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CUNY SPH students and alumni are shaping the future of public health with exciting new roles, promotions, awards, and other professional achievements. Explore their stories below to see how they’re making a difference in communities around the world.
Are you a CUNY SPH student or alumni? Complete the Career Updates Form on Handshake to tell us about your career achievements, new roles, awards, or publications. No milestone is too small – we can’t wait to celebrate YOU!
MPH in Health Policy and Management, Class of 2024
I am starting a new position as a Senior Program Manager at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
As a Senior Program Manager at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, I support public health emergency preparedness and response efforts across the city. I began this role in October 2024, following the completion of the Pipeline to Preparedness Fellowship and additional experience working in both public and independent hospital systems.
Before this role, I worked as a Care Coordinator at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and served as a CUNY SPH Student Ambassador. My background includes hands-on experience in emergency response and healthcare operations, including research on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic.
MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Class of 2018
I have been selected to present original work at the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s (AIHA) annual conference, AIHA Connect 2025, in Kansas City this May.
Hazard Control and Incident Classification in Healthcare and Biomedical Research
Implementing a Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) in complex settings—such as healthcare and biomedical research—requires customized approaches. My presentation introduces a practical framework for hazard control and incident investigation, including a task-based controls system and tailored incident classification categories. These tools are designed to support occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) professionals in developing accessible, data-driven safety programs that can be communicated effectively across all levels of an organization.
As Environmental Health & Safety Manager at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, I oversee programs that support safe research and clinical operations, with a focus on hazard assessment, regulatory compliance, and safety systems management.
MPH in Health Policy and Management, Class of 2024
I am the author of a new publication.
Lytiškumo ugdymo praktinis gidas (Sexuality Education Practical Guide)
Read the guide here.
I authored and published Lithuania’s first Sexuality Education Practical Guide under the Youth Affairs Agency. This evidence-based resource covers topics such as puberty, STIs, consent, communication, and sexual pleasure, and is designed to support youth workers and professionals. It’s currently used as training material in sexuality education workshops across Lithuania, helping to advance inclusive, science-based approaches to youth sexual health.
As Deputy Panel Manager for the NYC Health Panel at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, I support community engagement and public health initiatives that inform health policy and improve outcomes citywide.
PhD in Environmental and Planetary Health Sciences Student
I was selected to receive a student sponsorship from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) to attend AIHA Connect 2025.
As part of this sponsorship, I will attend AIHA Connect 2025 in Kansas City from May 19–22, 2025. The award includes complimentary conference registration, roundtrip airfare, and hotel accommodations for three nights. This opportunity will allow me to engage with professionals in the field, expand my knowledge of industrial hygiene, and strengthen my contributions to workplace health and safety.
As a Senior Safety Advisor at Columbia University, I provide research safety guidance across multiple campuses and disciplines. I collaborate with faculty and research personnel to support safe, compliant practices, with a focus on building strong partnerships and delivering high-quality, client-centered safety services.
I was also selected to receive the Morton Lippmann Scholarship from the American Industrial Hygiene Foundation in the amount of $4,100.
MPH in Health Policy and Management, Class of 2016
I am the author of a new publication.
Communication and Connection Fostered Care Engagement During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of People Living With HIV in New York City
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health systems and delayed care, creating challenges for people living with HIV (PLWH). Through interviews with 40 PLWH in a New York City Medicaid managed-care plan, we explored how the pandemic affected care engagement. Themes included system delays, strained provider relationships, personal hardships, and the value of strong communication. Findings highlight strategies to support PLWH during future public health crises.
As a Senior Research Associate at the Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging at Hunter College, I lead qualitative research focused on aging, health equity, and HIV-related care. I’m a qualitative and quantitative researcher and writer with a broad editorial background, and I bring a deep interest in the economics of aging, long-term care policy, Medicare and Medicaid, family caregiving, and health care workforce issues.
In November 2024, I published “Perspectives on Weight Change and Antiretroviral Therapy from People Living with HIV in New York City: A Qualitative Study.” Read the publication here.
MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Student
I was selected for the 2025 Summer Cancer Epidemiology Education in Special Populations (CEESP) Fellowship.
This summer, I will be conducting research in Taiwan through the CEESP Fellowship, examining trends in hematopoietic cancer incidence among Taiwanese farmers. My project will explore how environmental and occupational exposures—particularly in agricultural settings—may contribute to the development of blood and lymphatic cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. This opportunity will allow me to apply my training in environmental health to a global context and contribute to cancer prevention efforts in high-risk populations.
MPH in Community Health, Class of 2024
I am starting a new position as a Person-Centered Care Program Manager at NYC Health + Hospitals.
As a Person-Centered Care Program Manager at NYC Health + Hospitals, I will lead the implementation of Planetree, a program designed to improve health outcomes by incorporating patients, staff, families, and the local community into the care process. A key focus of my role will be developing a Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and an employee feedback and incentive program to better understand community needs and gather staff input on enhancing patient care.
MPH in Community Health, Class of 2023
I started a new position as a Program Manager at Jacobi Medical Center in September 2023.
As a Program Manager at Jacobi Medical Center, I support the implementation and sustainability of programs that provide rapid linkage to HIV care and prevention services. I work closely with the Program Director and Assistant Program Director to connect patients in the Emergency Department and across New York City through the NYCHHC Virtual Express Care Telehealth platform. With a strong background in public health, community engagement, and direct patient support, I am committed to expanding access to care and addressing health disparities.
