance evidence-based strategies that address root causes and expand equitable access to care to improve long-term health outcomes.
Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health
Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (RMNCH) is central to strengthening health systems and improving long-term population health. Evidence demonstrates that well-designed interventions substantially reduce maternal and child mortality across diverse contexts. We advance RMNCH through research, advocacy, and sustainable, equity-centered approaches that expand access and deliver culturally responsive care.
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
Skills Resume
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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