Monisha Afrooz is a dedicated doctoral student in Community Health and Health Behavior at UB, with a research focus on structural determinants of health disparities, mental health equity, and community-engaged interventions. Her work examines how systemic barriers, including structural racism, socioeconomic inequality, and discrimination, shape mental health outcomes and healthcare access among marginalized populations, particularly Black communities in the U.S.
As a Schomburg Fellow and NIH-funded T-32 IMSD trainee, Monisha has earned recognition through prestigious awards including the Gates Millennium Scholarship, Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship, McNair Scholars distinction, and Spirit of the Opportunity Award: honors that reflect her dual commitment to scholarly excellence and public service. Holding both a B.A. and MPH from Cornell University, she actively bridges academia with community engagement, mentoring young women in STEM through UB’s WiSE Outreach program while demonstrating her dedication to grassroots needs through a decade of volunteer work with NYC food pantries.
Looking ahead, Monisha aspires to become an independent researcher and advocate, bridging gaps between public health research, policy, and practice. She aims to develop structural competency in mental health interventions, amplify underrepresented voices in academia, and advance health systems rooted in equity and justice. Her ultimate goal is to translate research into tangible solutions that empower communities and transform systems of care.