Global Health Institute Scholars

"I look forward to starting this research experience to help promote rapport with indigenous communities in Lake Atitlán and build research capacity in Guatemala."

Program of Study: PhD, Environmental Health Sciences

Site: Universidad del Valle de Guatemala

Research Title: Exposure to toxic metal(loid)s and microbial pathogens via drinking water in communities of the Lake Atitlán watershed, Guatemala

Funding: Kent Campbell Scholarship Fund

Bio: Yunuen Soto is a biochemist and microbiologist from Guatemala. She is currently a first-year PhD student in Environmental Health Sciences at MEZCOPH and a faculty member at the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala. Her research interests focus on the exposure to chemical and microbiological contaminants in drinking water and their potential health effects, as well as promoting access to clean and safe water. Her vision is to advance environmental health research in Guatemala, build technical capacity, and collaborate with local communities to improve environmental quality and human health.

"I have been working with the aging population for the last few years and am excited to observe and learn how cognitive health and aging research is conducted in a population and research setting entirely different from the US."

Program of Study: PhD Epidemiology

Site: The American University in Cairo, Egypt

Research Title: AL-SEHA ( A longitudinal study of Egyptian Healthy Aging)

Funding: Zuckerman Family Fund

Bio: Azmat is a first-year PhD student in Epidemiology at MEZCOPH. He works in the Healthy Aging research lab, which is currently focused on a project to determine patterns of healthy cognitive aging in older adults and compare them to individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. Before joining the doctoral program at the University of Arizona, Azmat worked at an independent living facility for older adults. There, he collaborated with the administration to implement resident well-being initiatives.

"To say that I am honored to be a Global Health Institute Scholar is an understatement. I eagerly anticipate participating in vital research endeavors and am grateful for the opportunity to broaden my understanding and perspectives on public health."

Program of Study: MPH Global Health

Site: University of Technology Sydney

Research Title: Stroke Survivorship and self-care

Funding: GHI Scholars Fund

Bio: Cutberto is a first-year Master of Public Health (MPH) student concentrating in Global Health at MEZCOPH. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Spanish and Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) in Physiology and Medical Sciences from the University of Arizona in 2023. Hailing from Yuma, AZ, Cutberto has experienced the intercultural exchange between the United States and Mexico and witnessed the impact healthcare has on transcending borders. His research interests include healthcare disparities among Hispanic and underserved populations. He is passionate about addressing public health concerns from a global perspective and being of service to the world.

"I am excited to learn and gain hands-on experience while immersing myself in a different public health setting and healthcare system. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and believe it will contribute significantly to my personal growth and development as a future public health professional."

Program of Study: MPH Global Health

Site: Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (FES Zaragoza, UNAM); México City

Research Title: UNAM FES Zaragoza Health Promotion and Education

Funding: RISE

Bio: Erika is a first-year student in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the UArizona MEZCOPH, focusing on Global Health. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration with minors in Business Management and Communications from Grand Canyon University in 2021. Before starting her master’s program, Erika worked as a financial representative at Banner Health in the health administration sector. She is passionate about border health, child and maternal health, health promotion, and mental health, and hopes to deepen her understanding of global awareness in various settings.

"I am deeply honored to join the GIH Scholars program, embarking on a journey to work within my home country. This opportunity will enable me to engage in critical research that will provide essential information for future interventions, benefiting underserved communities. As a future public health professional, I believe that reducing existing health disparities, especially in vulnerable areas, is one of the most significant contributions one can make."

Program of Study: MS, Environmental Health Sciences

Site: Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Ecuador

Research Title: Accumulation of metals in aquatic organisms and its implications on humans in Guayaquil - Ecuador

Funding: Kent Campbell Scholarship Fund

Bio: Karla is a first-year graduate from Ecuador pursuing a Master of Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) degree at the University of Arizona. Currently, she works as a research assistant in the One Health research laboratory. Karla received her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) in 2023. Before starting her master's program, she volunteered for an Ecuadorian mangrove forest project focusing on toxicological areas. Her main focus is on exploring rural health and contributing to the development of health policies in her home country and globally.

"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research in Ireland! I am particularly excited to experience living in the homeland of many of my ancestors (my great-great grandmother was born in Limerick!), and am confident that learning and conducting research in a new country will greatly enhance my professional development and broaden my understanding of health challenges and opportunities worldwide. I am deeply appreciative to those who have made this incredible opportunity possible for me."

