The STRONG lab is a safe space for co-creation bringing together community scientists, public health, and community partners to address the questions most important for our communities. Our efforts underscore positive stories, those of resilience for historically underrepresented communities in public health, a counter to the often negative stereotypes. We are especially focused on marginalized communities, those who are at highest risk, those living in poverty and who have a disability. We welcome scientists from these communities.
Our goal is to give voice to community members and, in so doing, change the face of science.
Estrella Diana Allen (she/her)- Estrella graduated from San Francisco State University, earning a bachelors of science degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Holistic Health. Currently, Estrella is post baccalaureate student at UC Berkeley, and works as a Biological Research Technician with the USDA Agricultural Research Center in the Bioproducts Unit. Estrella has been a part of the STRONG Lab for years, and is creating a research paper on Black Latines. Outside of academics, she loves to play with her cat, listen to jazz, and spend time outdoors in nature.
Maria Cruz (she/her/ella)- Maria Cruz is a rising 4th year PhD candidate at UC Davis in the Public Health Science graduate group. Maria’s dissertation is on the perspectives and experiences of the Spanish speaking Latine community with first response (police,fire, & EMS). Maria has been part of the STRONG lab for seven years and enjoys mentoring students of color. Outside of academia, she enjoys collecting plants, going to coffee shops, and spending time with her senior dog and cat.
Eréndira Di Giuseppe (she/her/ella)- Ere is an incoming PhD student at Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences. Prior to her PhD program, Ere worked for over 3 years as SF BUILD’s coordinator where she mentored SFSU students and collaborated with the STRONG Lab. In the STRONG Lab, Ere primarily contributes to the Afro-Latiné project exploring mental health outcomes and culturally competent mental wellness interventions. Outside of academia, Ere enjoys her cat, hiking, dancing, cooking, and reading.
Labeeb Ijaz (he/him)- Labeeb Ijaz is a recent graduate from the University of Califronia, Berkeley with a degree in Molecular Cell & Biology. During his time in undergrad, he was a part of many diverse communities which included the Pakistani Student Association (PSA), Afghan Student Association (ASA), American Medical Students Association (AMSA). He also provided counseling at the Progress Foundation. Labeeb is currently working in STRONG Lab on the TOTO Project. He aspires to pursue an MD to assist others in a clinical setting.
Hamza Kohistani (he/him)- Hamza Kohistani is a recent graduate from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Public Health. His diverse experiences include providing counseling at the Progress Foundation, teaching coding and mathematics at Youth Code Now, and currently working as a medical assistant at West Coast Cardiology. Hamza is currently working in STRONG Lab on the TOTO Project. He aspires to attend medical school and make a profound impact by assisting others in a clinical setting.
Chioma Onuoha-Chioma (she/her) is a fourth-year medical student at the University of California, San Francisco. Her professional interests lie at the intersection of medical education, health equity, and global health. Passionate about transforming traditional approaches to medical training, Chioma is dedicated to incorporating innovative educational tools that enhance learning and improve patient care. She is committed to ensuring that physicians are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate, equitable care to patients from all backgrounds. Looking ahead, Chioma plans to pursue a career in anesthesiology and is excited to further her work in advancing both the field and her commitment to health equity. Outside of academics, Chioma enjoys reading fiction books, watching television, and playing soccer.
Issa Beatriz Palomata (she/her)- Issa Beatriz Palomata is a recent graduate from San Francisco State University, with a B.S. in Public Health. At SFSU, she majored in Public Health and actively participated in campus life, co-founding CREATE @ SF STATE and leading the Health Education Student Association. Currently, Issa is interning at West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center, where she is gaining valuable experience in community health services and learning about the unique health challenges faced by the SOMA community. Issa aspires to pursue a Master's in Public Health (MPH) and eventually obtain an MD/PhD, aiming to integrate clinical practice with public health research to address health disparities and improve outcomes in underserved communities.
Cynthia Smith (she/her) - Cynthia Smith is an Army Reservist who dedicated five years of her early adulthood to serving in the military. She is currently pursuing a B.S. in Systems and Synthetic Biology from UC Davis, with the long-term goal of obtaining an MD/PhD. Cynthia’s research experience includes studying extracellular vesicles and stem cells at Feather River College, as well as exploring alopecia areata with UCSF’s Department of Dermatology. Beyond research, Cynthia is a passionate advocate for girls, particularly those in the foster care system, a group she relates to personally. She founded THEE STEM GEMx, a nonprofit aimed at introducing girls from these demographics to STEM opportunities. Additionally, Cynthia has collaborated with UCSF’s Girlx Lab to improve sexual and reproductive health for Black and Brown adolescent girls. Outside of academics and advocacy, Cynthia enjoys hiking, mixed martial arts, and singing.
Kierra Smith (She/Her)- Kierra is a recent first-generation graduate from San Francisco State University, with a B.S. in Biology. While earning her degree, she became an SF BUILD scholar where she joined the STRONG lab in 2022 and has since worked on various projects that embody core STRONG values. Kierra plans to apply to medical school next year, with the aim of becoming a physician that has the skills to listen and be culturally aware of the diverse global population. Outside of academia, she enjoys cooking, playing the piano, and spending time with her dog Stella.
Rahul Verma (he/him/his) - Rahul Verma is a recent graduate from Cornell University, where he received a degree in Global and Public Health Sciences and a minor in Inequality Studies. He also completed an honors thesis in the Division of Nutritional Sciences, researching the impact of psychological empowerment on food decision-making. Currently, Rahul is working as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the UCSF School of Medicine in the Hematopoietic Malignancies Unit. Rahul has been a part of the STRONG Lab for three years and hopes to combine his passions for health policy, nutrition, and equity in his career. Outside academics, he loves reading, baking, and trying new coffee places with friends!
Alexandra (Alex) Ward (she/her) -Alex Ward is a recent graduate from the University of California Berkeley. While attending Berkeley, Alex majored in Sociology, with an emphasis on pre-medical studies. During her time in undergrad, she was a part of diverse communities on campus which included the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) for the University Health Services, as well as the Biology Scholars Program (BSP). Currently, Alex is working at Stanford School of Medicine as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) for the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology. Alex has been a part of the STRONG lab for several years, and hopes to go on to graduate school to pursue a career in health research focusing on equity and inclusion.
Nisha Annamalai (she/her)-Nisha is a third-year student at University of California Davis, majoring in Global Disease Biology with an emphasis on public health. She is deeply committed to addressing health disparities, particularly within minority and youth populations, and aspires to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) to further these efforts. Nisha recently joined the STRONG Lab and is eager to contribute to research that drives positive community health outcomes. Outside of academics, she enjoys cooking, exploring fun food spots, and making choreography for her school's competitive south asian dance team.