High School students investigate invisible health threats in Young Global Leaders public health summer program
The annual Young Global Leaders Program this summer guided high school students to investigate the invisible environmental and health hazards that surround us through hands-on laboratory experiences and collaborative research that expanded their appreciation for public health.
The annual Young Global Leaders Program welcomed its largest cohort to date, bringing together high school students from Arizona and California to investigate the invisible environmental and public health hazards that surround us every day, such as bacteria and viruses. To find answers, they learned through hands-on laboratory experiences, collaborative research, creative expression, and mentorship from University of Arizona researchers.
This summer, the University of Arizona Global Health Institute (GHI), in partnership with the Environment, Exposure Science, and Risk Assessment Center (ESRAC), welcomed 27 students to the 2026 Young Global Leaders (YGL) Program, marking the largest cohort in the program's history. The group included 25 high school participants, Steps2STEM Research Intern Adrianna Lizarraga, and returning Young Global Leaders alumnus Jake Riel, who served as a Student Team Lead.
Watch This Summer's Young Global Leaders Program in Action
Students traveled from across the region to participate, including two students from California, two from the Phoenix metropolitan area, and participants representing high schools throughout the Tucson community. Together, they spent two immersive weeks exploring this year's theme, Invisible Threats: What We Can't See Can Hurt Us, investigating the unseen environmental and biological factors that influence human health.
Led by Roxanna Apaez, Senior Manager of the Global Health Institute, and Dr. Jonathan Sexton, Director of Laboratory Operations and K-12 Outreach at ESRAC, the program introduced students to environmental health, microbiology, exposure science, and public health through hands-on laboratory investigations, interactive discussions, and collaborative research projects designed to connect science with everyday life.
When students investigate real questions, analyze their own data, and communicate their findings, they begin to see themselves as scientists and future leaders in health.
"Our goal is to help students recognize that many of the greatest public health challenges are invisible to the naked eye," said Apaez. "Whether it's microorganisms, environmental contaminants, or misinformation, learning how to ask questions, gather evidence, and think critically empowers students to become informed leaders and advocates for healthier communities."
"Helping students experience science firsthand builds confidence and curiosity," said Dr. Sexton. "When students investigate real questions, analyze their own data, and communicate their findings, they begin to see themselves as scientists and future leaders in health."
Throughout the program, students investigated how everyday environments can influence health through hands-on laboratory experiences, collaborative research, and interactive learning. We have included highlights from this summer’s Young Global Leaders Program in this recap story to give a feel for the approach to learning and mentoring, the people who made it happen, and the creativity that the program team and students brought to the process.
Research & Team Projects
Working in small research teams in collaboration with University of Arizona mentors, the students designed experiments, collected and analyzed data, and presented their findings during the program's Final Showcase.
Each research team explored common public health questions that many people encounter in their daily lives, and each team had their own name and research focus:
- Germ Gamblers: Does the 5-second rule really prevent bacteria from transferring to food?
- Shake Squad: How much bacteria can be transferred through a simple handshake?
- Hand Hygiene Heroes: How effective is proper handwashing at removing bacteria?
- Dirty Detectives: Which everyday surface harbors the most bacteria? Students compared toilet flush handles, toilet seats, doorknobs, kitchen sinks, computer keyboards, cell phones, the bottoms of shoes, and parents' cell phones.
By designing experiments, collecting evidence, and interpreting their own results, students discovered firsthand how scientific inquiry can challenge assumptions and inform healthier behaviors.
Hands-On Laboratory Experiences
Students worked in University of Arizona laboratories to gain firsthand experience with scientific methods used in public health and environmental health research. Throughout the program, they practiced laboratory techniques, collected environmental samples, cultured microorganisms, analyzed results, and learned how researchers investigate invisible health threats that affect communities every day.
Campus Exploration & Career Discovery
Participants explored the University of Arizona campus and Health Sciences facilities while learning about undergraduate pathways in Public Health and the health sciences. Students also met faculty, researchers, graduate students, and public health professionals who shared their educational journeys, research interests, and career experiences.
Art as a Voice for Public Health
Public health is about more than data and scientific discovery. It is also about communication, empathy, and inspiring action. As part of the program, students participated in Art as a Voice for Public Health, a creative reflection project that encouraged them to explore what public health means in their own lives and communities.