Program of Study: PhD, Biostatistics 

Site: University of Limerick, Ireland

Research Title: INSIGHT-GP: Inquiry iNto ServIce usage, Gerontological Health and MulTi- Morbidity in GP (General Practice)

Funding: GHI Scholars Fund

Bio: Katie is a PhD student in Biostatistics at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and serves as a graduate research associate with the University of Arizona Health Sciences Comprehensive Center for Pain and Addiction. She completed her Master of Public Health with a concentration in biostatistics at the University of Arizona before pursuing her PhD. Prior to her graduate studies, Katie served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic, following her graduation with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

"My career goal is to be involved in One Health research, whether in the lab, in the field, or in the classroom. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to gain global health experience and knowledge to investigate One Health in the community of La Pesca, Tamaulipas."

Program of Study: PhD Environmental Health Sciences

Site: Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Mexico

Research Title: Evaluation of pesticides, heavy metals and pathogens in human, animal, and aquatic environments on the coast of Tamaulipas, Mexico. 

Funding: GHI Scholars Fund 

Bio: Priscilla is a first-year PhD student in the Environmental Health Sciences program. She holds a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology and an MPH with an emphasis in One Health. During her master’s program, she worked with Dr. Kerry Cooper, studying the relevance of Campylobacter as a food-borne outbreak pathogen using whole genome sequencing. After graduation, she worked for three years as a research technician in a microbiology laboratory focused on public health projects. Priscilla’s research goals include addressing One Health issues by utilizing microbiological techniques and studying the interactions among human, animal, water, and environmental contaminants to understand how these interactions affect the prevalence of One Health issues.

"I am eager to immerse myself in this opportunity! Since completing my undergraduate studies, I have dedicated myself to helping refugee minors on this side of the border. This research opportunity will allow me to assist them even closer to their homes!"

Program of Study: MPH Maternal and Child Health

Site: Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, México

Research Title: Development and Implementation of a Comprehensive Public Health Curriculum Tailored to the Unique Needs of Migrants at Albergue Diocesano 'Belén' in Tapachula, Chiapas

Funding: RISE

Bio: In 2019, Sabrina graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a minor in Spanish. Since then, she has dedicated herself to supporting refugee minors as a case manager within the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Her role involves aiding minors from various parts of the world who have faced perilous journeys to the US. This meaningful work has ignited her interest in pursuing a Master of Public Health. Currently in her first year, Sabrina is looking forward to her summer Applied Practice Experience (APE). She hopes this research opportunity will enable her to directly assist minors at the Guatemalan border, addressing any public health issues they encounter, which may be contributing factors to their decision to migrate to the US.

"I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to participate in this incredible research experience that will allow me to work, learn, and engage with local communities to better understand how climate change is affecting their access to quality water and the prevalence of Vibro cholerae in order to help develop adaptation and mitigation interventions."

Program of Study: MS Environmental Health Science 

Site: Muhimbili University of Health Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Research Title: Impact of climate change on Vibro cholerae and water quality.

Funding: Kent Campbell Scholarship Fund; RISE  

Bio: Victor Okpanachi is a first-year master's student in the Environmental Health Science Program at the University of Arizona. He received his bachelor's degree in plant science and biotechnology from Kogi State University in Anyigba, Nigeria, in 2020. After completing his undergraduate program, he worked as a research assistant in the department for six months before embarking on a one-year national youth service. His research interests focus on climate change, water quality, and access. He hopes to gain deeper insight into how the lack of access to quality water due to climate change contributes to the incidence and prevalence of Vibrio cholerae in local communities and to assist in providing adaptation and mitigation strategies.

"I am excited to partner with experts in cancer epidemiology to conduct this study. I look forward to developing my skills in cancer research and believe this will be a steppingstone in my career pathway."

Program of Study: MPH Epidemiology 

Site: Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana

Research Title: Investigating patient factors related to possible downstaging of breast cancer in Kumasi

Funding: CEESP, Dean's Student Research Fund

Roselyn is a Ghanaian-trained physician currently pursuing an MPH in epidemiology. She has an interest in cancer epidemiology among minority populations. Her internship will be at the second largest hospital in Ghana where she will be collecting data to explore patient factors related to possible downstaging of breast cancer.

"I am very excited about this global health experience as this would be an excellent opportunity for me to develop my research skills and also contribute to Global health research."

Program of Study: MPH Health Behavior Health Promotion

Site: Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana

Research Title: Hospital-based evaluation of palliative care among patients with breast cancer at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH)

Funding: CEESP, Dean's Student Research Fund

Rosemond is a medical doctor by profession having trained at the University of Ghana Medical School. Working as a doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic heightened her interest in public health which led her to pursue an MPH with a concentration in Health Behavior Health Promotion as she aims to not only help improve upon the health of individuals, but populations as a whole. Her research interests are in health disparities, cancer, and chronic disease prevention.

