Lady Dorothy Avila Elli

Lady Dorothy Avila Elli is a Master of Public Health (MPH) student specializing in Global
Health at the University of Arizona. With a strong background in public health and a passion for
diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Lady has made significant contributions both on campus
and in the broader community. As a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines, she brings a
unique perspective to her work, combining cultural sensitivity with a commitment to improving
health outcomes for underserved populations and global communities. In May 2023, Lady
graduated Magna Cum Laude and was recognized as Most Outstanding Senior by the W.A.
Franke Honors College.

During her first year as an MPH student, Lady spearheaded several initiatives at the University
of Arizona Graduate College and the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
(MEZCOPH). Serving as co-chair of the Student Affairs Committee, she organized key events
such as the Study Café and Chat with the Deans, creating spaces for students to grow
academically and professionally. She also directed the International Student Resource Fair,
bringing together various campus programs and organizations to support international students.
Additionally, Lady organized the Global Health Alliance (GHA) Decolonization Panel, a well-
attended event that facilitated critical discussions on global health issues.

Lady's dedication to public health extends to her research endeavors. Since December 2023, she
has been working on a project assessing the stigma towards tuberculosis (TB) patients among
healthcare workers in Indonesia. This research, funded by multiple grants, such as the
MEZCOPH Dean’s Student Research Fund, GPSC Travel Grant, GPSC ReaP Grant, and
Westerm Region Public Health Training Center Student Project Grant, has allowed her to
immerse herself in the local culture and contribute meaningfully to the fight against TB in
Southeast Asia. Her work includes conducting interviews with TB program managers,
community health workers, and patients, leveraging her cultural background to navigate complex
social dynamics.

In addition to her research in Indonesia, Lady is actively involved in a participatory surveillance
project focused on influenza-like illness (ILI) in the Philippines. Partnering with the Department
of Health under the Global Flu View Spark program, she is leading efforts to monitor and
respond to public health threats in her home country.

Beyond her academic and research pursuits, Lady is also committed to mentoring and teaching.
She was selected as a teaching assistant (TA) for the prestigious TRIALS program at Harvard
Law School and New York University School of Law, where she tutors and mentors students
preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). At the University of Arizona, she has
served as a TA for several public health courses, providing guidance and support to
undergraduate students. Currently, Lady is a student ambassador for MEZCOPH as well as a
This is Public Health Ambassador under the Association of Schools and Programs of Public
Health.

Looking ahead, Lady plans to apply for a Fulbright program to compare health policies in
Southeast Asia and further her studies in Epidemiology and Global Health Law. Her long-term
goal is to contribute to the development of effective health policies that address critical issues
like tuberculosis in the region.