Young Global Leaders Program 2025: Empowering the Next Generation of Public Health Leaders

The annual Young Global Leaders program for high school students offered by the college’s Global Health Institute used a “Science versus Myth” theme this year to engage students and introduce them to public health and environmental science with a global perspective.

This summer, our Global Health Institute (GHI), in partnership with our Environment, Exposure Science, and Risk Assessment Center (ESRAC), welcomed 18 high school students from across Arizona and beyond for the 2025 Young Global Leaders Program (YGL), a two-week immersive experience designed to spark curiosity, deepen knowledge, and inspire careers in public health and the health sciences.

Led by Roxanna Apaez, Senior Manager at GHI, and Dr. Jonathan Sexton, Director of Laboratory Operations and K-12 Outreach at ESRAC, the program introduced students to real-world research, laboratory investigations, and public health careers. Through the lens of this year’s YGL theme, Public Health Mysteries – Science vs. Myths, students were challenged to investigate common public health misconceptions using scientific inquiry, interactive labs, and collaborative learning.

“Our goal is to empower young people to become critical thinkers, compassionate leaders, and advocates for community well-being,” said Apaez. “This program gives students the tools to ask questions, test evidence, and explore how public health connects to their everyday lives.”

“Helping students experience science hands-on is one of the most powerful ways to inspire their curiosity and confidence,” said Dr. Sexton. “Watching them light up as they discover answers to questions they’ve tested themselves—that’s the kind of spark that stays with them, and hopefully guides them toward a future in health and science.”

Program Highlights

Students explored timely topics in public health through guided workshops and experiential learning activities, including:

• Research & Team Projects: Students worked in small teams to test popular myths using real scientific methods:
  • Team Barkteria: Is a dog’s mouth really cleaner than a human’s?
  • Team Fecal Flyers: Are paper towels more hygienic than air dryers in public restrooms?
  • Team Sudsy Truth: Is antibacterial soap more effective than regular soap?
  • Team Contamin-Agents: Does the 5-second rule really prevent contamination?
• Hands-On Lab Investigations: Students stepped into UA labs for immersive experiments in:
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
  • ELISA testing
  • Fomite and mold studies
  • Water quality analysis
  • Virus transfer experiments
• Campus Exploration & Career Pathways: Participants toured cutting-edge research facilities, met with public health professionals, and learned about degree and career options in the health sciences.
• Art as a Voice for Public Health: Students explored creative advocacy through a module led by Roxanna on storytelling and the role of arts in communicating public health science and inspiring social change.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Lab Team

A special thanks goes to our incredible Lab Team Leads – Doctoral students J. Lance Picton, Royani Saha, Yva Luc, and Sheneil Agyemang, as well as undergraduate student Harini Gandimathi, and high school student Camila Zamorano, a Steps 2 Stem Research Intern – who did an outstanding job guiding their teams through fun and engaging experiments. Their energy, mentorship, and dedication helped make the lab sessions a highlight of the program and left a lasting impression on our students.

Community Partnership in Action

This year’s program was made possible thanks in part to the generous support of the Southern Arizona Area Health Education Center (SAAHEC) at El Rio Health. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to community outreach, youth engagement, and health equity.

“Programs like this are vital for creating pathways for the next generation of public health professionals,” said Apaez. “We’re grateful to Southern Arizona AHEC for investing in young leaders and helping us amplify our reach.”

Aligned with Arizona’s Land-Grant Mission

The Young Global Leaders Program exemplifies the University of Arizona’s strategic imperative to engage with communities to create opportunity. As a land-grant institution, the University of Arizona is committed to building sustainable partnerships that support place-based excellence and community well-being—values that are central to the work of the Global Health Institute.

Looking Ahead

We’re grateful to the many parents, school administrators, teachers, and counselors who encourage students to pursue enriching experiences like the Young Global Leaders Program. Your support plays an important role in nurturing curiosity and reinforcing the value of public health education at a young age.

And of course, a special, enthusiastic shout-out goes to our brilliant student participants—your curiosity, teamwork, and passion for public health have truly inspired us all!

Details for the Summer 2026 program and application process will be released in February 2026. Stay tuned!

Support Future Young Global Leaders

To help sustain this program and support future participants, we welcome tax-deductible gifts through the University of Arizona Foundation. To designate your gift, simply enter “Young Global Leaders” in the designation field. Your support ensures this transformative experience remains accessible to all students, regardless of background.