I’m Sukhman Parhar, an MPH student in Epidemiology at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. My work sits at the intersection of data science, epidemiologic research, and structural determinants of health. I am passionate about using quantitative methods to improve health equity and decision-making in public health, clinical research, and policy.
Columbia University, Mailman School of Public
Health
Master of Public Health, Epidemiology — Expected May
2026
- Certificate: Advanced Epidemiology
- GPA: 4.0
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Bachelor of Science, Public Health Sciences with Distinction -
GPA: 3.9
- Awards: James B. Angell Scholar, University Honors
Columbia University Mailman School of Public
Health
Quantitative Foundations Teaching Assistant — Aug 2025 –
Present
- Lead weekly labs and office hours for graduate-level biostatistics
students.
- Provide R-based tutorials and grading support for epidemiologic data
analysis assignments.
- Emphasize reproducibility, coding clarity, and applied quantitative
reasoning.
Research Intern — Llanos Lab, Columbia University —
June 2025 – Present
- Conduct systematic reviews on structural racism and cervical
cancer outcomes.
- Extract and code data in Covidence for studies across structural
measures, exposures, and survival outcomes.
- Support manuscript writing and results synthesis for ongoing
NIH-funded projects.
Stanford Medicine — Center for Asian Health Research and
Education (CARE)
Research Scholar — April 2023 – Present
- Led analyses on sleep disparities and mental health
across Asian-American subgroups using NHIS data.
- Conducted brain cancer grading and mortality analyses
using SEER.
- Presented findings at the Stanford CARE Summer
Symposium and American Academy of
Neurology.
- Contributed to the integration of findings into Stanford
Medicine’s Asian Health curriculum.
Marginalization-Related Diminished Returns Research Center
(MRDRC)
Research Assistant — 2021 – 2024
- Analyzed the effects of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic
status on health outcomes during COVID-19.
- Audited and reviewed manuscripts examining marginalization-related
health disparities.
Functional Neuroimaging, Cognitive, and Mobility Lab —
University of Michigan
Research Assistant — April – September 2021
- Managed HIPAA-compliant datasets across five longitudinal neuroimaging
studies.
- Processed cognitive and gait data for older adult participants using
REDCap and MATLAB.
New York Retina Center
Optometric Technician — September 2024 – June
2025
- Collected patient histories and performed retinal imaging,
OCT, and visual acuity assessments.
- Managed pre-testing, documentation, and patient flow in a high-volume
clinical setting.
- Gained hands-on experience in ophthalmologic care and diagnostic
testing.
Mentor — Columbia University Mailman School of Public
Health
September 2025 – Present
- Mentor first-year MPH students in Epidemiology, supporting academic
and professional development.
- Guide mentees on quantitative coursework, research strategy, and time
management.
Chair, COVID-19 People of Color Impact Task Force —
University of Michigan Student Government
June 2021 – February 2022
- Designed and analyzed a university-wide survey on COVID-19
vaccine disparities.
- Allocated funding to support equity-driven campus health
initiatives.
- Led three successful grant submissions and authored funding proposals
for outreach efforts.
Biology Study Group Facilitator — University of
Michigan
August 2021 – April 2024
- Led weekly sessions for 25+ students and developed study materials and
exam prep tools.
- Mentored 80+ students pursuing pre-health pathways.
Undergraduate Ambassador — University of Michigan School of
Public Health
August 2022 – June 2024
- Represented the undergraduate Public Health program in student panels,
admissions events, and mentorship initiatives.
- Supported outreach to prospective students and assisted with
departmental programming.
Refugee English Tutor — End the Cycle
March 2022 – May 2024
- Taught conversational and academic English to Afghan and Middle
Eastern refugees resettling in Michigan.
- Designed personalized learning plans and integrated cross-cultural
education materials.
Mathematics Tutor — End the Cycle
October 2020 – June 2024
- Tutored high school students in the Washtenaw County Juvenile
Detention Center and Grace Centers for Hope.
- Helped at-risk youth work toward a GED or high school diploma.
End the Cycle Outreach Chair — End the Cycle
August 2022 – August 2023
- Directed community outreach programs serving marginalized youth and
refugee families.
- Coordinated volunteers and tutoring schedules across multiple Michigan
counties.
Volunteer Connection Lead — American Red Cross
December 2022 – Present
- Serve as liaison for volunteer recruitment and engagement
initiatives.
- Coordinate communication between local chapters and regional volunteer
offices.
Volunteer — American Red Cross
September 2018 – Present
- Participate in health education and emergency response initiatives
across the Midwest region.
- Assist with community blood drives and disaster preparedness
campaigns.
Advocacy Lead — Partners In Health Engage
June 2023 – June 2024
- Led public health advocacy efforts promoting global health equity and
universal access to care.
- Coordinated team events supporting Partners In Health policy
campaigns.
Volunteer — American Cancer Society
October 2024 – Present
- Assist with event coordination and fundraising campaigns for cancer
prevention and awareness.
You can view my full professional profile and updates on LinkedIn,
explore my data and code on GitHub,
or find me on Instagram,
Twitter /
X, and Letterboxd.