OUR LAB MEMBERS
Nicole Munoz
Position within the lab: Associate Director of Research, Team Leader for Asylum/TIC
When did you join the lab? Spring 2023
Projects: Asylum/TIC, EMPOWER Clinic, Trauma and Pregnancy
Major/occupation/level of schooling: Senior at NYU pursuing a B.S. in Global Public Health & Biology with a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Why’d you join the lab? I joined the Empower Lab due to my strong desire to get involved in public health research, as I would love to gain a new perspective that I can implement for the rest of my medical career. I found it interesting how lab members worked to question established healthcare constructs like that of screenings health care systems used to investigate gender-based violence perpetrated among men. I also appreciated not only the diversity of sexual health topics being investigated but also the lab’s commitment to empowerment by having a predominantly female team. Throughout my life, reproductive health and the importance of gender equity has been a recurring theme, which is why I decided to join in order to better comprehend my lived experiences and future aspirations.
Excited to see yourself do: I hope that by analyzing data and learning how to interpret those findings, I am able to adopt a more holistic perspective and understanding of trauma and SGBV as a whole. I’m eager to familiarize myself with the intricacies of the lab’s mission in order to grow into a more well-rounded individual and professional as well.
Fun Fact: I have a Bichon Frise puppy named Astro after the Houston Astros Baseball team!
Abibatou Marenah
Position within the lab: Research Assistant
When did you join the lab? Fall 2023
Projects: Male IPV, Sugar Dating, Trauma and Pregnancy
Major/occupation/level of schooling: Spring ‘25 graduate from NYU on the premed track, with a Biology major and minors in Global Public Health and Chemistry
Why’d you join the lab? I was eager to join a team committed to creating a positive social impact and addressing critical issues that affect our society today. I am particularly drawn to the Empower Lab's interdisciplinary approach to research, as it aligns well with my own academic and professional aspirations. As an aspiring gynecologist, my interest in women's health drives me to seek research opportunities that contribute to the well-being of women in underserved communities. I firmly believe that research is an integral part of providing comprehensive and compassionate care in the medical field. To conclude, I really want to emphasize that the empower lab would be providing me with the opportunity to do what I’m most passionate about, helping women in low income communities get back their voices through intensive research.
Excited to see yourself do: I am particularly intrigued by the presented research on Female Asylum Seekers, and I’m excited to work with others on this project! This resonates deeply with me, as I understand firsthand the critical importance of reliable and empathetic documentation in the asylum-seeking process. I believe that contributing to this research project would not only be intellectually stimulating but also personally meaningful.
Fun Fact: I’m a self-taught Makeup Artist.
Kate Tolleson
Position within the lab: Research Assistant
When did you join the lab: Spring 2024
Projects: Trauma & Pregnancy, EMPOWER Clinic
Major/occupation/level of schooling: M1 at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. BS in Chemical Engineering with a minor in psychology from Clemson University in 2022. MS in Applied Health Research and Evaluation from Clemson University in 2023.
Why’d you join the lab? I am planning to become an OB/GYN physician and am specifically interested in maternal-fetal medicine. I hope to gain skills in research and teamwork through the Empower Lab that will prepare me to be a leader of research in the field in my future career. I also hope to learn more about sexual and gender based violence, trauma in pregnancy, and other areas of women’s health so that I can provide the best care to my future patients. I also have a lot of previous experience in mentoring roles and am very interested in learning more about women’s health topics so that I can work to empower and support women throughout my career.
Excited to see yourself do: I’m most excited to learn about female asylum seekers and how trauma affects pregnancy. I have a lot of previous experience working with pregnant people- I currently volunteer as a birth doula- and I deeply understand how intertwined mental health and pregnancy can be. Additionally, since moving to NYC I have been very interested in learning more about the migrant crisis and how to best support the many women and pregnant people who are coming to New York for refuge. These topics will both teach me so much that I will be able to take with me into my future practice, and I’m excited to continue learning more.
Fun Fact: I am a big lover of fantasy books and I am currently reading the Throne of Glass series!!
Sophia Bueno
Position within the Lab: Associate Director of Research, Team Lead for Male IPV, Team Lead for Advocacy
When did you join the lab: Summer 2024
Projects: Advocacy, Male IPV, Asylum/TIC
Major/Occupation/Level of Schooling: Senior at NYU CAS pursuing a degree in Biology on the pre-med track with a minor in Web Development
Why’d you join the lab? I have always had an interest in women’s health and the Empower Lab’s mission to research SGBV and advocate for informed care for women, especially those who have suffered trauma, strongly resonates with me. I appreciate the lab’s commitment to diversity and intersectionality, both of which are crucial in providing comprehensive healthcare and other services to those affected by SGBV. The lab’s culture of teamwork and uplifting women is admirable and I am eager to be a part of such an accomplished team of women.
