Meet the 2025 Project AHEAD Interns
Project AHEAD (Asian Health Education and Development) is a ten-week internship program administered by the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center. It provides firsthand training and experience to undergraduate students and recent graduates who are interested in pursuing careers in health care. The program’s goals are: (1) increase interns’ awareness and understanding of health-related assets, needs, and challenges faced by Asian American communities; (2) provide exposure to community health and its various components; (3) help interns develop a better understanding of themselves as both individuals and important contributing members to their communities; and (4) motivate and inspire the next generation of community health leaders.
The Project AHEAD 2025 cohort will continue the tradition of designing and conducting a community health project. This year’s project will examine young adult patients’ primary care and related-social service needs. Findings from this project will help Project AHEAD interns and the Health Center understand how to better engage young adults in care and meet their health and social service needs as they transition from pediatric to adult medicine practices.
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Audrey Chu
Audrey Chu is a rising junior at Cornell University, majoring in biological sciences and minoring in data science, on the pre-med track. She is passionate about exploring the intersection of healthcare, technology, research, and youth education to address health disparities. With a strong connection to Manhattan’s Chinatown, she is eager to gain a deeper understanding of the critical role of CBWCHC in the New York Asian American community. Audrey aspires to become a physician, supporting and advocating for underserved communities.
Audrey Chu
Audrey Chu is a rising junior at Cornell University, majoring in biological sciences and minoring in data science, on the pre-med track. She is passionate about exploring the intersection of healthcare, technology, research, and youth education to address health disparities. With a strong connection to Manhattan’s Chinatown, she is eager to gain a deeper understanding of the critical role of CBWCHC in the New York Asian American community. Audrey aspires to become a physician, supporting and advocating for underserved communities.
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Bin Gao
Bin Gao is a rising junior at Harvard University, majoring in molecular and cellular biology with a secondary in East Asian studies. His experience as an immigrant navigating the U.S. healthcare system made him passionate about the importance of healthcare equity and cultural competency in medicine, especially in the East Asian community, and he is excited to learn more about them. After graduation, he plans on pursuing a career in healthcare and becoming a physician dedicated to working with underserved communities
Bin Gao
Bin Gao is a rising junior at Harvard University, majoring in molecular and cellular biology with a secondary in East Asian studies. His experience as an immigrant navigating the U.S. healthcare system made him passionate about the importance of healthcare equity and cultural competency in medicine, especially in the East Asian community, and he is excited to learn more about them. After graduation, he plans on pursuing a career in healthcare and becoming a physician dedicated to working with underserved communities
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Brianna Nee
Brianna Nee is a rising senior at Brown University, majoring in science, technology, and society with a data fluency certificate. She is interested in exploring racial and gender dynamics in science and technological development. She is also dedicated to improving access to care for historically marginalized and immigrant communities in the United States through asset-based community engagement. As an aspiring physician, she aims to address cultural stigma surrounding sensitive topics like sexual and mental health.
Brianna Nee
Brianna Nee is a rising senior at Brown University, majoring in science, technology, and society with a data fluency certificate. She is interested in exploring racial and gender dynamics in science and technological development. She is also dedicated to improving access to care for historically marginalized and immigrant communities in the United States through asset-based community engagement. As an aspiring physician, she aims to address cultural stigma surrounding sensitive topics like sexual and mental health.
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Cher Mei
Cher Mei is a rising senior at Vassar College, majoring in biology and science, technology, and society with an interest in public health. She is the Vice President of Vassar College’s Prohealth, CARE-Vassar “Comfort Women” Research Grant Recipient, and a Mental Health Intern at the Brain and Body Coalition. She is also certified in Mental Health First Aid. Cher is passionate about health education and health equity for lower-income and historically marginalized communities. She plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Health and work within interdisciplinary frameworks at intersections of technology, mental health, and health equity.
Cher Mei
Cher Mei is a rising senior at Vassar College, majoring in biology and science, technology, and society with an interest in public health. She is the Vice President of Vassar College’s Prohealth, CARE-Vassar “Comfort Women” Research Grant Recipient, and a Mental Health Intern at the Brain and Body Coalition. She is also certified in Mental Health First Aid. Cher is passionate about health education and health equity for lower-income and historically marginalized communities. She plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Health and work within interdisciplinary frameworks at intersections of technology, mental health, and health equity.