Students were invited to create an original artwork reflecting their personal interpretation of public health using a variety of artistic mediums, reinforcing that public health is present in our environments, communities, and everyday experiences.
Katherine Cheng
The Weight We Hold
Selina Nidhiri
All Cultures One Health
Soleil Sakali
Growing Healthy Communities
Using painting, drawing, mixed media, digital design, and other creative approaches, students created original artworks that communicated a public health message meaningful to them. Their creations reflected themes of community, environmental health, prevention, resilience, equity, and the invisible factors that influence health every day.
The completed works were displayed during the program's Final Showcase alongside the students' research presentations. Several exceptional pieces received Best in Show recognition, highlighting the creativity, insight, and personal reflections students brought to their understanding of public health.
Outstanding Student Mentors
The success of this year's program was made possible by an exceptional team of student mentors who inspired curiosity, fostered collaboration, and guided participants through each stage of the research process.
A special thank you goes to our doctoral student mentors, Royani Saha, Jumah Alkhaibari, and Sinthia Nim, and Steps2STEM Research Intern Adrianna Lizarraga, a rising high school senior. Their enthusiasm, patience, and scientific expertise helped create a welcoming learning environment where students gained confidence while developing laboratory and research skills.
The Young Global Leaders Program is designed to build a community of learners and future leaders. This year's program reflected that mission in action as Jake Riel, a former Young Global Leaders participant, returned as a Student Team Lead. His journey from participant to mentor demonstrates the lasting impact of the program and the supportive community it continues to foster.
Together, this multi-level mentoring model provided participants with relatable role models at every stage of the educational journey. By learning from mentors, students gained valuable insight into the many educational and career opportunities available in the health sciences.
Community Partnership in Action
The 2026 Young Global Leaders Program was made possible in part through the generous support of the Southern Arizona Area Health Education Center (SAAHEC) at El Rio Health. Their continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality educational experiences that inspire future leaders in public health and the health sciences.
Thanks to SAAHEC's support, the program welcomed its largest cohort to date, providing hands-on research experiences, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities to more students than ever before.
"We are incredibly grateful for SAAHEC's continued investment in the next generation of public health leaders," said Apaez. "Their partnership has helped us expand opportunities for students from across Arizona and beyond while ensuring that more young people can experience the excitement of scientific discovery and explore careers dedicated to improving community health."
This collaboration reflects the shared mission of the University of Arizona Global Health Institute, ESRAC, and El Rio SAAHEC to strengthen the future public health workforce by creating meaningful educational pathways for high school students.
Building the Next Generation of Public Health Leaders
The Young Global Leaders Program reflects the University of Arizona's land-grant mission by expanding access to meaningful educational opportunities that inspire future scientists, healthcare professionals, and public health leaders.
By engaging students in authentic research experiences at an early age, the program cultivates scientific curiosity, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership while encouraging participants to envision themselves pursuing careers dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities.
Over the past several years, the Young Global Leaders Program has continued to evolve and grow, introducing a new public health theme each summer while maintaining its commitment to hands-on learning, scientific inquiry, and student leadership. From exploring climate change and health, to debunking public health myths, and this year's focus on invisible environmental threats, the program continues to challenge students to think critically about the complex factors that shape the health of individuals and communities around the world.
Looking Ahead
We extend our sincere gratitude to the many parents, teachers, school counselors, and community partners who encourage students to pursue opportunities like the Young Global Leaders Program. Your support helps create transformative experiences that inspire the next generation of health professionals and scientific leaders.
Most importantly, congratulations to our incredible Young Global Leaders! Your curiosity, collaboration, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning made this summer an inspiring experience for everyone involved. We are excited to see where your educational journeys take you and look forward to the positive impact you will make in your schools, communities, and beyond.
Details for the Summer 2027 Young Global Leaders Program will be announced in February 2027. We look forward to welcoming another outstanding group of future public health leaders.
Support Future Young Global Leaders
To help sustain this program and expand opportunities for future participants, tax-deductible gifts may be made through the University of Arizona Foundation on the Global Health Institute giving webpage. To designate your gift, simply chose "Young Global Leaders Program" from the ‘direct your donation’ drop-down menu. Your support helps ensure this transformative educational experience remains accessible to students from all backgrounds and continues to inspire future generations of public health leaders.