University at Albany School of Public Health

09/11/2026

Avinash Lekram graduated with their MPH in 2022, and now works as a public health educator at the New York State Department of Health.

Why did Avinash choose UAlbany? "I wanted to better understand how systems that were built on histories of oppression operate and how they can be changed from the inside out. I was drawn to UAlbany because of its strong emphasis on equity, policy, and applied public health practice, and because I knew I wanted an education that would challenge me to think critically and compassionately about the world around me."

What's it like working as a public health educator? "The work is complex and layered, often intersecting with politics, systems, and deeply rooted social issues. I support vaccine education and communication efforts, help develop public facing materials, collaborate with internal teams and external partners, and contribute to projects that center community voices, lived experiences, and building trust."

What is Avinash passionate about in their work? "What we do is so much larger than ourselves. Even when we do not see immediate results, our work touches many lives. At the heart of what we do is the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life. I care deeply about addressing broken systems, advocating for minority communities, and pushing for change even when resources are limited. This work is not meant to be done alone. It is a collective effort, and I am grateful to be a part of it."

What has Avinash taken from UAlbany into their job? "At UAlbany, I had the chance to learn from incredible professors who challenged me, believed in me, and helped shape the way I think about health communication and education. Their mentorship taught me to approach messaging with intention, humility, and care, which directly influences how I develop materials and campaigns today "

Advice for students? "You do not need to have everything figured out. Take things one step at a time. Meet people. Be open to asking questions. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Take up space. Be curious. Trust that your path will unfold the way it is meant to."

09/08/2026

Alumni spotlight: Emmanuel Nyarko is a Mental Health Promotion Specialist who oversees the Wellness Coaching Program at UAlbany and works with students on specific, actionable steps and strategies to enhance their overall health and wellbeing. He collaborates with faculty and staff to help students prioritize their wellbeing, develop tangible skills and identify the autonomy they have over their health with the goal that these efforts will translate directly to their experience as a student and beyond.

09/04/2026

Arissa is examining posts on Reddit related to health care in the United States to better understand the barriers that people face. This sort of work can lead to better ways to make health care more accessible.

09/01/2026

Discover how you can make a difference for public health and well-being through data science with a Biostatistics Master of Public Health from UAlbany: https://buff.ly/2s2myaR

08/17/2026

During her summer internship at RISSE, Nagifa Tabassum organized wellness events, created health literacy materials and taught healthcare vocabulary to adult English language learners. These experiences solidified her passion for health education. Read more: https://buff.ly/pUtRSo4

As part of their Master of Public Health course, UAlbany’s Nagifa Tabassum and Victoria Buell interned at Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) — a local organization with longstanding ties to UAlbany’s public health programs. We caught up with Tabassum and Buell to learn abou...

08/12/2026

In the Epidemiology Master of Public Health program at UAlbany, you’ll gain the scientific knowledge and analytical skills you need to promote health and help to prevent and control disease and injury: https://buff.ly/mjazMIj

08/11/2026

LGBTQ SOLACE, led by Angie Wootton at UAlbany's School of Social Welfare, aims to build a network of regional peer mental health support and educational initiatives for LGBTQ+ people in upstate New York. Learn more:

LGBTQ Support, Opportunities for Learning, And Community Empowerment — or LGBTQ SOLACE for short — aims to build a network of regional peer mental health support and educational initiatives for LGBTQ+ people in upstate New York.

08/06/2026

UAlbany's School of Social Welfare is dedicated to the realization of a fair and just society and institutions that are diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our students have educational and research opportunities to improve human well-being on local, national and global levels. https://buff.ly/L0CoDZC

07/31/2026

Since 2012, UAlbany’s Center for Global Health has partnered with Engeye, a non-profit organization in rural Uganda, sending students each summer to learn from clinicians and community members. Learn more:

Since 2012, UAlbany’s Center for Global Health has partnered with Engeye, a non-profit organization in rural Uganda, sending students each summer to learn from clinicians and community members.

07/21/2026

"The most dangerous bias in public health is assuming 'hard to reach' communities are the problem when in fact they have been systematically avoided." - Julia Hastings, College of Integrated Health Sciences.