"As a child I wanted nothing more than to travel the world and discover new diseases. As an adult the opportunity to travel and be a part of research to help keep communities healthy is a dream come true."

Program of Study: MPH One Health

Site: Muhimbili University of Health Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Research Title: Assessing household water insecurity in Dar es Salaam

Funding: RISE

Thania is a third year MPH One Health student expecting to graduate in fall 2023. She has a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Arizona. Originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, her parent immigrated to the United States when she was very young. Growing up as an immigrant was a big influence in her desire to work with underserved communities. Her research interests are infectious disease, climate change and water quality and access. She has been working on water quality research along the US-Mexico border during her MPH. She is planning to apply for a PhD in Environmental Health after completing her MPS where she is hoping to expand on that work.   

"I am incredibly excited to expand my experiences working with diverse cultures and the opportunity to contribute to this research that will provide valuable knowledge for future interventions. ”

Program of Study: MPH Global Health 

Site: Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Lima, Peru

Research Title: Sexually transmitted infections among immigrants in Lima, Peru

Funding: Global Health Institute Scholars Fund

Meredith is a first-year student in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Arizona, in the Global Health concentration. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Bradley University in 2018 and is a Certified Health Education Specialist®. Before starting her master's program, Meredith had the opportunity to work in a variety of public health areas, including adolescent health as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guyana, social isolation among older adults as the Health & Wellness Supervisor for NACOG Area Agency on Aging, and sexual violence prevention with the Southern AZ AIDS Foundation as a Health Education Specialist. Meredith is passionate about adolescent and reproductive health and hopes to learn more about the knowledge, attitudes, and prevalence of STIs among migrant populations in Lima.

"I think there is a lot to learn from other countries' health systems and I would appreciate the opportunity to gain knowledge in this field so that I may apply it to my future career as a Public Health professional. I am looking forward to this new experience!"

Program of Study: MPH Family and Child Health

Site: Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Lima, Peru

Research Title: Survey on sexual coercion and associated factors in adults in Metropolitan Lima

Funding: Global Health Institute Scholars Fund

Micaela is a first-year student in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program in the Family and Child Health concentration at the University of Arizona. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology in 2022 from the University of Arizona. During her undergraduate career, she had the opportunity to study abroad at La Universidad de Alcalá de Henares in Alcalá de Henares, Spain and has also worked as a research assistant at the Arizona Respiratory and Neurophysiology Laboratory at the University of Arizona. Micaela is passionate about developing her skills in global awareness, and learning to solve health-related issues in different settings.

"I am looking forward to collaborating on the AL-SEHA project to learn how global health researchers are expanding upon and including different populations in important international studies.  This is an exciting opportunity to learn more about how public health tools are being adapted to different cultural settings."

Program of Study: MPH Health Behavior Health Promotion; MA Latin American Studies

Site: The American University in Cairo (AUC), Cairo, Egypt

Research Title: Validating the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) in Egypt

Funding: Global Health Institute Scholars Fund

Aimee is a graduate student in the dual Master of Public Health (MPH) and Latin American Studies (LAS) program at the University of Arizona.  She was a Community Health Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay from 2018-2020 and has continued to focus on community health initiatives principally in migrant and border communities near Tucson.   Prior to Peace Corps, she worked as the Program Coordinator at the Office of Community Engagement at her alma mater --Southwestern University.  She hopes to continue working in community-based health initiatives in collaboration with different international teams and international communities.

"I have always dreamed of traveling the world, learning about new cultures and seeing the landscapes. I never imagined that while doing so, I would also be able to assist them to the scale in which we will be doing. I am so grateful and excited for this opportunity to be a small part of this great force of amazing people striving to support the health of the local community."

Program of Study: BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Site: Muhimbili University of Health Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Research Title: Assessing household water insecurity in Dar es Salaam

Funding: RISE

Victoria is a third-year ecology and evolutionary biology undergraduate student at the University of Arizona. She transferred to the UA after completing her first two years of undergraduate studies at a small school in Utah. Since arriving to the UA, Victoria has been assisting with research focused on the US and Mexico border region communities. Having grown up in Tucson, Victoria has been amazed to return home and to have the opportunity to help the community she was raised in. Her studies and research has fueled her passion to help underserved communities locally and globally as she looks to expand her knowledge and reach in graduate school and throughout her career.

"Preterm birth can increase the risk of death and neurodevelopmental disorders, including cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness, and cognitive delay. Research has shown that a comprehensive follow-up of high-risk infants is essential to neonatal care and preventing disability later in life. The Global Health Institute Scholars Program in Ireland presents a unique opportunity to explore which factors are most influential for the success of a comprehensive follow-up program in Limerick County. I have no doubt that this experience will enhance my doctoral education at the University of Arizona and prepare me for my future career in leadership and maternal health."