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Franklin Zhang
Franklin Zhang is a rising senior at Stony Brook University, majoring in Sociology and on the pre-dental track. After shadowing at various dental and clinical settings, including a clinic and a mobile unit that focused on providing care to the uninsured, he recognized that health disparities in oral health are rooted in not only access, but also a lack of health education, cultural disconnects in care, and other deep systemic barriers. He hopes to become a dentist who not only provides care to disadvantaged communities, but also reduces these disparities through education and advocacy.
Franklin Zhang
Franklin Zhang is a rising senior at Stony Brook University, majoring in Sociology and on the pre-dental track. After shadowing at various dental and clinical settings, including a clinic and a mobile unit that focused on providing care to the uninsured, he recognized that health disparities in oral health are rooted in not only access, but also a lack of health education, cultural disconnects in care, and other deep systemic barriers. He hopes to become a dentist who not only provides care to disadvantaged communities, but also reduces these disparities through education and advocacy.
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Irene Kim
Irene Kim is a rising junior at Brown University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in public health. While exploring the various niches within the field, she has worked as a research assistant for Brown School of Public Health's Center for Alcohol and Addiction studies, diving into the behavioral tendencies caused by cannabis and alcohol co-use. As an officer on Brown's Student Government Association and executive board member of multiple health advocacy clubs, Irene has grown to value holistic and immersive learning. She looks forward to expanding her understanding of Asian community health and meeting new students and professionals of all backgrounds.
Irene Kim
Irene Kim is a rising junior at Brown University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in public health. While exploring the various niches within the field, she has worked as a research assistant for Brown School of Public Health's Center for Alcohol and Addiction studies, diving into the behavioral tendencies caused by cannabis and alcohol co-use. As an officer on Brown's Student Government Association and executive board member of multiple health advocacy clubs, Irene has grown to value holistic and immersive learning. She looks forward to expanding her understanding of Asian community health and meeting new students and professionals of all backgrounds.
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How to customize formatting for each rich text
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Jacky Chen
Jacky Chen is a rising senior at the University of Rochester, majoring in biochemistry. As a first-generation student, he is passionate about mentorship and has taken leadership roles in related initiatives such as Project Level The Field and University of Rochester’s 1st Generation Society. His experience as a research assistant in the Yeh Lab and as a medical assistant solidified his commitment to pursue a career that integrates medicine and research. After graduation, he aspires to become a physician with an emphasis on public health and preventative medicine.
Jacky Chen
Jacky Chen is a rising senior at the University of Rochester, majoring in biochemistry. As a first-generation student, he is passionate about mentorship and has taken leadership roles in related initiatives such as Project Level The Field and University of Rochester’s 1st Generation Society. His experience as a research assistant in the Yeh Lab and as a medical assistant solidified his commitment to pursue a career that integrates medicine and research. After graduation, he aspires to become a physician with an emphasis on public health and preventative medicine.
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Kaitlyn Huang
Kaitlyn Huang is a rising senior at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, majoring in biology with a focus on medical humanities. Growing up in a second-generation Cantonese household in suburban New Jersey, she has had a unique perspective on the healthcare education disparities between her experience and her grandparents’ experience living in New York’s Chinatown. Kaitlyn is passionate about addressing the healthcare education gaps in the Chinatown area. After graduation, she plans to attend physician assistant school and become a healthcare provider dedicated to equality and accessibility.
Kaitlyn Huang
Kaitlyn Huang is a rising senior at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, majoring in biology with a focus on medical humanities. Growing up in a second-generation Cantonese household in suburban New Jersey, she has had a unique perspective on the healthcare education disparities between her experience and her grandparents’ experience living in New York’s Chinatown. Kaitlyn is passionate about addressing the healthcare education gaps in the Chinatown area. After graduation, she plans to attend physician assistant school and become a healthcare provider dedicated to equality and accessibility.
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How to customize formatting for each rich text
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Maisha Sreya
Maisha Sreya is a rising senior at Hunter College, majoring in clinical psychology and minoring in cultural anthropology. She is passionate about health equity in the mental health field and breaking the stigma of receiving mental health assistance in minority communities. After graduation, she plan to pursue a PsyD or PhD in psychology. She wants to become a clinician who can understand and effectively help people of all backgrounds, especially women and those in minority communities.
