New York University’s School of Global Public Health (NYU GPH) offers a range of rigorous doctoral programs designed to cultivate the next generation of public health leaders and researchers. These programs attract a diverse and talented student body, all driven by a passion to address critical health challenges around the world. Let’s delve into the profiles of some exceptional individuals currently pursuing their doctoral degrees at NYU, showcasing the breadth and depth of research within these programs.
Diverse Concentrations, United by a Passion for Public Health
NYU GPH doctoral programs are structured around several key concentrations, allowing students to specialize and deepen their expertise in specific areas of public health. These concentrations include:
- Epidemiology: Focusing on the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
- Biostatistics: Applying statistical methods to biological and health-related questions.
- Health Policy and Management: Analyzing and shaping policies and management strategies to improve healthcare systems and population health.
- Social and Behavioral Sciences: Examining the social and behavioral determinants of health and developing interventions to promote health equity.
The students highlighted below represent the diverse backgrounds and research interests within these concentrations, united by a common goal: to make a significant impact on public health.
Epidemiology Doctoral Program: Investigating Disease and Health Determinants
The Epidemiology concentration at NYU GPH equips students with advanced methodological skills to investigate the distribution and determinants of disease. Doctoral candidates in this program are tackling pressing issues ranging from infectious diseases to mental health.
Michael Cziner: With a background in infectious disease settings and experience at NYU Langone Health and federal agencies like FEMA and the Department of Defense, Michael Cziner brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his doctoral studies. His research interests are focused on the complex interplay of social, behavioral, and ecological factors that drive pandemics, emerging infectious diseases, and zoonoses. His work aims to enhance our understanding of and preparedness for global health security threats.
Alt text: Michael Cziner, NYU doctoral student in Epidemiology, researching infectious diseases.
Ugonnaya Caleb-Ugwuowo: Ugonnaya (Ugo) Caleb-Ugwuowo’s research delves into the critical area of psychiatric and mental health epidemiology, with a particular focus on stigma. Drawing upon her medical degree from Nigeria, an MPH from the University of Essex, and extensive experience in public health in Sub-Saharan Africa, Ugo aims to identify and address the determinants of mental health outcomes across diverse global populations. Her bilingualism and international experience provide a valuable perspective to her research.
Biostatistics Doctoral Program: Applying Data Science to Public Health Challenges
The Biostatistics doctoral program at NYU GPH trains students in cutting-edge statistical methodologies to address complex public health problems. Students in this concentration are at the forefront of applying data science to improve health outcomes.
Taehyo Kim: Taehyo Kim’s interdisciplinary background in computer engineering and computer science, combined with his specialization in Biostatistics, positions him uniquely to tackle complex data challenges in public health. His research interests include high-dimensional data analysis and machine learning, with current projects focusing on medical image analysis for Alzheimer’s disease, survival analysis, and multi-modal data analysis. Taehyo represents the growing intersection of data science and public health within Nyu Doctoral Programs.
Jianan Zhu: Jianan (Zoe) Zhu’s expertise lies in the application of machine learning methods to public health data analysis. With a Bachelor of Medicine degree in Preventive Medicine and a Master’s in Biostatistics, Zoe is focused on developing and applying advanced statistical techniques to improve public health outcomes. Her current work with Dr. Siyu Heng on causal inference, particularly in observational studies and randomized trials, showcases the rigorous methodological training within NYU’s biostatistics program.
Health Policy and Management Doctoral Program: Shaping Healthcare Systems for the Future
The Health Policy and Management concentration at NYU GPH prepares students to become leaders in shaping healthcare systems and policies. Doctoral candidates in this program are addressing critical issues related to healthcare access, cost, and equity.
Julie Holm: Julie Holm’s background in health information management and business administration, coupled with her experience managing data analytics for a clinically-integrated network, provides a strong foundation for her doctoral research in Health Policy and Management. Her interests lie in healthcare reform, cost-effectiveness, and equity in health insurance coverage. Julie’s research aims to contribute to a more efficient and equitable healthcare system.
Social and Behavioral Sciences Doctoral Program: Addressing the Human Side of Public Health
The Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration at NYU GPH focuses on the crucial role of social and behavioral factors in shaping health outcomes. Doctoral students in this program are working to understand and address health disparities through innovative interventions and research.
Josepha (Epa) Cabrera: Born and raised in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, Josepha (Epa) Cabrera brings a unique perspective to her research in the Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration. With a background in finance and economics and an MPH in Global Health, Epa’s research focuses on non-communicable chronic diseases disparities among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI). Her commitment to disaggregating Asian and NHPI data to better understand the specific needs of smaller NHPI communities highlights the program’s emphasis on health equity.
Alt text: Josepha Cabrera, NYU doctoral student in Social and Behavioral Sciences, specializing in health disparities among Pacific Islanders.
Karen Choe: Karen Choe’s extensive experience as a multicultural therapist and her work with Dr. Lawrence Yang on stigma research inform her doctoral studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Her research interests center on the role of stigma in co-occurring psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, and chronic pain. Grounded in her clinical experiences, Karen aims to develop interventions that foster long-term changes in how individuals understand and cope with pain and disabling conditions. Her work exemplifies the program’s focus on translating research into real-world impact.
Lingzi Luo: Lingzi Luo’s focus on intervention optimization and implementation science methods reflects a commitment to translating research into effective public health practice. With experience in diverse settings and prior work at Washington University School of Medicine, Lingzi aims to improve routine social and health services for vulnerable populations, particularly those with chronic illnesses or mental health challenges. Her goal of building person-centered, efficient, and equitable learning service systems underscores the program’s emphasis on practical application and impact.
A Community of Scholars Driving Public Health Innovation
These student profiles offer just a glimpse into the vibrant and impactful research happening within NYU doctoral programs. NYU GPH provides a supportive and collaborative environment for doctoral students to develop into independent researchers and leaders in their respective fields. With a commitment to both rigorous academic training and real-world impact, NYU doctoral programs are shaping the future of public health.
Explore NYU Doctoral Programs Further:
To learn more about specific program requirements, faculty expertise, and application procedures for NYU doctoral programs in public health, visit the NYU School of Global Public Health website. Discover how you can join this community of scholars and contribute to solving the world’s most pressing public health challenges.