Program of Study: DrPH, Maternal and Child Health 

Site: University of Limerick, Ireland

Research Title: Facilitators and Barriers for Neurodevelopmental Follow-up in Limerick, Ireland: Evidence from a Qualitative Study

Funding: Global Health Institute Scholars Fund

Oriyomi is a third-year Doctor of Public Health Student in Maternal and Child Health at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH). Oriyomi has a decade of combined experience in global health research, health communications, and program management. Prior to her studies at the University of Arizona, Oriyomi spent several years assisting and leading multiple maternal and child research projects both domestically and internationally. Currently, she serves as a Teaching Associate at MEZCOPH, assisting with creating course materials and lecturing on global health topics in maternal health and mental health.

"I’m excited, nervous and determined to be able to immerse myself in a culture I don’t know much about and can be of service to. Being able to learn how to be vulnerable with a community to better connnect/serve them to understand what barriers they face when having access to equitable health will help me promote their health."

Program of Study: BS Public Health concentration Global Health

Site: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, FES Zaragoza

Research Title: UNAM FES Zaragoza Health Promotion and Education

Funding: RISE

Makinzie is a senior at the Zuckerman College of Public Health set to graduate in Summer 2023 upon completion of her GHI Scholars research experience. She has been working with the MEZCOPH Primary Prevention Mobile Health Unit, first as a volunteer and currently as an intern. It has been a privilege for her to assist underserved communities in Southern Arizona by providing free health services such as glucose, A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol, and HIV testing. She additionally interns with Dr. Madhivanan and Dr. Robles conducting qualitative research to better understand what barriers Hispanic women face when getting regular women’s health screenings for cervical cancer. After she graduates, she hopes to get a job in community health, health education, as a social scientist, or a research assistant; and intends to return to school.

"I am very thankful to have been awarded the opportunity to work on this project. I look forward to engaging with the local community and serving them as best as I can."

Program of Study: MS Environmental Health Sciences

Site: Muhimbili University of Health Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Research Title: Understanding the Association between Climate Change and Occurrence of Waterborne Diseases in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Funding: RISE

Taylor is a first-year master's student in the Environmental Health Sciences program at the University of Arizona. She received her Bachelor of Science from Maryville College in 2019, and following graduation, she served in Peace Corps Cameroon as a community health educator and in the AmeriCorps at a large-scale composting facility in east Tennessee. She is now a Peace Corps Coverdell Fellow serving at the Water Resources Research Center at the University of Arizona. Taylor is interested in learning more about how climate change and opportunistic pathogens affect arid regions and their water systems. She hopes to find ways to incorporate community knowledge and consider social determinants of health to help shape solutions and intervention strategies. 

"I am honored to be a Global Health Institute Scholar and look forward to living and working in Mexico this summer. This experience will complement my passions and interests and will fuel a career centered around access to health for all."

Program of Study: MPH Global Health

Site: Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica (INSP), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México

Research Title: Analysis of Contraceptive Access for Migrant Women Travelling through Mexico

Funding: RISE

Rachel is a current Master of Public Health Student in the Global Health concentration. She earned a B.S. in Public Health from Saint Louis University and has worked in the field for over 6 years. Rachel will bring her perspective as a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer to her research in Mexico as she works with colleagues at the Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública in Cuernavaca, Mexico to better understand access to contraceptives for migrant women. Rachel is passionate about the health of marginalized populations and hopes to pursue a career in international health where she has the opportunity to support and advocate for migrant populations.

"This program presents an opportunity for me to understand better, more effective approaches in addressing the most complex public health problems similar to those I encountered before arriving in the United States."

Program of Study: MPH Biostatistics

Site: Muhimbili University of Health Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Research Title: Understanding The Association between Climate Change and the Occurrence of Cholera and Diarrheal Diseases in Dar es Salam Health Centers

Funding: RISE

Bikyeombe Yves is a current Master of Public Health Student in Biostatistics concentration. Curiosity has always been the driving force in his life, shaping his path and decisions. He was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, famously known as Congo Kinshasa. Yves left the country when he was only a young child due to a civil war, leading him to grow up in a refugee camp with scarce resources and limited freedom. The challenges faced in the refugee camp taught him perseverance and curiosity and despite facing the obstacle of limited English proficiency, Yves is committed to pursuing his education at the University of Arizona. He is driven by the desire to make a positive impact and assist those in need as a GHI Scholar.