Maisha Sreya
Maisha Sreya is a rising senior at Hunter College, majoring in clinical psychology and minoring in cultural anthropology. She is passionate about health equity in the mental health field and breaking the stigma of receiving mental health assistance in minority communities. After graduation, she plan to pursue a PsyD or PhD in psychology. She wants to become a clinician who can understand and effectively help people of all backgrounds, especially women and those in minority communities.
What’s a Rich Text element?
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The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
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How to customize formatting for each rich text
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Nafisa Ishra
Nafisa Ishra is a rising senior at Stony Brook University, majoring in biology and minoring in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. She is passionate about providing culturally competent care that serves the unique needs of every patient and building strong relationships between the healthcare provider and patient. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in primary care, specializing in pediatrics or women’s health, and serving NYC’s immigrant populations.
Nafisa Ishra
Nafisa Ishra is a rising senior at Stony Brook University, majoring in biology and minoring in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. She is passionate about providing culturally competent care that serves the unique needs of every patient and building strong relationships between the healthcare provider and patient. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in primary care, specializing in pediatrics or women’s health, and serving NYC’s immigrant populations.
What’s a Rich Text element?
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The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
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How to customize formatting for each rich text
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Xiaolan (Vivian) FengWu
Xiaolan (Vivian) FengWu is a rising junior at Boston College majoring in biology and double minoring in medical humanities and applied psychology. Her research interests focus on immigrant health disparities and the well-being of children with DSM-5 diagnoses. She aspires to become a clinical physician with the goal of establishing mobile clinics and culturally tailored wellness programs in historically excluded communities and striving to foster a global Culture of Health. With clinical experience at Queens Hospital and various healthcare settings, Xiaolan is committed to making a meaningful impact on the cohort’s community health project.
Xiaolan (Vivian) FengWu
Xiaolan (Vivian) FengWu is a rising junior at Boston College majoring in biology and double minoring in medical humanities and applied psychology. Her research interests focus on immigrant health disparities and the well-being of children with DSM-5 diagnoses. She aspires to become a clinical physician with the goal of establishing mobile clinics and culturally tailored wellness programs in historically excluded communities and striving to foster a global Culture of Health. With clinical experience at Queens Hospital and various healthcare settings, Xiaolan is committed to making a meaningful impact on the cohort’s community health project.
What’s a Rich Text element?
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The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
Static and dynamic content editing
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How to customize formatting for each rich text
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Ziyi Zhang
Ziyi (Diana) Zhang is a rising senior at the University of Virginia, majoring in a self-designed major on the intersection between neuroscience, sociology, and public health. She is currently an undergraduate researcher in a clinical child neurology lab and a patient care technician at her university’s hospital, and is dedicated to improving healthcare access to underserved communities. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a master’s in public health and a medical degree, serving immigrant and other underserved communities in the U.S.
Ziyi Zhang
Ziyi (Diana) Zhang is a rising senior at the University of Virginia, majoring in a self-designed major on the intersection between neuroscience, sociology, and public health. She is currently an undergraduate researcher in a clinical child neurology lab and a patient care technician at her university’s hospital, and is dedicated to improving healthcare access to underserved communities. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a master’s in public health and a medical degree, serving immigrant and other underserved communities in the U.S.
What’s a Rich Text element?
wdad
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
Static and dynamic content editing
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
How to customize formatting for each rich text
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Alice Vo, LMSW
Program Coordinator
Project AHEAD
Born and raised in Manhattan’s Chinatown, Alice earned her BA from the University of Richmond and MSW at Columbia University. As the Project AHEAD Coordinator, she continues to look forward to supporting and motivating each cohort of interns to develop a better understanding of themselves as individuals and to learn more about community health and its various components.
Alice Vo, LMSW
Program Coordinator
Project AHEAD
Born and raised in Manhattan’s Chinatown, Alice earned her BA from the University of Richmond and MSW at Columbia University. As the Project AHEAD Coordinator, she continues to look forward to supporting and motivating each cohort of interns to develop a better understanding of themselves as individuals and to learn more about community health and its various components.
What’s a Rich Text element?
wdad
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
Static and dynamic content editing
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
How to customize formatting for each rich text
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center is a nonprofit and federally qualified health center offering comprehensive primary care services to all in five convenient locations in Manhattan and Queens seven days a week. We accept most major health insurance plans and serve everyone regardless of their ability to pay, the language they speak, or their immigration history. For more information, please visit www.cbwchc.org.
