Global Health Institute

Selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 100 applicants, the 21 fellows represent five different schools and 15 programs across Georgetown University. Together, they form an interdisciplinary cohort that brings diverse perspectives to tackling global health challenges.

Among them is Leo Shih (H’26), an undergraduate student in the School of Health, who will work with Assistant Professor Katherine Robsky, Ph.D., on health systems in the Marshall Islands and Micronesia. 

“The opportunity to dive into the epidemiologic data, produce actionable insights, and collaborate with public health experts on the ground is compelling,” Shih said. “I am excited to begin.”

Faculty also value the chance to work closely with fellows. “Mentoring fellows is one of my favorite parts of being at Georgetown,” said Leticia Bode, Ph.D., a professor in the Communication, Culture, and Technology master's program and inaugural research director of the Knight-Georgetown Institute. “The program helps to bring an interdisciplinary perspective and raises the visibility of the university’s public health research.” This year, Bode will work with Adisri Swain (G’26), a graduate student at the McCourt School of Public Policy, to explore how people use and trust AI chatbots for public health information.

Throughout the academic year, fellows spend five to ten hours each week gaining hands-on research experience on critical global health issues under the guidance of faculty mentors. The fellowship concludes with an end-of-year presentation where fellows share the outcomes of their work. Past fellows have published peer-reviewed academic papers, taken part in international placements, and even co-authored books with their mentors.

The fellowship is made possible thanks to the generous philanthropic support of Georgetown University parents and alumni.

The 2025-2025 fellows and their mentors represent a range of disciplines across Georgetown University:

• Sasha Afroz (M’28), a medical student at the School of Medicine, will be mentored by Diana Reyes, program director of the Faith and Global Health Initiative at the Global Health Institute

• Portia Aning (G’26), a graduate student in the Master of Science in Global Infectious Disease program at the School of Health, will be mentored by Margaret Baker, an associate professor in the School of Health

• Krithik Ashokkumar (C’28), an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in the biology of global health at the College of Arts & Sciences, will be mentored by Sarah Kureshi, a professor at the School of Health

• Anees Baig (G’26), a graduate student in the Master of Science in Global Health program at the School of Health, will be mentored by Ibrahim Bola Gobir, an assistant professor of medicine at Georgetown’s Medical Center

• Alhassan Barrie (G‘26), a graduate student in the Master of Science in Global Health program at the School of Health, will be mentored by Samson Haumba, an assistant professor of medicine at Georgetown’s Medical Center

• Blessed Isaac Conde (G’26), a graduate student in the Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at the School of Medicine, will be mentored by Rebecca Katz, professor at Georgetown’s Medical Center and School of Foreign Service​

• Waluma Fofung (M’28), a medical student at the School of Medicine, will be mentored by Christopher Loffredo, a professor of oncology and biostatistics at the School of Medicine

• Roma Jha (H’26), an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in health care management and policy at the School of Health, will be mentored by Jessica Kritz, an assistant professor at the School of Health

• Yu-Hui (Amy) Lin-Truong (G’26), a graduate student in the Master of Policy Management program at the McCourt School of Public Policy, will be mentored by Lawrence Gostin, a distinguished university professor and the founding Linda D. and Timothy J. O’Neill Chair in Global Health Law

• Rai Hasen Masoud (SFS’27), an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in international economics at the School of Foreign Service, will be mentored by Vincent Turbat, an associate professor at the School of Health

• Esha Mishra (G’26), a graduate student in the Master of Science in Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases program at the School of Medicine, will be mentored by Sam Halabi, a professor in at the School of Health 

• Monica Nguyen (G’26), a graduate student in the Master of Science in Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases program at the School of Medicine, will be mentored by Martine Etienne-Mesubi, a clinical research assistant professor at Georgetown’s Medical Center​

• Maria Ramirez (G’26), a graduate student in the Master of Science in Global Infectious Disease program at the School of Health, will be mentored by Oliver Johnson, managing director of the Global Health Institute

• Arnaz Reza (G’26), a graduate student in the Master of Science in Biotechnology at the School of Medicine, will be mentioned by Ellen Moscoe, an assistant professor at the School of Health

• Rhea Shetty (M’28), a medical student at the School of Medicine, will be mentored by Matthew Kavanagh, director of the Center for Global Health Policy & Politics

• Leo Shih (H’26), an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in global health at the School of Health, will be mentored by Katherine Robsky, an assistant professor at the School of Medicine

• Avery Simon (SFS’28), an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in science, technology, and international affairs at the School of Foreign Service, will be mentored by Emily Mendenhall, director of the Science, Technology, and International Affairs Program at the School of Foreign Service

• Samantha Suggs (C’27), an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in economics at the College of Arts & Sciences, will be mentored by Deus Bazira, director of the Global Health Institute and the Center for Global Health Practice and Impact

• Adisri Swain (G’26), a graduate student in the Master of International Development Policy program at the McCourt School of Public Policy, will be mentored by Leticia Bode, a professor in the Communication, Culture, and Technology master's program

• Amelia Verbrugge (H’27), an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in global health at the School of Health, will be mentored by Shabab Wahid, an assistant professor at the School of Health

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