The transition to fall signals one of our favorite times of year – the arrival of new students! The Department of Global Health (DGH) is honored to welcome 38 new students to the global health husky pack. Of the 38 students, three are joining the Pathobiology PhD program, four are beginning their studies in the PhD in Global Health Metrics and Implementation Science program, three have started the Doctor of Global Health Leadership and Practice program, and 28 are entering the Master of Global Health program.   

Revered for its innovative research, global partnerships, and extensive education and training programs, our students appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of the Department of Global Health, and the freedom it provides to combine their public health interests. 

Drawn to the Implementation Science program’s interdisciplinary approach to research, Manya Balachander shares why she chose to pursue her studies at the Department of Global Health:  

“DGH, and the Implementation Science program at DGH, provides a unique, interdisciplinary approach to research that centers the lived experiences and wisdom of the communities and populations that researchers and students aim to serve. I chose this program because of this emphasis, it’s rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative methods, and its access to opportunities across the professional and academic spectrum to engage in community-centered and driven research that facilitate real, impactful change.” 

Torrey Brownell, a new student in the Pathobiology program, also values the department’s emphasis on community-centered research and collaboration:  

“I decided that the Pathobiology program at UW was the best fit for me, as I saw my goals reflected in the program: namely, to advance the health of people around the world through scientific research, collaboration, and activism. This was reflected in the class offerings, research being done, and impassioned conversations I had with faculty and other students.” 

For new student Douglas Bosibori (Doctor of Global Health Leadership and Practice), the welcoming and supportive environment he experienced when working with the department in the past influenced his decision to officially become a DGH husky: 

“Over the years I have been fortunate to collaborate with faculty, students, and staff from the Department of Global Health through eDGH courses, POCUS training projects, diabetes research among people living with HIV, and the rural health rotation for UW internal medicine residents at Naivasha Subcounty Hospital in Kenya—experiences that have deepened my passion for this field. Joining the department as a DrGH student feels like a natural next step, as its leadership’s strong vision and commitment to equity inspire me to contribute to meaningful change in global health.” 

Upholding the department’s pursuit of #HealthforAll, our incoming global health leaders will use their knowledge, skillset, and lived experiences to tackle the most pressing global health topics of our time. From addressing causes of disease and health inequities at multiple levels to collaborating with global partners in communities around the world, our new cohort joins a legacy of students and faculty committed to achieving sustainable health outcomes on a global scale.   

We proudly welcome our 2025-2026 students, and we can’t wait to see what you all accomplish!