Knowing how to create a healthier world is not enough; that knowledge has to be turned into action. We are revolutionizing the practice of public health by teaching practitioners to engage the world in a way that meets the current moment. We do this by equipping our partners with the knowledge and experiences that will allow them to face each injustice as an opportunity to rectify or dismantle the systems that create inequity.
Mission
The Activist Lab is a catalyst for bold public health practice that disrupts injustice with tenacity and compassion. Our mission is to nurture the talents of students, connecting the resources of our school with communities to create the conditions in which all people can reach their fullest potential and happiness.
Purpose
To push beyond what is known to manifest what can be.
Knowing how to create a healthier world is not enough; we seek to turn that knowledge into action. We are revolutionizing the practice of public health by teaching practitioners to engage the world in a way that meets the current moment. We partner with students, staff, faculty, alumni, and communities to provide knowledge and skills that can assist them to face each injustice as an opportunity to rectify or dismantle the systems that create inequity.
Values
Generosity: We will give fully of our time, expertise, support, guidance, and financial resources in order to build authentic partnerships that create sustainable change.
Compassion: We will be a safe space for our partners to be their whole selves, striving to hear and therefore appreciate your journey as well as offer partnership as that journey progresses
Courage: We will face all obstacles in the path of justice as opportunities, despite difficulty or fear.
Justice: We will act and speak in ways that honor the dignity of all people in order to protect and promote that dignity.
Vision
We believe in a world in which no injustice goes unchallenged.
Welcome. We can’t wait to change the world with you.
Activist Lab Faculty
Craig S. Andrade, RN, MPH, DrPH
Associate Dean for Practice- Boston University School of Public Health
David H. Jernigan, PhD
Professor, Health Law, Policy & Management- Boston University School of Public Health
Activist Lab Staff
Soma Khoshnaw
Operations Associate, Activist Lab- Boston University School of Public Health
Emily Welden, MA
Assistant Director, Activist Lab, Activist Lab- Boston University School of Public Health
Student Engagement Intern
Paige Leiser
Paige is a first-year graduate student focused on Health Policy and Law. As the Activist Lab’s Student Engagement intern, she connects the Activist Lab and the broader BUSPH community. In her role, Paige creates social media content, editorial pieces, and other communications showcasing the Activist Lab’s work at BUSPH and beyond. She is a proud alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she majored in Political Science. When Paige is not busy captioning Instagram posts and drafting emails for the Activist Lab, you can find her eating ice cream at JP Licks, supporting her favorite sports teams, or doing the New York Times daily crossword. Be sure to say hello if you see her in class or on Talbot Green and reach out to her to get connected with the latest events happening at the Activist Lab.
We are currently taking applications for the 2023-2024 Data Research Internship. The Data Research Assistant will assist with an ongoing project that will focus on gathering and disseminating data on all practice activities at BUSPH. The Research Assistant will work closely with the Activist Lab and the Practice Advisory Committee, which represents all BUSPH. Job duties will focus on survey dissemination, data collection, data cleaning, and reporting of both quantitative and qualitative data.
To apply for this role, please submit a resume and cover letter to Emily Welden at Ewelden@bu.edu.
Less Seen/Less Heard, Podcast Producer
Sherly Bambang
Sherly is a first-year MPH student at Boston University School of Public Health majoring in Community Assessment, Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation along with Sex, Sexuality, and Gender. Sherly works with Activist Lab as the Podcast Producer managing the Less Seen Less Heard Podcast. This podcast focuses on bringing story from the margins and emphasizing the voice of people that have been marginalized and disempowered. Coming from a medical background herself, Sherly is eager to talk about women, gender, sexual reproductive health, and adolescent health. Additionally, being a former podcaster herself, she is passionate in bringing various stories from different backgrounds for the listeners, including BU SPH students, faculty, and the general public. If you ever want to give Activist Lab suggestions on what story should be featured, please feel free to email Sherly down below or DM Activist Lab on Instagram @activistlabsph!