MPH in Health Policy and Management Student
I am starting a new position as an Intern with The Health Equity Consulting (HEC) Group.
As an Intern with The Health Equity Consulting (HEC) Group, I will support initiatives that advance health equity through policy, advocacy, and community-driven strategies. With extensive experience in social services, case management, and public health advocacy, I bring a strong background in client advocacy, crisis management, and healthcare navigation. This role allows me to apply my skills to meaningful projects that address disparities and improve health outcomes for diverse communities.
MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics Student
I am currently a Community Planning Fellow with the Fund for the City of New York.
As a Community Planning Fellow with the Fund for the City of New York, I support initiatives that integrate public health principles into urban planning and community development. With a background in dentistry and a passion for health equity, I apply my skills in epidemiology and biostatistics to address social determinants of health and promote sustainable, inclusive urban spaces. This role allows me to contribute to data-driven solutions that improve population health and well-being across New York City.
MPH in Community Health Student
I am starting a new position as an Equity Planning Manager at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice.
As an Equity Planning Manager at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice, I will work with city agencies to develop racial equity goals, as prescribed by the city charter. This role allows me to apply what I’ve learned at CUNY SPH to advance equity-driven initiatives that promote justice and inclusion across New York City.
MS in Population Health Informatics, Class of 2023
I am the author of a new publication.
User-Centered Design for Designing and Evaluating a Prototype of a Data Collection Tool to Submit Information About Incidents of Violence Against Sex Workers: Multiple Methods Approach
JMIR Human Factors, September 2024
This study evaluates ReportVASW, a prototype tool designed to document violence against sex workers as an alternative to law enforcement reporting. Using human-centered design, researchers assessed usability through cognitive walkthroughs and heuristic evaluations. Findings showed strong user support and identified areas for improvement, highlighting the tool’s potential to enhance data collection and advocacy efforts.
MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Class of 2024
I’m starting a new position as a Research Programmer at the RAND Corporation, where I’ll be contributing to quantitative health care research. I’m also presenting my master’s essay at the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Forum at CUNY SPH.
As a Research Programmer at RAND in Santa Monica, CA, I will apply my skills in statistical programming, quantitative analytics, and data visualization to support health care research initiatives. This role aligns with my passion for social justice and health equity, allowing me to contribute to data-driven solutions that shape health policies and improve outcomes.
MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Class of 2017
I am starting a new position as a Project Manager with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Environmental Coordination.
As a Project Manager with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Environmental Coordination (MOEC), I will assist City agencies and private applicants in navigating the environmental review process while supporting the implementation of the City’s green building laws. This role allows me to contribute to MOEC’s mission of advancing sustainability, fostering environmental leadership, and ensuring state-of-the-art green building practices across New York City.
MPH in Health Policy and Management, Class of 2021
I recently received a promotion to Revenue Cycle Supervisor, Accounting Operations at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the Physician Billing division.
At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, I previously held roles as a Training and Development Lead and Senior Patient Access Coordinator. These positions allowed me to build expertise in patient services, team training, and operational efficiency, preparing me for this new leadership opportunity.
As a Revenue Cycle Supervisor, I oversee accounting operations in the Physician Billing division. I’m passionate about ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and excellence in operations that support the critical work of patient care.
PhD in Epidemiology Student
On December 5th, 2024, I presented at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during CDC Translation Day.
I shared my work as a field employee with the Perinatal and Infant Health team, focusing on the role of perinatal quality collaboratives in improving health outcomes using the Knowledge 2 Action translation science framework. Our presentation, titled “Perinatal Quality Collaboratives: Improving Maternal and Infant Outcomes Using Translation Science,” highlighted the application of implementation science frameworks to improve care and reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.
As a full-time SUD Health Scientist with the CDC Foundation, I am passionate about advancing public health initiatives that improve the health of mothers and infants during the perinatal period.
MPH in Health Policy and Management, Class of 2022
I am starting a new position as a Program Analyst with the HUD Office of Recapitalization.
As a Program Analyst, I will be supporting initiatives within the HUD Office of Recapitalization, including efforts to improve housing sustainability and resilience through innovative programs. This role allows me to contribute to housing improvements that enhance quality of life and promote equitable access to safe, energy-efficient housing.
Before this role, I served as an Information Management Analyst at the DHHS ASPR Center for Preparedness, where I focused on strengthening emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
MPH in Community Health, Class of 2023
I am an author of a new publication.
Vaccine Literacy in Handbook of Concepts in Health, Health Behavior and Environmental Health
The chapter focuses on challenges in vaccine communication, communication strategies that promote vaccine literacy, reasons to invest in vaccine literacy and effective vaccine communication. It also discusses creative recommendations to achieve improved vaccine literacy aside from effective communication strategies.
MPH in Health Policy and Management Student
I am starting a new position as a John D. Solomon Fellow at NYC Emergency Management and the NYPD.
The John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service is the first student fellowship in New York City devoted specifically to emergency management. Fellows work with city agencies to support and enhance emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Class of 2020
I am entering my third year of the PhD program in Epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. I am also an author of a new publication.
Designing and Implementing the IDEAL Study: A Randomized Clinical Trial of APOE Genotype Disclosure for Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease in an Urban Latino Population
Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions (TRCI), December 2024
The IDEAL study examines the impact of APOE genotype disclosure on Alzheimer’s risk in urban Latino populations. Participants received risk estimates with or without genetic information, and their psychosocial, behavioral, and cognitive outcomes were tracked for 15 months. Findings aim to improve education and counseling in diverse communities.