Excited to see yourself do: I am excited to gain experience in public health research and advocate for those affected by trauma and SGBV in order to become a more informed and well-rounded person and physician in the future.
Fun fact: I love all forms of visual art, but especially painting!
Sameeha Hasan
Position within the Lab: Research Assistant
When did you join the lab: Summer 2024
Projects: Advocacy, Asylum/TIC, EMPOWER Clinic
Major/Occupation/Level of Schooling: Junior at NYU CAS pursuing a degree in Biochemistry on the pre-med track
Why’d you join the lab? The Empower Lab uniquely combines three main interests of mine: academia, advocacy, and medicine. It allowed a prospect for me to carry my passion for South Asian and Muslim women’s rights and justice into applications in healthcare, especially in the realm of SGBV, an undiscussed problem in my community. I resonated with the Lab’s message of opening conversations between patients and providers and looked up to the young women researching this cause.
Excited to see yourself do: I am excited to expand my coding skills on REDCap, and learn how to improve my scientific writing, reading, and analytical skills. I would also love to write a blog post in the future!
Fun fact: I love to hike!
Azalia James
Position within the Lab: Research Assistant, Team Lead for Sugar Dating
When did you join the lab: Fall 2024
Projects: Asylum/TIC, Sugar Dating
Major/Occupation/Level of Schooling: Junior at NYU CAS pursuing a degree in Global Public Health and Sociology on the pre-med track
Why’d you join the lab? I joined the lab because of the opportunity to work with clinical data from survivors of human trafficking and female genital cutting. I am eager to analyze this information to dive deep into information regarding the incidence of these issues through a sociological lens and to contribute to relaying critical insights to doctors about the need for trauma-informed care. I have been passionate about raising awareness of human trafficking for a long time, and this lab’s commitment to supporting those affected by these underrepresented issues made it clear to me that I needed to be part of it.
Excited to see yourself do: I am excited to familiarize myself with scientific literature and manuscript writing on topics that I am truly passionate about. I hope that as I progress in the lab, I will be able to write about a substantial finding that the team and I have and make a contribution towards advancing care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Additionally, I aim to use these findings to amplify my advocacy for the healing and recovery of survivors.
Fun fact: I am super into SFX makeup and right now I’m learning how to recreate more looks!
Melany Kelly Dishmey
Position within the Lab: Research Assistant
When did you join the lab: Fall 2024
Projects: Male IPV, Sugar Dating
Major/Occupation/Level of Schooling: Junior at NYU CAS pursuing a degree in Psychology on the pre-med track
Why’d you join the lab? Care that goes beyond physical health is one of the key points they make in their lab, and that aligns with my overall holistic approach towards health and social equality. As I’ve delved into the field of public health research, I’ve discovered my passion for advocacy, especially toward more vulnerable populations. Therefore I welcome any opportunity to learn more about social determinants of health. The more I learned about Empower Lab the more captivated I was towards their mission for advocacy, trauma-informed care, and GBV which is traditionally an under-researched public health issue.
Excited to see yourself do: I am excited to grow in the field of research, and familiarize myself with the problems that a lot of urban populations face, as well as to gain more skills and experience in data analysis, hypothesis generation, scientific writing, among other useful research skills. As well as getting to work with an amazing team!
Fun fact: I can trick-pin a rifle (AFJROTC)!
Angelina Grzybowski
Position within the Lab: Research Assistant
When did you join the lab: Spring 2025
Projects: Male IPV, Advocacy
Major/Occupation/Level of Schooling: Senior at NYU Steinhardt pursuing a degree in Applied Psychology with a minor in Chemistry on the pre-health track
Why’d you join the lab? I joined the Empower lab to continue to develop my research skills while contributing to a lab that takes a unique approach to improving women’s health care for victims of sexual and gender-based violence. I have always been passionate about advocating for and providing support for survivors of trauma, and I am excited to explore this interest through a scientific lens while using my educational background and skills to contribute to the lab's mission!
