Student related activities seek to promote diversity and health equity knowledge and skills development among CUNY students and alumni in an environment that fosters wellness, inclusion and belonging:

Student Spotlight

The CUNY Institute for Health Equity sent a three-student delegation to present at the 2025 Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators Conference. AHSIE Conference 2025

A delegation of three students—Daniela Avila, Krystal Reynoso, and Fadel Ismail—represented the CUNY Institute for Health Equity at the 2025 Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators Conference. They presented a PowerPoint titled Breaking STEM Stereotypes: Insights from Diverse Student Experiences at an Urban MSI in NYC, based on peer-to-peer interviews they conducted in summer 2024 with Lehman College STEM majors.

Their research explored students' perceptions, motivations, and barriers to enrolling, staying enrolled, and graduating in STEM. This work was supported by the NSF-funded HSI-Hubs initiative, Intersectionality as Inquiry and Praxis: Race, Class, Gender, and Ethnicity for Student Success in STEM, a partnership among City College of New York, Lehman College, Hostos Community College, the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and Central New Mexico Community College.

Action Research Lab

Overall Goals and Objectives

The Action Research Lab (ARL) addresses social and structural health inequities in New York City, particularly in the Bronx, through research, education, and advocacy. By collaborating with campus and community partners, the ARL uses research as a tool to promote health and social equity.
Students gain hands-on experience analyzing real-world health data while also refining their critical thinking and writing skills. The ARL also engages in community outreach through various events, including film screenings, invited speakers and sidewalk science initiatives.
Students can apply to become Research Associates through a selection process that includes a letter of interest and an interview.

To apply, please send a letter of interest to Dr. Rahwa Haile at rahwa.haile@lehman.cuny.edu Your letter should include the following:

1. Student Status:(e.g., freshman, sophomore, etc.)
2. Current or intended major
3. GPA
4. A statement (up to 500 words) addressing the following:
   • What are your academic and professional goals over the next two year?
   • Why are you interested in joining the Action Research Lab? How will participating in the lab help you achieve your goals?
   • Why are you a good fit for the lab? How will you contribute to its goals?

First-year and second-year students are especially encouraged to apply, as well as students from any major with an interest in social movements, community organizing and health justice.