Excited to see yourself do: I’m excited to develop as a researcher while applying those skills to make a tangible difference in today’s political climate. I hope to see myself grow and become more confident in the research world through collaborating with other passionate individuals in the lab!
Fun fact: I love going to art museums, and want to see all of the world's most famous masterpieces in my lifetime. The MET is my favorite!
Katie Zeng
Position within the Lab: Research Assistant
When did you join the lab: Spring 2025
Projects: Male IPV, Sugar Dating
Major/Occupation/Level of Schooling: Junior at NYU CAS pursuing degrees in Biochemistry and Neuroscience with minors in Chemistry, Biology, and ASL on the pre-med track
Why’d you join the lab? I wanted to join a lab that prioritizes using research as a tool for advocacy and making a tangible difference. Through my experience working with vulnerable communities, I've seen how careful and empathetic analysis of data is crucial for implementing real change, especially regarding trauma-informed care. Having been involved in advocacy work for several years, I was drawn to this lab and its mission to transform research into real-world impact. This lab is not only a space where I see myself applying my education and growing my skills, but also a space to contribute to the work towards improving understanding and services to support survivors of SGBV.
Excited to see yourself do: I’m excited to deepen my research skills while working on issues I am passionate about, especially with people who are similarly passionate. I hope to become more familiar with scientific literature, research and writing, while contributing to the projects that focus on improving care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Fun fact: I can sew! My Singer sewing machine is my personal treasure.
Cheryl Zheng
Position within the Lab: Research Assistant
When did you join the lab: Fall 2025
Projects: Male IPV, Advocacy
Major/Occupation/Level of Schooling: Sophomore at NYU CAS pursuing a degree in Biology on the pre-health track
Why’d you join the lab? I joined the Empower Lab because of the lab’s unique mission to combine research and advocacy to address sexual and gender based violence. I have always been drawn to the health inequity present in healthcare systems and how it influences people’s experience with healthcare, and I am inspired by the lab’s trauma-informed care and survivor-centered approach. I hope to learn more about this undereaserched field and help amplify the voices of the survivors.
Excited to see yourself do: I am excited to work in multiple teams to design procedures, collect data, and analyze the data to draw conclusions that would be of help to patients. I also hope that after reading through the literature, I will also be able to write papers too.
Fun fact: I can solve 5 different types of rubix cubes.
Sarah Lellis
Position within the Lab: Research Assistant
When did you join the lab: Fall 2025
Projects: Dating Study, Asylum/Trauma-Informed Care
Major/Occupation/Level of Schooling: Sophomore at NYU CAS pursuing a degree in Biology on the pre-med track
Why’d you join the lab? Something I’ve always said was that I was born a feminist. Having a mother work and thrive in a male dominate field I was taught at a young age the inequalities and discrepancies that exist between men and women. As I got older I became drawn to wanting to research and advocate for woman and how society negatively affects the equality that should be existent. Alongside getting more informed about the negativity and violence against woman that exists in our world today, I continued to get more passionate the further I researched it. That is what I love about the Empower Lab, the research of the violence acted upon SGBV/minority groups all while advocating promoting change in our society.
Excited to see yourself do: I’m excited to see myself grow as a researcher, an advocate, and a person. I think what’s going to be so special about this lab is you get to do so much good in our society because the mission is able to reach a wider audience. I also hope to further expand my knowledge on the topics that are so important but not as researched or reported on.
Fun fact: I have been a dancer for over 16 years now, and still love to take classes in the city when I have the time to.
Nikita Nimmagadda
Position within the Lab: Research Assistant
When did you join the lab: Fall 2025
Projects: Advocacy, Asylum/Trauma-Informed Care
Major/Occupation/Level of Schooling: Sophomore at NYU majoring in Public Policy with a Health Policy concentration on the pre-med track
Why’d you join the lab? Coming from a rural, southern area, I have witnessed and seen the effects of healthcare disparities within the families and communities I hold dear. I knew when deciding to pursue a career in medicine that I wanted to do something within the public health sphere as those ideas are not researched as much as the anatomical/biological/chemical aspects of medicine. I loved the mission of the Empower Lab, and I wanted to contribute to the goal of providing more research and advocacy to these areas of public health medicine.
Excited to see yourself do: I am most looking forward to researching an nontraditional lab and within the public health sphere. I am also looking forward to advocating and sharing our findings with the community in hopes to educate more about gender and sexual-based violence and its healthcare implications.
Fun fact: I did Taekwondo for about half my life, and I am a third-degree black belt!